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- Tasks: Manage a luxury student accommodation, ensuring top-notch service and smooth operations.
- Company: Join Downing, a leading developer of bespoke student accommodation with over 35 years of experience.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, paid overtime, 25 days holiday, pension scheme, and life assurance.
- Why this job: Be part of a passionate team in a vibrant environment, making a real impact on student life.
- Qualifications: Experience in residential housing or hotel sector; strong leadership and organisational skills required.
- Other info: Work hours are Monday to Friday with occasional weekends; perfect for those who thrive under pressure.
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.
Live in Manager employer: Downing
Contact Detail:
Downing Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Live in Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific challenges and demands of managing student accommodation. Understanding the unique needs of students can help you demonstrate your suitability for the role during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the student accommodation sector. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to connect with others who can provide insights or even referrals for the position.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your leadership style and how you motivate teams. Since the role involves managing a small team, showcasing your management skills and past experiences will be crucial.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Downing as a company and their values. Being able to articulate why you want to work for them specifically and how you align with their mission can set you apart from other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Live in Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in residential management, facilities management, and customer service. Use specific examples that demonstrate your leadership skills and ability to manage a team effectively.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for student accommodation 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 strong leadership and organisational skills in your application. Provide examples of how you've successfully managed teams and maintained high standards in previous roles.
Showcase Your Understanding of Compliance: Demonstrate your knowledge of Health & Safety legislation and your experience in ensuring compliance in previous positions. This will show that you are well-prepared for the responsibilities of the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Downing
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Residence Manager, strong leadership is key. Be prepared to discuss your previous experiences in managing teams, motivating staff, and how you handle conflicts or challenges within a team setting.
✨Demonstrate Customer Focus
This role requires a commitment to providing excellent customer service. Share specific examples of how you've improved customer experiences in past roles, particularly in residential or hospitality settings.
✨Know Your Health & Safety Regulations
Familiarise yourself with relevant health and safety legislation. Be ready to discuss how you have implemented safety protocols in previous positions and how you would ensure compliance in the new role.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities. Think about potential scenarios you might face as a Residence Manager and how you would address them, especially regarding student welfare and facilities management.
