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- Tasks: Lead daily operations in student accommodation, ensuring compliance and performance across all sites.
- Company: Join a dynamic team focused on enhancing student living experiences.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth opportunities, and a vibrant work culture.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on student lives while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in operational management and strong people leadership skills required.
- Other info: Be part of a fast-growing company with exciting projects and challenges.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
The Deputy Operations Manager plays a critical senior leadership role within the student accommodation business, acting as the operational lead for day-to-day performance across the estate. Reporting directly to the Head of Operations, this role provides hands-on leadership and oversight across compliance, mobilisation, people management, training, project delivery and operational implementation.
The post holder will ensure that operational standards are consistently delivered across all sites, systems and processes are embedded effectively, teams are trained and supported, and new acquisitions and mobilisations are delivered on time, on budget and in line with brand, regulatory and commercial expectations. This role is both strategic and operational, bridging senior leadership intent with front-line execution and providing resilience, structure and delivery capacity across a growing portfolio.
Key Responsibilities- Operational Leadership & Day-to-Day Control
- Provide senior operational oversight across the student accommodation portfolio, ensuring consistent standards, policies and procedures are applied at site level.
- Act as the primary escalation point for complex operational issues, ensuring swift resolution and minimal disruption.
- Support the Head of Operations in driving performance against key operational KPIs including occupancy, debt management, compliance, customer satisfaction and cost control.
- Maintain operational rhythm through structured reporting, site reviews, audits and performance meetings.
- Deputise for the Head of Operations as required.
- Compliance, Governance & Risk
- Hold day-to-day accountability for operational compliance across the estate, including health & safety, fire safety, statutory inspections and regulatory obligations.
- Ensure all sites operate in line with ANUK / National Codes, internal policies and statutory requirements.
- Oversee compliance tracking, audits and action plans, ensuring risks are identified, managed and closed out in a timely manner.
- Support incident management, investigations and root-cause analysis where required.
- Work closely with FM partners, contractors and site teams to ensure compliance responsibilities are clearly understood and delivered.
- Mobilisation, Implementation & Projects
- Lead and coordinate the operational mobilisation of new sites, acquisitions and management transitions.
- Own mobilisation plans, checklists, timelines and readiness reviews, ensuring robust and risk-managed handover into operation.
- Oversee the implementation of new systems, processes and platforms, ensuring effective adoption across operational teams.
- Support refurbishment, improvement and lifecycle projects, ensuring operational impacts are planned, communicated and managed.
- Act as the operational interface between development, asset management, contractors and site teams during mobilisation and project phases.
- People Leadership, Training & Capability
- Provide direct leadership and operational support to Area Managers, General Managers and site leadership teams, as agreed with the Head of Operations.
- Ensure clear role expectations, accountability and performance standards across operational teams.
- Lead the development and delivery of operational training frameworks, induction programmes and competency development.
- Support performance management, succession planning and talent development across the operational structure.
- Promote a strong culture of accountability, professionalism, safety and resident focus.
- Commercial & Performance Support
- Support commercial performance through strong operational delivery, customer experience and re-booking execution.
- Work closely with sales, marketing and finance teams to ensure operational activity supports occupancy and income targets.
- Monitor operational expenditure, contractor performance and value for money.
- Identify inefficiencies, risks and opportunities for continuous improvement across the portfolio.
- Stakeholder & Brand Representation
- Act as a senior operational representative of the brand with internal and external stakeholders including universities, partners, contractors and regulators.
- Ensure brand standards and service expectations are embedded consistently across all sites.
- Support the Head of Operations in the ongoing development and scaling of the student accommodation brand.
The Deputy Head of Operations will be measured against clearly defined KPIs, which will also inform the annual bonus scheme. Success will be demonstrated through:
- Consistent achievement of operational KPIs across the portfolio
- High levels of compliance, audit performance and risk closure
- Successful delivery of mobilisations and projects to agreed timelines and standards
- Improved operational capability, training completion and leadership depth
- Positive resident experience and contribution to re-booking and retention
- Strong engagement, performance and stability within operational teams
Within the first 12 months, the Deputy Head of Operations will have:
- Established strong operational control and visibility across the estate
- Embedded clear compliance governance, reporting and escalation frameworks
- Successfully led or supported mobilisations and system implementations
- Built strong, effective working relationships with Area Managers, site teams and central functions
- Delivered measurable improvements in consistency, compliance and operational performance
- Created clear operational structures, training pathways and accountability frameworks
- Become a trusted deputy to the Head of Operations, providing confidence, continuity and leadership capacity
- Significant senior operational experience within student accommodation, PBSA or multi-site residential operations
- Proven experience managing compliance, health & safety and operational risk
- Experience leading mobilisation, transition or implementation projects
- Strong people leadership and performance management capability
- Excellent organisational, communication and stakeholder management skills
- Commercially aware with strong reporting and problem-solving ability
- Experience supporting portfolio growth or brand development
- Familiarity with student accommodation management and compliance systems
- Experience working within a fast-growth or transformation environment
Deputy Operations Manager - Student Accommodation in Plymouth employer: MCR Property Group
Contact Detail:
MCR Property Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy Operations Manager - Student Accommodation in Plymouth
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the student accommodation sector. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its operational standards. Familiarise yourself with their compliance and governance practices. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge and show that you're ready to hit the ground running.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your leadership stories! Think of examples where you've successfully managed teams or led projects. Be ready to share how you’ve tackled challenges in previous roles, especially in student accommodation or similar environments.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our brand. Let’s get you that Deputy Operations Manager role!
We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Operations Manager - Student Accommodation in Plymouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Deputy Operations Manager role. Highlight your relevant experience in student accommodation and operational leadership, showing us how you can meet the specific needs outlined in the job description.
Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your past roles, focus on quantifiable achievements. Did you improve compliance rates or enhance customer satisfaction? We want to see how you've made a difference in your previous positions!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications and fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows us you’re keen to join the StudySmarter team!
How to prepare for a job interview at MCR Property Group
✨Know Your Operations Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the operational aspects of student accommodation. Familiarise yourself with compliance standards, health and safety regulations, and key performance indicators relevant to the role. This will not only show your expertise but also demonstrate your commitment to maintaining high operational standards.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your leadership experience, especially in managing teams and driving performance. Think about times when you successfully led a project or resolved a complex issue. Be ready to discuss how you can support and develop your team while ensuring accountability and professionalism.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and operational judgement. Practice articulating your thought process on how you would handle specific challenges, such as compliance issues or mobilising new sites. This will help you convey your strategic thinking and operational insight.
✨Understand the Brand and Its Values
Research the company’s brand and its values thoroughly. Be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to enhancing the brand's reputation and ensuring a positive resident experience. Showing that you align with their mission will set you apart as a candidate who is genuinely interested in the role.