Operations Manager, London

Operations Manager, London

Full-Time 28000 - 42000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Pass the Keys®

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead local operations and ensure top-notch service delivery for holiday properties.
  • Company: Join Pass the Keys, the UK's leading short-let management company.
  • Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, flexible work, and professional growth opportunities.
  • Other info: Work in a supportive environment with inspiring colleagues and great career progression.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in the hospitality industry while working with a dynamic team.
  • Qualifications: Experience in operations or hospitality management and strong organisational skills required.

The predicted salary is between 28000 - 42000 £ per year.

Pass the Keys is the UK’s leading full-service short-let and holiday-let management company, simplifying property hosting for homeowners since 2015. Founded by Alexander Lyakhotskiy to address the challenges of short-let management, we’ve grown into a network of 70+ franchise partners across the UK, Spain, and Northern Ireland. Our mission is to empower homeowners by delivering a hassle‑free hosting experience while ensuring an exceptional guest stay.

Reporting to the Territory Manager, you will be the engine of our local operations, responsible for the end‑to‑end service delivery for our portfolio of properties. This is a performance‑driven role where your success will be measured by core operational KPIs, including guest satisfaction ratings, cleanliness scores, health and safety compliance, and supplier performance. The ideal candidate thrives in a fast‑paced environment, excels at complex scheduling and problem‑solving, and has a passion for creating seamless, five‑star experiences. This is a hands‑on role that requires strong organisational skills, and a sharp eye for detail.

Key Responsibilities:
  • Service Delivery & Scheduling: Manage the cleaning and maintenance schedules, allocating tasks to providers and ensuring timely service completion for all bookings. Oversee daily operational coverage, responding to guest requests and efficiently managing check‑in and check‑out procedures. Review new bookings to proactively plan and resource all operational requirements in advance. Coordinate and schedule all maintenance tasks, ensuring minimal disruption to guests and clients.
  • Supplier & Provider Management: Recruit, onboard and train new providers, ensuring they meet our high standards for service and professionalism. Serve as the primary point of contact for all suppliers, managing communications, tracking hours, and reviewing performance. Monitor supplier performance through data, feedback, and spot checks to drive continuous improvement. Process and approve client and provider adjustments as required.
  • Quality Control & Compliance: Implement and enforce quality standards through regular spot checks, property inspections, and adherence to detailed cleaning checklists. Manage inventory for linen and guest consumables, coordinating orders to ensure properties are always well‑stocked. Ensure all properties comply with safety regulations by maintaining up‑to‑date safety certificates. Oversee key control processes and conduct regular storage inspections to maintain security and organisation.
  • Guest & Client Support: Oversee the operational setup of new properties during onboarding, including photography, initial cleaning, key handover, and health & safety checks, ensuring each property is fully prepared to welcome its first guests. Act as the primary escalation point for operational issues, managing and resolving guest and client resolution cases efficiently and professionally. Respond thoughtfully to guest reviews, addressing feedback and implementing changes to improve future service. Manage client and guest communication preferences related to property information and "Guest Success" initiatives.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs):

The Operations Manager plays a crucial role in the territory's success. Performance will be measured by your ability to deliver excellence across the following metrics:

  • Guest Satisfaction & Quality Airbnb & Rating: Achieving and maintaining target guest review scores on major booking platforms.
  • Airbnb Cleanliness Score: Hitting the target score specifically for cleanliness, reflecting the quality of housekeeping services.
  • Operational Compliance & Efficiency Property Spot Checks: Meeting targets for the quantity and quality score of completed property inspections.
  • App Usage: Ensuring high adoption and consistent usage of our internal app by all service providers.
  • Health & Safety: Maintaining 100% compliance on all required property safety certificates and checks.
  • Financial Contribution NBV & Gross Profit: Contributing to the territory's financial goals (NBV vs Previous Year, Gross Profit NBV %) by managing operational costs, maximising efficiency, and preventing revenue loss due to operational failures.
Requirements:

Required Characteristics & Competencies:

  • Essential: Proven experience in an Operations or Hospitality Management role. Exceptional organisational and time‑management skills, with demonstrable experience in complex scheduling. Strong problem‑solving abilities and a talent for handling escalations with a calm and professional demeanour. Experience managing third‑party contractors, suppliers, or a distributed workforce. Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal. Tech‑savvy and comfortable using various software platforms and mobile apps for scheduling, communication, and task management. A hands‑on attitude and willingness to be in the field conducting inspections and meeting providers.
  • Desirable: Experience in the short‑term rental or property management industry. Familiarity with property management software (PMS) or ticketing systems.
Additional Requirements:

Location & Work Environment: Must be based in London and able to travel to properties to carry out on‑site visits.

Weekend Working: Requirement: to work Thursday to Monday pattern and flexible hours to meet business needs. You may also be required to work occasional evenings/out of hours to meet operational demand.

Travel Requirements: Occasional travel to other PTK territories for meetings and training.

Benefits:

Why Join Us? At Pass the Keys, we are committed to fostering an environment where success is both achievable and sustainable. We believe in empowering our teams with the tools, support, and knowledge they need to thrive. As part of our team, you will benefit from:

  • A Global Vision: Join an ambitious company aspiring to be the global leader in short‑let and holiday‑let property management.
  • A Strong Company Culture: Our four core values—Drive, Evolve, Take Pride, and Together—guide everything we do.
  • Autonomy & Independence: We manage by results, not input. No micromanagement—just accountability and impact.
  • Professional Growth Opportunities: We encourage responsibility and development, allowing you to expand your skills as much as you can handle.
  • Flexible Work Arrangements: We understand the importance of work‑life balance and support flexible scheduling where possible.
  • Competitive Salary: While there may be places that pay more, we offer competitive wages with strong career progression opportunities.
  • A Great Team: Work alongside inspiring colleagues in a supportive and collaborative environment.

UK‑Specific Benefits: 22 days of holiday plus an extra day off for your birthday. Pension scheme with salary sacrifice, matching contributions up to 7%. Enhanced maternity pay—up to 90% of salary for six months. Bonus scheme available after passing probation.

Salary: £35,000

Operations Manager, London employer: Pass the Keys®

Pass the Keys is an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic and collaborative work culture, perfect for those looking to make a significant impact in the fast-evolving short-let market. With a strong emphasis on employee growth, you will have access to ongoing training and development opportunities, ensuring your skills are always at the forefront of industry trends. Located in the UK, our team enjoys the unique advantage of working within a vibrant and supportive community, where innovation and creativity are not just encouraged but celebrated.

Pass the Keys®

Contact Details:

Pass the Keys® Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Operations Manager, London

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend local events, and connect with current employees at Pass the Keys. You never know who might give you the inside scoop or even refer you for the role!

Tip Number 2

Prepare for the interview by researching the company and its values. Understand their mission to empower homeowners and deliver exceptional guest experiences. This will help you align your answers with what they’re looking for.

Tip Number 3

Show off your problem-solving skills during the interview! Think of examples from your past experience where you’ve tackled challenges head-on, especially in operations or hospitality management. They’ll love hearing how you handle pressure.

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in showing your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.

We think you need these skills to ace Operations Manager, London

Operations Management
Hospitality Management
Organisational Skills
Time Management
Complex Scheduling
Problem-Solving Skills
Supplier Management

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Operations Manager role. Highlight your experience in hospitality management and any relevant skills that match the job description. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about property management and how your skills align with our mission at Pass the Keys. Keep it engaging and personal, so we get a sense of who you are.

Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills:In your application, don’t forget to mention specific examples where you've successfully solved complex scheduling issues or managed third-party contractors. We love seeing how you tackle challenges head-on!

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s super easy, and you’ll be one step closer to joining our amazing team at Pass the Keys!

How to prepare for a job interview at Pass the Keys®

Know the Company Inside Out

Before your interview, make sure you research Pass the Keys thoroughly. Understand their mission, values, and the services they offer. This will not only help you answer questions more effectively but also show your genuine interest in the role.

Showcase Your Organisational Skills

As an Operations Manager, you'll need to demonstrate exceptional organisational abilities. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully managed complex schedules or resolved operational issues. Be ready to discuss how you prioritise tasks and ensure timely service delivery.

Prepare for Problem-Solving Scenarios

Expect to face situational questions that assess your problem-solving skills. Think of specific challenges you've encountered in previous roles and how you overcame them. Highlight your calm demeanour and ability to handle escalations professionally.

Engage with Questions

At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask insightful questions. Inquire about the team dynamics, the tools they use for scheduling, or how they measure success in the role. This shows you're not just interested in the job, but also in how you can contribute to the company's goals.