At a Glance
- Tasks: Coordinate student accommodation and provide support to ensure a welcoming environment.
- Company: Join the vibrant community at West Dean, a unique arts and heritage institution.
- Benefits: Enjoy a generous pension scheme, mental health support, and discounts on courses and facilities.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team in a stunning location within the South Downs National Park.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on student experiences in a creative and inclusive setting.
- Qualifications: Experience in administration or customer service, with strong organisational and communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 13000 - 13000 £ per year.
Location: West Dean, West Sussex
Hours: 17.5 hours per week (0.5 FTE)
Contract: Permanent
Salary: £13,000 per annum (£26,000 FTE)
Closing date: 28 August 2026
About West Dean
West Dean is a unique place to work and visit, combining an internationally recognised centre for arts, design, craft and conservation with award-winning public gardens, historic collections and a working estate. Set within the 6,350-acre West Dean Estate in the South Downs National Park, our Sussex campus is home to West Dean College, renowned gardens, heritage glasshouses, a kitchen garden, tranquil parkland walks, a Tapestry Studio and historic staterooms that host events, exhibitions and private functions. Together with our Bloomsbury campus in London, West Dean offers a rich mix of education, heritage, hospitality and visitor experiences. Working at West Dean means joining a community that values creativity, craftsmanship, sustainability and inclusivity, while playing a part in safeguarding and sharing one of the UK’s most distinctive cultural institutions.
About the role
As Residential Services Coordinator, you will play a key role in ensuring that West Dean’s Higher Education residential accommodation is well organised, welcoming and ready to support students throughout their time on campus. Working within Student Welcome and Campus Services, you will coordinate the day-to-day administration of student accommodation, including room allocations, arrivals, departures, room changes, residential records and accommodation documentation. You will act as a friendly and professional first point of contact for routine residential enquiries, providing clear information and practical support to students. Working closely with colleagues across Student Welcome, Housekeeping, Building Maintenance, Finance and Academic and Student Services, you will help ensure rooms are prepared, issues are followed up and accommodation information remains accurate and up to date. The role will also involve supporting accommodation charges, inspections, inventories, maintenance reporting and the smooth coordination of busy arrival and departure periods. This is a highly organised and collaborative role, suited to someone who enjoys working with people, keeping accurate records and ensuring that practical details are managed effectively. You will need to be confident working independently, managing competing priorities and following issues through to resolution, while knowing when to elevate matters to the Front Desk & Residential Services Manager or other appropriate colleagues. The role also requires a clear understanding of professional boundaries. You will provide helpful information and appropriate signposting to students, while referring welfare, safeguarding or more complex concerns to colleagues with the appropriate expertise.
About you
You will be organised, approachable and dependable, with strong attention to detail and a practical, customer-focused approach. You will enjoy working with people, managing competing priorities and keeping accurate records, while communicating clearly and professionally. You will be confident working independently, collaborating across teams and knowing when to seek guidance or elevate an issue. We are looking for someone with experience in an administrative, customer service, accommodation, hospitality or comparable operational role. You will have experience of maintaining accurate records, responding to enquiries, using IT systems and coordinating a range of tasks within agreed timescales. Experience of working with Higher Education students, student accommodation, residential services, hospitality or property administration would be desirable. You will also have strong organisational skills, excellent attention to detail, clear communication skills and a practical, solutions-focused approach. Good numerical skills and confidence working with financial information will be important, alongside an understanding of confidentiality, professional boundaries and data protection.
Why join West Dean?
Working at West Dean means becoming part of a community that values creativity, craftsmanship, sustainability and inclusivity. You will have the opportunity to make a direct contribution to the student experience and to the effective running of West Dean’s residential services.
Benefits include:
- Generous contributory pension scheme, matching from 4% to 7.5%.
- Employee Assistance Programme.
- Mental Health First Aiders.
- Cycle to Work scheme.
- Free entry to West Dean Gardens.
- Discounts on retail goods in our two shops in Sussex.
- Free and discounted places on short courses at West Dean College.
- Free use of West Dean, Sussex facilities, including the swimming pool, library and tennis courts.
- Subsidised bed and breakfast rates on the Sussex campus.
Residential Services Coordinator employer: Novatech Ltd
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StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Residential Services Coordinator
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
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We think you need these skills to ace Residential Services Coordinator
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 Novatech Ltd and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!
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How to prepare for a job interview at Novatech Ltd
✨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!
