At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team to deliver exceptional residential experiences for students across multiple properties.
- Company: UCL, a world-leading university with a vibrant academic community in London.
- Benefits: 41 days holiday, pension scheme, on-site gym, and relocation support.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to equality and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on student lives while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in people management and customer-focused environments, ideally in accommodation or hospitality.
The predicted salary is between 43981 - 52586 £ per year.
Ref Number B
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 defined benefit pension scheme, and opportunities for professional growth, UCL fosters an environment where employees can develop their skills while contributing to the well-being of over 6,500 students in the heart of London. The commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion further enhances the workplace, ensuring that every team member feels valued and supported.
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 current or former employees at UCL, especially in the Accommodation team. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by knowing your stuff! Research UCL's accommodation services and think about how your experience aligns with their goals. Show them you’re not just another candidate!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Get a mate to do a mock interview with you. Focus on those tricky questions about team leadership and customer service – you want to nail those!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, shoot a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation. It’s a nice touch that keeps you fresh in their minds!
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 to highlight your experience in accommodation management and customer service. We want to see how your skills align with our vision of providing an outstanding student experience!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:As an Accommodation Manager, you'll be leading a team, so don’t forget to emphasise your people management experience. Share examples of how you've developed teams and created positive work cultures in your previous roles.
Demonstrate Financial Acumen:Since you'll be responsible for budget planning and financial performance, it’s crucial to mention any relevant experience you have in managing budgets or driving accountability. We love seeing candidates who can balance operational needs with financial goals!
Engage with Our Values:Familiarise yourself with UCL's values and incorporate them into your application. We’re looking for candidates who resonate with our commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion, so let us know how you embody these principles in your work.
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 commitment to student experience and safety. This will help you align your answers with what they’re looking for.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your experience in team leadership and performance management. Think of specific situations where you’ve successfully led a team or improved customer service—this is key for the Accommodation Manager role.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions about handling complex situations or complaints. Prepare by thinking through past experiences where you resolved issues effectively, especially in multi-site operations. This will demonstrate your problem-solving skills.
✨Build Relationships
Emphasise your ability to build strong relationships with stakeholders and third-party providers. Share examples of how you've collaborated with different teams to enhance service delivery, as this is crucial for the role.
