At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team to deliver exceptional residential experiences for students across multiple properties.
- Company: Join UCL, a world-leading university in the heart of London.
- Benefits: Enjoy 41 days of holiday, a pension scheme, and on-site facilities.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on student communities and enhance their living experience.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership skills and experience in customer-focused environments required.
The predicted salary is between 43981 - 52586 £ per year.
Ref Number B28-00279
Professional Expertise: Estates, Facilities, Accommodation and Safety
Department: Finance, Commercial and Estates (B28)
Location: London
Working Pattern: Full time
Salary: £43,981-£52,586
Contract Type: Permanent
Working Type: On site
Available for Secondment: No
Closing Date: 10-Jun-2026
About us: UCL is a world-leading university, consistently ranked among the top institutions globally. Our estate is one of the largest and most complex in the sector, spanning over 200 buildings and supporting a vibrant academic community in the heart of London. Within UCL Estates, our award-winning Accommodation team provides a home to more than 6,500 students across 26 halls of residence. We are ambitious in our vision—to be the leading provider of student accommodation in the higher education sector—delivering an outstanding student experience while maintaining safe, inclusive and well-managed environments. Our residences are more than just places to live; they are communities where students can thrive. Every member of our team plays a vital role in creating that experience.
About the role: We are seeking an experienced Accommodation Manager to lead the delivery of an exceptional residential experience across a cluster of properties. This is a senior, multi-site leadership role where you will be responsible for the day-to-day operation of your portfolio, ensuring consistently high standards across customer service, health and safety, and facilities management. You will lead and develop a team of Deputy Accommodation Managers and front-of-house staff, creating a positive, high-performing culture that reflects UCL’s values. You will work collaboratively across UCL Estates and with central teams including HR, Marketing, Student Experience and Maintenance, ensuring services are aligned, responsive and continuously improving. A key part of the role is building strong relationships with both internal stakeholders and external suppliers to deliver safe, compliant and high-quality environments for residents. Alongside operational leadership, you will take ownership of financial performance across your area, contributing to budget planning, monitoring expenditure and driving accountability. You will use customer insight, survey feedback and operational data to identify opportunities for improvement and implement effective action plans. The role also involves leading on key operational projects such as summer turnaround, refurbishment activity and peak commercial periods. You will play a visible role across your sites, ensuring regular engagement with teams and residents, and fostering a strong sense of community where students feel safe, supported and at home. Please note, this is a full time role offered on an onsite basis 5-days a week across our Bloomsbury accommodation sites. The role will require an enhanced DBS check for the successful applicant.
About you: You will be an experienced people manager from a customer-focused environment, ideally within accommodation, hospitality, estates or a similar multi-site operation. With a strong track record of leading teams and delivering high-quality services, you will bring:
- Proven experience in team leadership, coaching and performance management
- A strong customer focus, with the ability to understand and respond to diverse needs
- Sound knowledge of health and safety legislation and compliance requirements
- Experience of managing budgets and demonstrating commercial awareness
- The ability to build effective relationships with stakeholders and third-party providers
- Excellent communication skills and confidence in handling complex situations and complaints
- Strong organisational skills, with the ability to prioritise and work at pace
You will be self-motivated, adaptable and solutions-focused, with a positive and collegiate approach. You will be comfortable working across multiple sites and participating in an on-call rota where required. Experience in the accommodation, hospitality or retail sectors would be advantageous, as would familiarity with facilities management and compliance processes. Please note, an enhanced DBS certificate is required for this role.
What we offer: As well as exciting opportunities, UCL offers a range of great benefits including:
- 41 days’ holiday (27 days annual leave, 8 bank holidays, 6 closure days)
- Option to purchase 5 additional days’ annual leave
- Defined benefit career average revalued earnings pension scheme (CARE)
- Cycle to work scheme, season ticket loan, and immigration loan
- Relocation support for eligible posts
- On-site nursery and gym
- Enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption pay
- Staff Support Service (employee assistance programme)
Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion: As London’s Global University, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where we all belong. We particularly encourage applications from candidates underrepresented in UCL’s workforce, including those from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds, disabled people, and – for Grade 9 and 10 roles – women.
Accommodation Manager employer: UK Dementia Research Institute
UCL is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises inclusivity and community, making it an ideal place for an Accommodation Manager to thrive. With generous benefits such as 41 days of holiday, a supportive environment for professional growth, and a commitment to equality and diversity, UCL fosters a workplace where employees can make a meaningful impact on the student experience in the heart of London.
Contact Details:
UK Dementia Research Institute Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Accommodation Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the accommodation and facilities management sectors. Attend industry events or join relevant online groups to meet people who can help you land that Accommodation Manager role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your leadership skills! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, share specific examples of how you've successfully led teams and improved customer experiences in previous roles. This will make you stand out as a strong candidate.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! If you see a job opening that excites you, don’t wait for the perfect moment. Apply through our website and follow up with a friendly email to express your enthusiasm. It shows initiative and keeps you on their radar.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for interviews by researching UCL’s values and recent projects. Tailor your responses to show how your experience aligns with their mission of providing outstanding student accommodation. This will demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Accommodation Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Accommodation Manager role. Highlight your experience in team leadership and customer service, as these are key aspects of the job. We want to see how your skills align with our vision at UCL!
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; share specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to lead teams and improve services. Use metrics where possible to show how you’ve made a positive impact in previous roles. We love seeing results!
Be Authentic:Let your personality shine through in your application. We’re looking for someone who fits well with our team culture, so don’t be afraid to express your passion for creating supportive communities for students. Be yourself!
Apply Through Our Website:For the best chance of success, make sure to apply directly through our website. This ensures your application is seen by the right people and helps us keep track of all candidates. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at UK Dementia Research Institute
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into UCL's accommodation services and their values. Understand their mission to provide a top-notch student experience and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with that vision.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in previous roles. Highlight your ability to coach and develop staff, as well as how you've fostered a positive culture in multi-site operations.
✨Be Customer-Centric
Demonstrate your strong customer focus by sharing specific instances where you've responded to diverse needs or resolved complaints effectively. This will show that you understand the importance of creating a supportive community for students.
✨Financial Savvy is Key
Brush up on your budget management skills and be ready to discuss how you've contributed to financial performance in past roles. Being able to talk about your commercial awareness will set you apart from other candidates.
