At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a busy student accommodation site, ensuring operational excellence and a great resident experience.
- Company: Join iQ, one of the UK's largest student accommodation providers.
- Benefits: Receive training, support, and opportunities for personal growth in a dynamic environment.
- Other info: Flexible working hours designed around residents' needs with excellent career progression.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on students' lives while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in team management, strong people skills, and a drive to succeed.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
iQ is one of the UK's biggest providers of student accommodation, committed to giving over 35,000 students in 86 sites across 29 UK cities their 'Best Year Yet'.
As a General Manager (GM), you take the lead of our busy buildings. You balance operational excellence with commercial performance, keeping the building safe and compliant, shaping the resident experience, and driving results through strong decision‐making. You're comfortable switching between big‐picture planning and hands‐on support, doing whatever's needed to keep things running like clockwork. You won't be doing it alone; we'll give you the tools, training and support you need to grow, so you can be the best you can be here at iQ.
- Managing budgets, reviewing financial processes and collaborating with Credit Control
- Monitoring performance, analysing market trends and maintaining university partner relationships
- Driving NPS, Google reviews and converting opportunities
- Recruiting, onboarding, developing and coaching the team to ensure they are fully equipped to deliver the best customer service across hours of operation
- Running regular check‐ins, performance reviews, and coaching sessions with the team
- Taking ownership of all health & safety responsibilities and coordinating audits, inspections, compliance actions, risk assessments, and incident reporting
- Reviewing feedback, resolving complaints and being the main point of escalation resolution at site
- Always looking for opportunities to improve the site operation and challenging the status quo
- Liaising with contractors and support teams ensuring a #NoCompromise approach is adopted
- Owning the site balanced scorecard, tracking KPIs, monitoring satisfaction scores and driving improvements
You'll have some team/building management experience, but that could be in a hotel, gym or restaurant for example; however, we're much more interested in your people skills, personality and drive to succeed.
Our residents come first, so rotas are designed around their needs. You'll work opposite shifts to the Assistant Manager. You're responsible for building the rota for the full team and publishing it at least six weeks in advance. Shifts may vary across a six‐week pattern, and you'll work within our site hours of 8am–8pm, Monday to Friday, with occasional weekend work agreed in advance for busy periods or open days.
General Manager (Food) in London employer: iQ Student Accommodation
iQ is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Hammersmith where you can truly make a difference in the lives of students. With a strong commitment to employee development, we provide comprehensive training and support, ensuring you have the tools to excel as a General Manager. Our culture prioritises collaboration and innovation, allowing you to thrive while contributing to a safe and engaging community for over 35,000 residents.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land General Manager (Food) in London
✨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 iQ Student Accommodation. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to iQ Student Accommodation
Don't be shy about reaching out to iQ Student Accommodation 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 (Food) in London
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 iQ Student Accommodation 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 iQ Student Accommodation
✨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!
