Head of Projects

VIVO, a 50:50 joint venture between Serco and EQUANS, has been awarded places on the Defence FM and Housing Maintenance framework contracts. 

VIVO embodies both experience and innovation. It combines Serco’s comprehensive track record delivering engineering, technical and FM services to the UK MOD for over 55 years with EQUANS’ market leading FM, energy, asset optimisation and regeneration capabilities. 

Location: Salisbury, Wiltshire

Salary: Competitive + car/car allowance + benefits

Full time, permanent

The Head of Projects will lead the strategic and operational delivery of the Billable Works programme, ensuring the safe, compliant, and profitable execution of complex and high-profile projects. This senior leadership role is accountable for establishing governance, driving operational excellence, and embedding a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement across the projects function.

In this position, you will oversee the end-to-end management of projects, from initiation through to completion and handover, ensuring that all activities are delivered to the highest standards of safety, quality, and efficiency. You will develop and implement robust governance procedures that underpin consistent delivery, effective project controls, and sound commercial management. Central to this role is the creation of end-to-end processes that ensure each project has a clear brief, specification, procurement plan, and tender documentation, enabling successful delivery within agreed timescales and budgets.

You will be responsible for ensuring all projects meet key performance indicators (KPIs) and comply with relevant legislation, including Health and Safety regulations, the CDM Regulations, and the Control of Asbestos Regulations. A strong focus on health, safety, and environmental compliance will be fundamental, establishing a safety-first culture throughout the team and supply chain. In line with sustainability objectives, you will also identify opportunities to reduce carbon emissions across both the build phase and the asset lifecycle, working in accordance with JSP 450.

Working closely with key stakeholders and asset management teams, you will use asset condition data to inform future-year Billable Works programmes, aligning project planning with customer needs and long-term estate strategies. Through demonstrable delivery and performance excellence, you will play a pivotal role in growing project revenue and enhancing customer satisfaction.

In partnership with commercial and procurement colleagues, you will develop and implement strategies to broaden the supply chain and drive quality improvements, ensuring value for money and consistent service delivery. You will also lead on the development of a Procurement Strategy that supports scalable growth, performance improvement, and commercial resilience across the projects function.

A key aspect of this role is risk management and governance. You will ensure compliance with all contractual, statutory, and regulatory obligations while proactively identifying, managing, and mitigating project risks to protect budget margins and delivery targets.

From a client and stakeholder perspective, you will act as the senior point of contact for the DSTL client base, developing trusted and collaborative relationships through transparency, communication, and consistent delivery. You will ensure regular engagement throughout the project lifecycle, driving satisfaction and demonstrating VIVO’s commitment to excellence.

As a people leader, you will provide visible, strategic leadership to a team of Project Managers, establishing a strong team ethic and a shared culture of performance, integrity, and inclusion. You will champion diversity and wellbeing, promote a “one team” approach across the wider VIVO organisation, and ensure that your team embodies the company’s values. Coaching, mentoring, and professional development will be key aspects of your leadership, ensuring that talent is nurtured and succession plans are in place for key roles.

You will also take responsibility for developing and embedding continuous improvement initiatives across all aspects of project delivery, from commercial management to operational execution. Your leadership will drive operational consistency, promote shared best practices, and ensure that the Billable Works function is both efficient and future-ready.

What You'll Bring

To be successful in this role, you will bring a strong technical and commercial understanding of the construction industry, along with proven experience in managing projects, term contracts, and multi-disciplinary teams. You should have demonstrable experience in budget management, compliance, and health and safety leadership, and a track record of delivering high-quality outcomes in complex, stakeholder-driven environments.

You will be confident in using Microsoft Office applications and Maximo, capable of analysing project data, and skilled in producing concise reports and presenting statistical information. A natural leader, you will motivate teams to achieve targets, provide constructive feedback, and empower others to deliver results. You will demonstrate strong communication and influencing skills, regularly engaging with internal and external stakeholders to ensure alignment and timely decision-making.

Adaptability and resilience are key to this role. You will be expected to work effectively in dynamic and sometimes ambiguous situations, maintaining focus on achieving the best outcomes for VIVO and its clients. Analytical thinking, attention to detail, and the ability to balance strategic oversight with operational delivery will be essential attributes.

Above all, as Head of Projects, you will embody VIVO’s commitment to safety, quality, and excellence, driving a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement across every project you lead.

What We Offer:

• Car or car allowance
• Bonus scheme
• 6% employer matched pension contribution
• Life assurance 2 x base salary
• Private medical cover for self and partner
• 25 days annual leave

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 Employer. Disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the job will be given the opportunity to demonstrate their abilities at an interview.