Assistant Accommodation Manager (Property) in Aberystwyth

The Accommodation (Property) team are responsible for the operational management of the University’s residential estate, ensuring safe, compliant, well‑maintained accommodation and excellent living environment. The Assistant Accommodation Manager (Property) reports to and supports the Senior Accommodation Manager (Property) in overseeing property‑related services, lifecycle planning, maintenance, statutory compliance and refurbishment to keep the portfolio fit for purpose.

What you’ll do

• Property Management
  • Support the Senior Accommodation Manager (Property) to maintain a consistently high standard residential estate across all housing, building and landlord legislation, including the UUK Accommodation Code of Practice.
  • Oversee building condition and performance, including fixtures, fittings, furnishings and communal areas in collaboration with Estates, Facilities and third‑party contractors.
  • Assist with lifecycle replacement programmes, planned preventative maintenance (PPM) and statutory compliance schedules to ensure assets are maintained effectively and sustainably.
  • Take an active role in refurbishment, enhancement and minor capital works projects, particularly during vacation periods, ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget and to agreed quality standards.
  • Act as a point of contact for property‑related matters, coordinating and communicating planned and reactive works with residents, University colleagues and external stakeholders to minimise disruption and manage expectations.
  • Identify risks, trends and opportunities relating to property condition and performance and recommend continuous improvement and future investment.
  • Support the operationalisation of the summer conferencing period in collaboration with Accommodation & Conference Office colleagues.
• People Management
  • Promote a positive, inclusive, and professional working culture that values teamwork, collaboration, wellbeing and continuous improvement.
  • Support the direction of service colleagues and third‑party contractors from time to time.
  • Act as a key day‑to‑day point of contact for internal and external service providers, managing stakeholder relationships.
• Financial Management
  • Contribute to setting, managing and monitoring the Accommodation budget to ensure effective use of resources.
  • Procure goods, services and works in accordance with University Financial Regulations and Procurement policies, ensuring transparency and value for money.
  • Support monitoring and review of contractor performance against agreed KPIs and service‑level agreements.
• Health, Safety & Environmental Sustainability
  • Ensure compliance with health, safety and fire safety legislation across the residential estate.
  • Oversee completion of risk assessments, fire risk assessments, audits, inspections and statutory testing, ensuring actions are tracked and closed within agreed timescales.
  • Maintain accurate and auditable records of compliance, incidents and remedial actions.
  • Promote a strong health and safety culture among staff, contractors and residents.
  • Support the achievement of University environmental sustainability objectives, including energy efficiency, waste reduction and responsible resource management.
• Information & Systems Management
  • Maintain accurate, timely and secure electronic and paper‑based records relating to property management, compliance, projects and operational planning.
  • Use relevant IT systems (Kinetics, AStRA, ABW, APEX, StarRez, ISARR, Planet FM, QFM) to improve data quality, reporting and service delivery.
  • Support the Senior Accommodation Manager (Property) in producing and analysing management information to support decision‑making, performance monitoring and continuous improvement.
  • Adhere to data protection and information governance requirements at all times.
• Planning, Organising & Operational Readiness
  • Support short‑term and long‑term operational planning for the residential estate, aligning property activities with the academic calendar and business priorities.
  • Lead on property readiness for major events such as Welcome Weekend, Open Days and Graduation, and transitions between term‑time and vacation business.
  • Contribute to emergency response, business continuity and resilience planning, ensuring preparedness and coordination in the event of incidents or disruptions.
  • Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to ensure seamless delivery of services and a positive resident experience.
• Other Duties
  • Undertake other duties as assigned by your line manager, commensurate with the role's grade.
  • Support the Residential Life programme to build inclusive communities and foster student well‑being, working closely with Student Services and the Students’ Union.
  • Engage with sector associations and colleagues (e.g. ASRA, CUBO, UUK network) to access best practice and wider learning opportunities.
  • Engage in other university projects and initiatives as directed and undertake any additional duties commensurate with the role.
  • Demonstrate flexibility by supporting colleagues during periods of high demand, including attendance at key university events such as open days and graduation ceremonies which may include weekend work.
  • Promote equality of opportunity and support the University’s commitment to diversity and inclusion in all aspects of your work.
  • Support continuous personal and professional development, including relevant training activities.
  • Fulfil health and safety responsibilities appropriate to the role and promote personal health, safety and wellbeing of staff and students.
  • Support the University’s commitment to environmental sustainability through responsible practices.
  • Develop long and short‑term work schedules to meet business needs.
  • Help organise an out‑of‑hours on‑call standby rota in conjunction with the University Standby Policy.

The above do not represent an exhaustive list of duties associated with this role.

Essential Qualifications, Experience, Knowledge & Skills

• Knowledge/experience in managing or evidence of ability to manage property, accommodation or similar customer‑focussed services.
• Knowledge and/or ability to manage compliance (housing legislation, UUK Accommodation Code of Practice and University regulations).
• Excellent understanding of health and safety, safeguarding and customer care in residential or similar settings.
• Ability to work flexibly and effectively during peak periods and manage challenging situations.
• Strong communication, interpersonal and negotiation skills with the ability to influence others.
• IT proficiency, including ability to work with booking, CRM or facilities management systems.
• A proactive, organised, and solution‑focused approach to operational challenges.
• A customer‑centric ethic, with demonstrable skills in customer service and visitor experience.
• Oral (spoken) and written Welsh Level B2.

Desirable

• Full valid driving licence or equivalent right to drive in the UK.
• Experience in Higher Education accommodation management.
• Knowledge of the UUK Code of Practice or similar accommodation standards.
• Knowledge of accommodation software systems (e.g. StarRez).
• Oral (spoken) and written Welsh Level C1.

More information on Welsh Language Levels can be found at to apply. The University will consider applications from individuals seeking full‑time, part‑time, job share or term‑time only working arrangements. Applications must be made through jobs.aber.ac.uk. The University welcomes applications in Welsh or English and treats all equally.

Benefits

• Flexible working policy
• Hybrid working
• 36.5‑hour week for full‑time roles
• Generous leave entitlements – 27 days annual leave plus