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- Tasks: Manage a vibrant student accommodation, ensuring top-notch service and smooth operations.
- Company: Join Downing, a leading developer of luxury student housing with over 35 years of experience.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, paid overtime, 25 days holiday, and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Be part of a passionate team making a real impact in students' lives while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in residential management or facilities, strong leadership, and a knack for customer service.
- Other info: Work hours are Monday to Friday with occasional weekends; perfect for those who thrive in dynamic settings.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
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 have 14 operational student accommodation schemes in 10 major cities, with additional impressive projects currently under construction.
We have an exciting opportunity available for an experienced residential building manager to join our team responsible for the operational activities within our 578 bed Student Accommodation Scheme in Vauxhall, London.
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. This appointment requires a hands-on approach to work alongside and manage a small in-house team together with sub-contractors to maintain the smooth running of this impressive student accommodation development.
Hours of work for the roles are 40 hours per week Monday to Friday, 8am – 5pm or 9am – 6pm with 1 in 5 Saturdays worked on a rota basis with a day in lieu the following week. There will also be a requirement to work overtime on weekends during the busy student turnaround period and check in weekends.
- To manage and motivate the residence team to operate student accommodation providing a high-quality service for customers.
- To instruct the site team regarding Health & Safety, data protection & current legislation.
- To support hospitality & customer service functions to include presentation of communal areas, handling of complaints and pastoral issues.
- This will include marketing activities, scheduling for availability, viewings, check in and out, inspections, tenancy management, student welfare & head office documentation.
- Report any welfare issues to your line manager immediately.
- 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 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.
- Contribute to ensuring compliance with Health & Safety legislation, and that all risk assessments are correctly carried out.
- Contribute to the on-site procurement programme for maintenance, servicing and facilities contracts and to minor contractors throughout the contract term.
A proven commercial experience of working with the residential housing or hotel sector is required. Experience of working at a similar level within the student accommodation sector would be an advantage. Previous Facilities Management experience would be an advantage. Strong leadership management skills are essential. You should be self-motivated, well organised and excel under pressure. Experience in building relationships and meeting KPI’s is also important.
Downing employees get to work within fantastic environments, with passionate team members and will be fully supported by a senior management team who have extensive experience within the field of student accommodation.
Competitive salary ~ Paid overtime ~ 25 days holiday + Bank Holidays ~ Company Pension scheme ~ Life Assurance cover ~ Employee assistance program.
Children\'s Manager employer: Downing
Contact Detail:
Downing Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Children\'s Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the student accommodation sector, especially in London. Understanding the unique challenges and expectations of students can help you demonstrate your knowledge during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the residential housing and facilities management sectors. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to connect with others who may provide insights or referrals for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your leadership style and how you've successfully managed teams in the past. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've motivated staff and handled challenging situations.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Downing as a company, including their values and recent projects. Tailoring your conversation to align with their mission can show your genuine interest and fit for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Children\'s Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in residential management, particularly within the student accommodation or hospitality sectors. Use specific examples to demonstrate your leadership skills and ability to manage teams effectively.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for providing excellent customer service and your hands-on approach to management. Mention how your previous experiences align with the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Highlight Relevant Skills: Emphasise your skills in facilities management, health and safety compliance, and relationship building. Make sure to include any specific achievements or KPIs you have met in past roles that relate to the position.
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 crucial for this role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Downing
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Children's Manager, strong leadership is key. Be prepared to discuss your previous experiences in managing teams, motivating staff, and how you handle conflicts. Use specific examples to illustrate your ability to lead effectively.
✨Demonstrate Customer Service Excellence
This role focuses heavily on providing a high-quality experience for students. Prepare to share instances where you've successfully handled customer complaints or improved service delivery. Highlight your understanding of student needs and how you can enhance their living experience.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Health & Safety Regulations
Given the importance of health and safety in this role, brush up on relevant legislation and best practices. Be ready to discuss how you would ensure compliance and manage risk assessments within the accommodation setting.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills in real-life situations. Think about potential challenges you might face in managing a student accommodation scheme and how you would address them. This will demonstrate your proactive approach and readiness for the role.
