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- Tasks: Manage a vibrant student residence, ensuring top-notch service and smooth operations.
- Company: Join Downing, a leading developer of luxury student accommodation with over 35 years of experience.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, paid overtime, a pension scheme, life assurance, and 25 days holiday.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team, enhance student experiences, and develop your management skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in student accommodation or hospitality is preferred; strong customer service focus is essential.
- Other info: Work Monday to Friday with occasional Saturdays; enjoy a supportive work environment.
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 of 474 en-suite and studio bedrooms in the University district of Leeds. As 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.
Role outline:
- To manage and motivate the team to operate CitySide student accommodation, providing a high-quality service for customers.
- To instruct the site team regarding Health & Safety, data protection & current legislation.
- The role will involve handling partnership agreements with large external institutes and meeting all the relevant SLA’s and KPI’s.
- To support hospitality & customer service functions to include presentation of communal areas, handling of complaints and pastoral issues.
- To manage the student letting cycle to ensure 100% occupancy. This will include marketing activities, scheduling for availability, viewings, check in and out, inspections, tenancy agreements, rent & arrears management, student welfare & head office documentation.
- Assist in planning the availability and viewing of all rooms to let.
- Contribute to achieving all lettings targets to ensure the site is 100% let year on year.
- Maximize income e.g. promoting extensions, summer lets and vending.
- To prepare reports relating to lettings, rent and customer issues.
- To provide customer focused Facilities and Maintenance services to include management of utilities, waste, security & cleaning contracts and full budgets.
- To be responsible for the delivery of the scheme’s statutory inspection and testing programme and all associated paperwork. To prepare reports relating to Health & Safety/site issues.
- To provide site/building management to ensure best practice at all times, scheduling and management of trades, support services plus supporting the relationship building with local Police, Fire, Ambulance and supporting partners e.g. University.
- To organise, tender and manage own quota of minor works, planned and preventative maintenance programs.
- Contribute to ensuring compliance with Health & Safety legislation, and that all risk assessments are correctly carried out.
- Manage defects and resolve complex or outstanding defects.
- Contribute to the on-site procurement programme for maintenance, servicing and facilities contracts and to minor contractors throughout the contract term.
Key requirements:
- A proven commercial experience of working within student/university halls accommodation or hotel sector.
- This role would be ideal for an individual currently working at Assistant Manager level or equivalent looking for that next step.
- Previous Facilities Management experience would be an advantage.
- To manage staff with expertise outside of your current skill set.
- To be dynamic and 100% customer service & service delivery focused.
- To be self-motivated, well organised and excel under pressure.
Hours of Work: Monday – Friday, 8am – 5pm / 9am – 6pm. You will be required to work 1 in 4 Saturday’s 8am – 5pm. For any Saturday shifts worked, you will be given the time back in lieu the following week. During our summer turnaround period, we may require additional support to cover additional hours.
Benefits: Competitive salary, Paid overtime, Company Pension scheme, Life Assurance cover, 25 days holiday + Bank Holidays.
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 stand out 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.
✨Tip Number 3
Demonstrate your customer service skills through real-life examples. Be prepared to discuss how you've handled complaints or improved customer experiences in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Downing and their projects thoroughly. Showing that you understand their values and current initiatives will impress interviewers and demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Residence Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the key responsibilities and requirements of the Residence Manager position. Tailor your application to highlight relevant experience in student accommodation or facilities management.
Craft a Tailored CV: Ensure your CV reflects your experience in managing teams, customer service, and facilities management. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to meet the expectations outlined in the job description.
Write a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for providing excellent customer service and your understanding of the student accommodation sector. Mention how your skills align with the company's goals and values.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.
How to prepare for a job interview at Downing
✨Showcase Your Customer Service Skills
As a Residence Manager, delivering exceptional customer service is key. Be prepared to share specific examples of how you've handled customer complaints or improved service delivery in previous roles.
✨Demonstrate Your Leadership Abilities
This role requires managing and motivating a team. Highlight your experience in leading teams, resolving conflicts, and fostering a positive work environment. Use examples that showcase your ability to inspire others.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Health & Safety Regulations
Understanding health and safety legislation is crucial for this position. Brush up on relevant laws and be ready to discuss how you have ensured compliance in past roles, particularly in facilities management.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills, especially regarding occupancy rates and maintenance issues. Think of scenarios where you've successfully managed similar challenges and be ready to explain your thought process.
