Assistant Operations Manager

Assistant Operations Manager

Full-Time 30000 - 40000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Unite Students

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead teams and create amazing experiences for students in a vibrant accommodation setting.
  • Company: Join Unite Group, a leader in student accommodation with a unique culture.
  • Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, generous leave, bonuses, and discounts.
  • Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for personal growth and career advancement.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while developing your leadership skills.
  • Qualifications: Experience in customer service or hospitality, with strong leadership and problem-solving skills.

The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.

Lead with energy. Support your team. Create great experiences for residents. At Unite Group, we create Homes for Success through our student accommodation brands, Unite Students and Hello Student. This opportunity is with our Unite Students OR Hello Student brand.

Location: Lancaster

Contract Type: Permanent

Salary: Competitive + benefits

As an Assistant Operations Manager, you will play a key role in delivering an outstanding resident experience across your property, supporting the day‑to‑day running of operations and leading frontline teams to deliver high standards of service. You will oversee resident services, housekeeping and operational coordination, ensuring the property is safe, well‑maintained, and welcoming for all residents. With responsibility for service delivery, team leadership, and supporting commercial performance, you will help ensure the property operates efficiently while creating a positive and engaging environment for students. Working closely with the Cluster Operations Manager and wider teams, this is a hands‑on leadership role where you will be visible, proactive, and central to the success of the property.

Responsibilities
  • Support the day‑to‑day operational running of the property, ensuring services are delivered efficiently, safely, and to a high standard.
  • Lead and support frontline teams, including resident services and housekeeping, creating a positive, high‑performing team environment.
  • Deliver an excellent resident experience, ensuring residents feel supported throughout their stay and that queries are resolved quickly and professionally.
  • Maintain high standards of property presentation, cleanliness and safety across all communal areas.
  • Support sales, retention and occupancy performance, including managing enquiries, viewings and resident renewals.
  • Oversee housekeeping operations, including cleaning schedules, inspections, and contractor coordination.
  • Monitor operational performance and identify opportunities to improve service delivery and efficiency.
  • Ensure health, safety and compliance standards are maintained, supporting audits and responding to incidents where required.
  • Act as a key point of contact on shift and participate in the Duty Manager rota.
Qualifications
  • Have experience in a customer service, hospitality, property or operational environment.
  • Have experience supervising or supporting teams.
  • Be confident managing resident enquiries, complaints and operational issues.
  • Have strong organisational and problem‑solving skills.
  • Be proactive and comfortable managing multiple priorities in a busy environment.
  • Have strong communication and leadership skills.
  • Experience working in student accommodation, residential property or hospitality environments would be beneficial.

You don’t need to follow a traditional path - what matters most is your ability to lead people, solve problems and deliver great customer experiences.

Benefits
  • Performance‑related bonus paid twice a year.
  • 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays, with the option to buy up to 5 extra days.
  • A generous pension scheme where contributions range between 4% and 11% depending on how much you save.
  • Life assurance worth 4 times your salary.
  • Share save scheme giving you access to purchase Unite Students shares at a discounted rate.
  • Enhanced Family Leave policies.
  • Medicash (Health Cash Plan).
  • Employee Assistance Programme (EAP).
  • One free volunteering day each year.
  • Retail and hospitality discounts.

Alongside these benefits, you’ll also have access to learning and development programmes designed to support your growth and career progression. If you’re expecting ordinary, think again. We’re US, we’re different – and we’re proud of it. How far could you go? Join US and find out.

Unite Students

Contact Details:

Unite Students Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Assistant Operations Manager

Get a Taste of the Scene

Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!

Network at Food Festivals

Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!

Show Off Your Skills

Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like Unite Students. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!

Reach Out Directly to Unite Students

Don't be shy about reaching out to Unite Students directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!

We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Operations Manager

Customer Service
Team Leadership
Operational Management
Problem-Solving Skills
Organisational Skills
Communication Skills
Health and Safety Compliance

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.

Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!

Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about Unite Students and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!

Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!

How to prepare for a job interview at Unite Students

Show Your People Skills

In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!

Know Your Menu Inside Out

Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!

Demonstrate Your Team Spirit

Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'

Get Ready for a Practical Test

In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!