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- Tasks: Lead a team to ensure top-notch service in student accommodation.
- Company: Join Downing, a leading developer of luxury student housing with 35 years of experience.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, life assurance, mental health support, and a pension contribution.
- Why this job: Be part of an exciting expansion and make a real impact on student living experiences.
- Qualifications: Experience in student accommodation or hospitality is essential; management skills are a plus.
- Other info: Work Monday to Friday with occasional Saturdays; time off in lieu provided.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
We are looking for a Residence Manager to join our team, responsible for the operational activities within our scheme comprising 474 en-suite and studio bedrooms in the University district of Leeds. As a Residence Manager, you will be responsible for delivering the best possible experience for our customers and ensuring the delivery of cost-effective facilities and maintenance services.
Downing is an award-winning leading developer, owner, and operator of bespoke, luxury student accommodation, residential, and commercial property across the UK. We have been operating for over 35 years and currently manage 14 operational student accommodation schemes in 10 major cities, with additional projects under construction.
Role outline:
- Manage and motivate the team to operate Cityside student accommodation, providing high-quality service for customers.
- Instruct the site team regarding Health & Safety, data protection, and current legislation.
- Handle partnership agreements with external institutes, meeting all relevant SLAs and KPIs.
- Support hospitality and customer service functions, including presentation of communal areas, handling complaints, and pastoral issues.
- Manage the student letting cycle to ensure 100% occupancy, including marketing, scheduling, viewings, check-in/out, inspections, tenancy agreements, rent & arrears management, student welfare, and documentation.
- Assist in planning the availability and viewings of all rooms to let.
- Contribute to achieving all lettings targets to ensure the site is fully let year on year.
- Maximize income through extensions, summer lets, and vending.
- Prepare reports related to lettings, rent, and customer issues.
- Provide customer-focused Facilities and Maintenance services, managing utilities, waste, security, cleaning contracts, and budgets.
- Ensure delivery of the scheme’s statutory inspections and testing, preparing related reports.
- Manage site/building operations to ensure best practices, scheduling trades, support services, and liaising with local authorities and partners like the University.
- Organize, tender, and manage minor works, planned, and preventative maintenance programs.
- Ensure compliance with Health & Safety legislation and proper risk assessments.
- Manage defects and resolve complex or outstanding issues.
- Contribute to procurement programs for maintenance, servicing, and facilities contracts, including managing minor contractors.
Key requirements:
- Proven commercial experience in student/university halls or hotel sector.
- Ideal for someone currently at Assistant Manager level or equivalent seeking career progression.
- Facilities Management experience is advantageous.
- Ability to manage staff with diverse expertise.
- Dynamic, customer service-oriented, and service delivery focused.
- Self-motivated, well-organized, and able to perform under pressure.
Hours of Work:
Monday – Friday, 8am – 5pm / 9am – 6pm. One in four Saturdays, 8am – 5pm, with time in lieu provided. Additional hours may be required during summer turnaround periods.
The benefits:
- 25 days holiday + bank holidays
- Life assurance cover
- Mental health support
- Company pension contribution
Work for us:
Our people are our success, and there has never been a more exciting time to join Downing as it enters its most significant expansion in three decades. Our team is united in mutual respect and a desire to advance the business. Here you’ll find all our latest job vacancies. If you’re excited by opportunities and want to be valued for your contributions, explore what we currently have available.
Residence Manager employer: Downing
Contact Detail:
Downing Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Residence Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of student accommodation management. Understanding the unique challenges and expectations in this sector will help you demonstrate your knowledge during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the student accommodation and facilities management sectors. Attend relevant events or join online forums to connect with others who can provide insights or even referrals for the Residence Manager role.
✨Tip Number 3
Research Downing and its operational practices. Being able to discuss their projects, values, and recent developments will show your genuine interest in the company and how you can contribute to their success.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your experience in managing teams and delivering customer service. Highlight specific examples where you've successfully motivated staff or improved customer satisfaction, as these are key aspects of the Residence Manager role.
We think you need these skills to ace Residence Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in facilities management, customer service, and team leadership. Emphasise any previous roles in student accommodation or the hotel sector, as these will be particularly relevant for the Residence Manager position.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for providing excellent customer service and your ability to manage diverse teams. Mention specific examples of how you've successfully handled operational challenges or improved service delivery in past roles.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, focus on key skills such as health and safety compliance, budget management, and customer relationship management. These are crucial for the role and should be clearly articulated in both your CV and cover letter.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are essential qualities for a Residence Manager.
How to prepare for a job interview at Downing
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Residence Manager, you'll be responsible for managing and motivating a team. Be prepared to discuss your leadership style and provide examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past, particularly in customer service or facilities management.
✨Understand Health & Safety Regulations
Familiarise yourself with relevant health and safety legislation, as this is a key part of the role. Be ready to discuss how you would ensure compliance and manage risks within the accommodation setting.
✨Demonstrate Customer Service Focus
The role requires a strong customer service orientation. Prepare to share specific instances where you've gone above and beyond to enhance customer experiences, especially in a hospitality or student accommodation context.
✨Prepare for Operational Challenges
Think about potential challenges you might face in managing a large student accommodation scheme. Be ready to discuss your problem-solving strategies and how you would handle issues related to occupancy, maintenance, and tenant relations.
