At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a new student accommodation community and create a positive living experience.
- Company: Fresh, an award-winning student accommodation provider with a focus on community.
- Benefits: Generous holiday entitlement, health cash plan, and exclusive shopping discounts.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team and help shape a welcoming home for students.
- Why this job: Enjoy a balanced work-life with Monday to Friday hours and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience in residential or service-led operations.
The predicted salary is between 34650 - 42350 £ per year.
Ready to use your leadership skills without sacrificing your evenings, weekends and holidays? If you're currently working in hospitality, hotels, leisure, healthcare or another customer-focused environment where late nights, weekend shifts and Christmas working are the norm, this could be the opportunity you've been waiting for. At Fresh, we're looking for a General Manager to lead one of our brand-new student accommodation communities Octa located in Coventry. This is a chance to take your people leadership, operational management and customer service expertise into a rewarding environment where you can make a genuine difference to residents' lives, while enjoying a healthier work-life balance.
Unlike many management roles, this position offers 37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday, with working hours between 8am and 6pm. That means your evenings, weekends and Christmas periods can be spent doing what matters most to you.
The Role: As General Manager you will have full accountability for the performance of the building. You will lead a high performing team and provide operational excellence, strong commercial results and outstanding customer experience.
Key Responsibilities:
- Recruit, lead and develop the on-site team including performance management in line with company policies.
- Proactively drive and convert sales by working towards business‐wide KPIs, while motivating and supporting team members to achieve their targets.
- Control site budgets, forecasting and expenditure.
- Own the end-to-end resident journey from enquiry to check out.
- Oversee all aspects of site operations, ensuring site operates safely, efficiently and remains fully compliant.
- Act as the primary representative of the Fresh brand, managing stakeholder and client relationships.
- Drive service standards, resident satisfaction and continuous improvement.
About you: You're a hands‐on commercially minded senior leader with experience taking full responsibility for a residential, hospitality or service‐led operation. You will bring:
- Proven leadership and people management experience.
- Strong commercial and financial acumen with a track record of delivering sales or revenue targets.
- Confidence in managing compliance, safety and operational risk.
- A genuine passion for people, service and community‐building.
- The ability to make decisions under pressure and lead from the front.
The role offers full time hours worked Monday – Friday and is due to start at the end of October 2026. We're looking for someone who thrives in a fast‐paced environment, champions excellence, and wants to make a meaningful impact within the building they are managing.
Initially, this role will focus on the final stages of development, acting as the key contact on site, liaising with contractors, supporting the completion of snagging works, and ensuring the building is ready for launch. You'll develop relationships with local universities, drive room occupancy through proactive marketing and outreach, and work closely with our in‐house recruitment team to recruit and build your own dedicated on‐site team, laying the foundations for a successful opening.
Once operational, you'll oversee the day-to-day running of the building, including budget management, team leadership, stakeholder relationships, and driving resident satisfaction. Your leadership will help shape a safe, welcoming, and supportive home for students from day one.
About you: We're looking for a confident and proactive leader with experience managing residential operations or similar environments. You'll be comfortable taking ownership, making decisions, and adapting to the evolving demands of a new development, from managing pre‐opening activity to shaping the long‐term success of a brand‐new student community.
This is a varied role that requires strong organisational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to bring people together to achieve shared goals. If you're motivated by building something from the ground up and creating a positive experience for both residents and your team, we'd love to hear from you.
Benefits of working at Fresh? We offer:
- A dedicated Training team to assist you with development of your on‐job training.
- A generous holiday entitlement of 25 days plus bank holidays from day one to recharge and enjoy life beyond work.
- An in‐house Learning & Development team to support you with personal and professional development including vocational qualifications.
- Health cash plan to contribute to everyday healthcare expenses.
- Access to 'Your Wellbeing' programme & OpenUp – a confidential wellbeing platform.
- Stay active and take advantage of our cycle to work scheme.
- Access to exclusive shopping discounts to help your money go further!
- Life Insurance for peace of mind.
About Fresh: Fresh are a multi award‐winning student accommodation provider with over 20,000 beds in our portfolio across the UK & Ireland. We're looking for someone to support their residents and the wider operational team. We create great places to live, built on the simple principle that the people around you can make a huge difference to your way of life. If you're a people person who loves working collaboratively and is great at making things happen, then you'll fit right in!
General Manager - Mobilisation in Coventry employer: Fresh Property Group Limited
At Fresh, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that values work-life balance and employee wellbeing. As a General Manager, you'll enjoy a structured 37.5-hour work week, allowing you to focus on your personal life while leading a dedicated team in a vibrant student accommodation community. With generous holiday entitlements, comprehensive training support, and clear pathways for career progression, Fresh is committed to fostering a positive work culture where your contributions truly make a difference.
Contact Details:
Fresh Property Group Limited Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land General Manager - Mobilisation in Coventry
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!
✨Network at Food Festivals
Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like Fresh Property Group Limited. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Fresh Property Group Limited
Don't be shy about reaching out to Fresh Property Group Limited directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace General Manager - Mobilisation in Coventry
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.
Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about Fresh Property Group Limited and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!
How to prepare for a job interview at Fresh Property Group Limited
✨Show Your People Skills
In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'
✨Get Ready for a Practical Test
In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!