Scheme Manager in Cambridge

At Places for People, we hire People, not numbers! So, if you like the sound of one of our jobs, please apply - you could be just who we're looking for! Of course, experience and track record are important, but we're more interested in hiring someone that embodies our People Promises. That's someone that does the right thing, is enthusiastic and motivated to grow, believes in Community spirit, is respectful and enjoys their work. As the UK's leading Social Enterprise we're dedicated to creating inclusive and thriving Communities for both our Customers and Employees. So, what are you waiting for? Join a community that cares about you!

More about your role

As Scheme Manager, you'll lead the operational delivery of a student accommodation site, ensuring an outstanding experience for students and clients while maintaining the highest standards of safety, compliance and service delivery. You'll be responsible for leading and developing a high-performing on-site team, managing facilities management services, supplier performance and site budgets, and acting as a key point of contact for clients and stakeholders. You'll use data and technology to drive improvements, oversee statutory compliance requirements including fire safety and water hygiene, and contribute to wider business improvement initiatives across the organisation.

This role is based on site at 87 Newmarket Road, Cambridge CB5 8EN 5 days a week with working hours of 8am – 5pm.

Essential Criteria

• Demonstrable operational leadership experience within facilities management, student accommodation, residential services or a similar environment.
• Experience managing site budgets, financial performance and cost controls.
• Experience managing supplier and contractor relationships and delivering value-for-money services.
• Proven track record of leading and developing site-based teams, including multi-disciplinary teams of varying sizes.
• Knowledge of statutory compliance requirements within a facilities, property, accommodation or residential setting.

More about you

You'll have strong operational leadership experience and enjoy creating a positive, high-performing culture where customer focus, safety and continuous improvement are at the heart of everyday delivery. You'll be confident managing budgets, supplier contracts and operational performance, while balancing the needs of students, clients and colleagues. Experience within facilities management, student accommodation or a similar operational environment will help you succeed in this role. You'll be adaptable, proactive and focused on finding practical solutions that improve both customer and colleague experiences. An IOSH Managing Safely qualification is desirable, or you'll be willing to achieve this following appointment. A Level 3 Health and Safety qualification, management qualification or equivalent operational experience would be advantageous.

At Places for People we are committed to a safe working environment so a basic DBS check is mandatory.

Benefits

We are a large diverse and ambitious business, which will give you all the challenge you could wish for. We know that there's always more we can do to make you smile, that's why we offer a comprehensive benefits package with each role, yours will include:

• Competitive salary with regular annual review
• Pension with matched contributions up to 7%
• Bonus scheme for colleagues at 2%
• 35 days holiday (including bank holiday) with option to buy or sell days
• Healthcare cashback plan for everyday medical costs - up to £500 savings per year
• Access to wellbeing support such as counselling and flu jabs
• Private GP and health support services available
• Access to a rewards platform with retail and lifestyle discounts
• Savings on groceries, travel, shopping and home products
• Ongoing training and development opportunities
• Access to professional qualifications and career progression
• Internal development programmes and learning support
• Recognition schemes such as Star Awards and Colleagues Awards
• Strong focus on inclusion, wellbeing and colleague engagement
• Free membership to Places Gyms

What's next?

If you meet the criteria and are ready to make the next step in your career then click apply. You will be redirected to our careers site where you can discover more about the role, read a full job description and apply directly to us. As part of our commitment to diversity and inclusion, we offer a guaranteed interview to candidates who are disabled, neurodiverse, or have served in the Armed Forces, provided they meet the essential criteria for the role. If you would like to be considered under this scheme, please indicate this in your application. We are dedicated to creating a supportive and accessible recruitment process for all. We are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. If you require any reasonable adjustments to support your application or interview experience, please let us know. We're happy to work with you to ensure you have the opportunity to perform at your best. If you are a Places for People customer and you're looking for support with your application, please contact our skills and employment team on. We understand the importance of a supportive and inclusive work culture so please talk to us at interview about flexibility you may need. We can't promise to give you exactly what you want, but we promise not to judge you for asking.

If you are a recruitment agency please note we operate a PSL and do not take cold calls.

Safeguarding

At Places for People, safeguarding is everyone's responsibility. We are committed to creating safe communities for our customers and colleagues by protecting children, young people, and adults at risk from harm, abuse, and neglect. We follow robust safeguarding policies and procedures, ensuring all employees, volunteers, and contractors uphold the highest standards of safeguarding and accountability. Our recruitment process includes pre-employment checks, including Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks where applicable, to promote a safe and secure working environment. By joining Places for People, you are expected to contribute to our safeguarding culture, following our policies and reporting concerns to protect those in our communities.