Operations Manager - Chicksands

Who we are

VIVO provides facilities management and accommodation maintenance for the UK military and its partners. VIVO embodies both experience and innovation.

What we do

We put our Customers and Families First. They are the driving force behind everything we do. We drive forward improvements for them to ensure the service they receive, whether reactive repairs or a major project, is completed safely and on time. In order to achieve this, we have 4 core values: open, caring, agile and collaborative. These are at the heart of everything we do.

Location: Chicksands - on site role

Permanent, Full time

Salary: Competitive

We’re looking for an Operations Manager who’s ready to take the next step in their career, leading a site-based team to deliver high-quality maintenance and response works across a dynamic Defence estate. If you have experience in building services, property maintenance, or engineering—and you're interested in growing into a leadership role with both technical and people responsibilities—this could be your ideal next move.

The Role

As an Operations Manager, you’ll oversee the day-to-day running of maintenance and response works on your site, making sure that all tasks are completed safely, efficiently, and in line with MOD standards. You’ll be responsible for coordinating the delivery of services by our supply chain, monitoring performance, ensuring teams are working safely, and that all compliance and documentation is up to date. You’ll also have the chance to manage small projects from start to finish, taking full ownership of timelines, costs, and outcomes.

You’ll work closely with skilled operatives and mobile engineers, making sure they have the right tools, vehicles, and training to do the job. You’ll also play a hands-on role in quality assurance, reviewing Risk Assessments and Method Statements, checking completed work, and recording everything in our CAFM system. Health and Safety will be a top priority in everything you do—and you may take on designated responsibilities like Confined Spaces, Legionella, or Asbestos Responsible Person (full training and support will be provided if needed).

This role is also about working closely with people—whether it’s end users on site, our Helpdesk team, or the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO). You’ll act as a single point of contact for site-level issues, helping to resolve queries, support operational priorities, and provide advice. You’ll be expected to understand what matters most to those using the site and help turn their needs into practical, cost-effective solutions.

Commercial awareness is key to success here. You’ll be trusted to make sound decisions, balancing operational needs with budgets, ensuring value for money, and supporting the forward planning of maintenance across the estate. You’ll work closely with stakeholders to manage contract risk, resolve complaints, and support a safety-first culture across everything we do.

This is a great opportunity for someone who enjoys building strong relationships, takes pride in delivering work to a high standard, and is motivated by the chance to make a real difference. You’ll be supported by an experienced team and given the tools and training to develop your technical and leadership capabilities over time.

What You'll Bring

We’re ideally looking for someone with an HNC (or equivalent experience) in a building or mechanical-related subject, as well as a background in planned or responsive maintenance and small project delivery. However, if you have solid experience in site operations and are keen to grow into a more senior position with additional responsibilities, we’d still love to hear from you.

It would be a bonus if you’re already a member of a professional body or have qualifications in asset management, but these are not essential. What matters most is your ability to lead a team, make practical decisions, and take responsibility for the safe and effective running of your site. This role includes participation in an on-call rota for emergency response—typically involving coordination rather than physical attendance.

If you’re looking for a role where you can take ownership, build your skills, and be part of a supportive team that works with purpose, this could be your next career move.

What We Offer

• 6% employee matched pension contribution
• 25 days annual leave
• Single private medical cover
• Life assurance 2x annual salary

VIVO Defence Services

The role you have applied for is with VIVO Defence Services, a joint venture between Serco and EQUANS. By applying for this role, please be aware that information contained within your CV may be shared between VIVO Defence Services, Serco and EQUANS during the recruitment process.

At VIVO, we are committed to building a diverse and inclusive organisation that supports the needs of all. Therefore, we will make reasonable adjustments at interview through to employment for our candidates and strongly encourage applications from a diverse candidate pool.

We are open to discussions around flexibility and flexible working and operate a hybrid work structure in many of our business areas. We are proudly a Disability Confident Leader. Disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the job will be given the opportunity to demonstrate their abilities at an interview.