Job Description
MD Office Director – VIVO Defence Services
VIVO provides facilities management and accommodation maintenance for the UK military and its partners. VIVO embodies both experience and innovation.
Location
Hybrid, Greater London, WC1, GB.
Contract Type
Full‑time.
About the Role
We are seeking an experienced MD Office Director to act as a strategic partner and trusted advisor to the Managing Director and Executive Leadership Team (ELT). Reporting directly to the Managing Director, this role provides senior leadership support to enhance the effectiveness of the Executive Office and enable delivery of the organisation’s strategic, operational and governance priorities. at the heart of a complex, highly regulated defence environment, the MD Office Director ensures alignment across the ELT, drives execution of cross‑functional programmes, and maintains the governance and operational rhythm required to deliver consistent performance.
About You
You are a highly credible senior leader with strong strategic, operational and interpersonal capability, and a proven track record of supporting executive teams within complex, multi‑contract or highly regulated environments. You are comfortable operating at pace, navigating ambiguity, and handling sensitive issues with discretion and sound judgement. With excellent communication and influencing skills, you are able to translate strategic intent into practical delivery, challenge constructively, and build trusted relationships with senior stakeholders, including clients, parent companies and board‑level audiences.
Key Responsibilities
Partner with the Managing Director and ELT to translate strategic objectives into clear, actionable programmes across the business.
Track and drive delivery of strategic priorities, managing interdependencies, risks and emerging issues.
Lead preparation of Executive, JV Board and client reports, briefings and business reviews.
Take ownership of complex or sensitive initiatives the Managing Director cannot directly lead due to capacity or neutrality considerations.
Governance Contract Delivery & Assurance
Facilitate executive governance rhythms including business reviews, contract performance reviews and risk and compliance forums.
Act as the central coordination point for high‑risk or high‑value issues, supporting mitigation and resolution.
Ensure effective information flow and collaboration across functions, breaking silos and driving alignment.
Monitor and support compliance with statutory, contractual and assurance requirements, ensuring readiness for regulatory, investor or reputational scrutiny.
Stakeholder Engagement & Communications
Draft and coordinate high‑quality executive communications including town halls, leadership presentations, client briefings and board papers.
Represent the Managing Director where appropriate in meetings with key stakeholders, including parent companies, clients, partners and the JV Board.
Support consistent, confident engagement with defence and military stakeholders.
Continuous Improvement, Culture & Sustainability
Champion high standards of leadership behaviour, governance and business integrity across the organisation.
Identify and drive process improvements, operational efficiencies and digital innovation.
Work with the ELT to embed organisational values into operational and delivery culture.
Support delivery of social value, sustainability and net‑zero initiatives across the estate footprint.
Person Specification
Experience
Senior leadership support, strategy, operations or consulting experience within facilities management, defence, engineering or similarly regulated environments.
Proven experience supporting C‑suite executives in complex, multi‑contract organisations.
Demonstrable experience in governance, contract delivery oversight, performance management and senior stakeholder engagement.
Skills & Capabilities
Strong strategic and analytical capability with the ability to translate vision into operational action.
Excellent communication and influencing skills, with confidence engaging senior and military stakeholders.
Strong organisational and programme management skills, able to prioritise effectively in a dynamic environment.
High emotional intelligence, discretion, resilience and personal credibility.
Collaborative, values‑led leadership style with a commitment to social value and sustainability.
Knowledge & Qualifications
Degree in Business, Management, Engineering, Facilities Management, Defence Studies or a related discipline.
Project management qualification (e.g. PRINCE2, MSP, APM).
Professional qualification in FM, engineering or compliance (e.g. IOSH / NEBOSH) desirable.
Strong understanding of governance, assurance and compliance in regulated environments.
Additional Information
Hybrid working, with regular travel to defence and client sites across the UK.
Fast‑paced, agile environment within a major military contract portfolio.
Security cleared or willing to obtain appropriate security clearance.
Diversity & Inclusion
We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive organisation that supports the needs of all. We will make reasonable adjustments at interview through to employment for our candidates and strongly encourage applications from a diverse candidate pool. We are a Disability Confident Leader and disabled applicants meeting the minimum criteria will be given the opportunity to demonstrate their abilities at an interview.
#J-18808-Ljbffr