Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead operations for a national Purpose-Built Student Accommodation portfolio and enhance student experience.
- Company: Dynamic organisation focused on providing exceptional student living environments.
- Benefits: Flexible location, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on student wellbeing and operational excellence across multiple sites.
- Qualifications: Senior leadership experience in PBSA or multi-site residential operations required.
- Other info: Join a team that values safety, community engagement, and high standards.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
Location: Flexible (must be able to cover national portfolio)
We’re recruiting an experienced Head of Operations to lead a national Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) portfolio. This senior role is responsible for operational excellence, student experience, compliance, and commercial performance across multiple sites. You’ll lead and develop General Managers, work closely with central teams, and ensure consistently high standards of service, safety and community engagement.
Key responsibilities include:
- Leading multi-site PBSA operations and on-site teams
- Driving an outstanding student experience and wellbeing strategy
- Ensuring full compliance across health & safety, building safety and governance
- Overseeing facilities management and contractor performance
- Setting and managing KPIs across occupancy, tenant satisfaction, and financial performance
- Supporting revenue, leasing, and growth initiatives
About you:
- Senior operational leadership experience in PBSA or multi-site residential
- Strong knowledge of UK PBSA operations and compliance
- Commercially astute with experience driving performance and NOI
- Confident leader with excellent stakeholder and people management skills
- Health & Safety knowledge (NEBOSH/IOSH desirable)
A high-impact leadership role with real influence over student experience, operational performance, and portfolio growth.
Head of Operations - PBSA in Manchester employer: Residential Living Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Residential Living Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Operations - PBSA in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the PBSA sector and let them know you’re on the hunt for a Head of Operations role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on an opportunity or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company’s current PBSA operations and any recent news. This shows you’re genuinely interested and ready to hit the ground running. Plus, it’ll help you tailor your answers to what they really care about.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you’ve led teams to success in previous roles. Highlight your experience with KPIs and how you’ve driven performance – that’s music to their ears!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged in the process.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Operations - PBSA in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that match the Head of Operations role. Highlight your senior operational leadership experience in PBSA and any relevant compliance knowledge to catch our eye!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about enhancing student experiences and how your background aligns with our mission at StudySmarter. Keep it engaging and personal!
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Use metrics to demonstrate how you’ve driven performance and improved tenant satisfaction in previous roles. Numbers speak volumes!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates!
How to prepare for a job interview at Residential Living Recruitment
✨Know Your PBSA Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Purpose-Built Student Accommodation. Understand the key trends, challenges, and opportunities in the UK market. This will show that you're not just familiar with the role but also passionate about enhancing the student experience.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your leadership experience, especially in multi-site operations. Think about times when you've successfully led teams or improved performance. Be ready to discuss how you can inspire and develop General Managers to achieve operational excellence.
✨Demonstrate Compliance Knowledge
Since compliance is a big part of this role, be prepared to talk about your understanding of health & safety regulations and governance. If you have NEBOSH or IOSH qualifications, mention them! It’s crucial to convey that you prioritise safety and compliance in all operations.
✨Prepare for KPI Discussions
Get ready to discuss how you’ve set and managed KPIs in previous roles. Think about specific metrics related to occupancy, tenant satisfaction, and financial performance. Being able to articulate your approach to driving performance will impress the interviewers.
