MD Office Director

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 - Hybrid working covering - Central and Southern England Salary - Attractive executive-level salary commensurate with experience Benefits - Bonus upto 50%, car or car allowance & private medical (self & partner) 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. Operating 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. By strengthening decision‑making, improving communication flows and coordinating the management of high‑risk or high‑value issues, the role enables the Managing Director to focus on the organisation's most critical leadership and commercial priorities. 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 Strategic Leadership & Execution 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. 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr