At a Glance
- Tasks: Oversee accommodation services and ensure a high-quality experience for students and guests.
- Company: Join the vibrant team at St Antony’s College, fostering a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy 41 days of annual leave, pension scheme, free meals, and retail discounts.
- Other info: Flexible hours with opportunities for career growth in a dynamic educational setting.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a supportive environment while managing diverse accommodation needs.
- Qualifications: Experience in hospitality or higher education management with strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 33951 - 39906 £ per year.
Hours: Full-time, 35 hours per week (a 28-hour week will be considered)
Closing date: 9:00am Tuesday 9th June 2026
We’re looking for a proactive, collaborative and customer-focused Accommodation Manager to join the Operations team at St Antony’s College. Reporting to the Head of Operations, you will oversee accommodation and housekeeping services across the College’s 260 bedrooms and related facilities, ensuring a high-quality experience for students and guests. You will manage compliance with the Universities UK Accommodation Code of Practice (ACOP), College regulations and relevant health and safety requirements. Working closely with colleagues across the College, you will support the Accommodation Coordinator and Head Housekeeper, balancing operational priorities, occupancy levels and commercial bookings while supporting the College’s academic activities.
Key responsibilities
- Line managing the Accommodation Coordinator and Head Housekeeper, supporting recruitment, performance management and team development
- Promoting a collaborative, inclusive and customer-focused culture
- Managing accommodation allocations, occupancy, room ballots and contracts in line with ACOP and College policies
- Managing accommodation-related complaints and coordinating prompt resolution of maintenance and housekeeping issues
- Reviewing and improving accommodation processes, room audits and refurbishment planning
- Managing supplier contracts, procurement and contractor performance
- Ensuring compliance with health and safety, COSHH and accommodation regulations, including risk assessments and sustainability initiatives
- Managing accommodation budgets, billing, rent reports and operational reporting
- Some evening and weekend work is required, particularly during student arrivals, departures and selected conferences and events.
About you
You will have:
- Management experience in hospitality, accommodation or Higher Education
- Strong leadership, organisational and customer service skills
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Strong IT and data management skills, particularly Microsoft Office
- Good understanding of health and safety and compliance requirements
- Ability to manage competing priorities calmly and effectively
- A proactive, flexible and collaborative approach
- Experience in an educational environment, knowledge of ACOP or accommodation systems such as Kinetics, and sympathy with the values of a small international community would be advantageous.
Benefits
- 41 days’ annual leave (including bank holidays)
- Universities Superannuation Scheme pension
- Free staff meals during lunch service
- Family-friendly benefits
- Travel schemes and on-site parking (subject to availability)
- University Card and retail discounts
- £33,951 to £39,906 plus £1,730 Oxford weighting
Accommodation Manager employer: University of Oxford
St Antony’s College is an exceptional employer that prioritises a collaborative and inclusive work culture, making it an ideal place for an Accommodation Manager to thrive. With generous benefits such as 41 days of annual leave, a supportive pension scheme, and opportunities for professional growth within a vibrant academic community, employees can enjoy a fulfilling career while contributing to the high-quality experience of students and guests. Located in Oxford, the College offers unique advantages including access to a rich cultural environment and a commitment to sustainability initiatives.
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 St Antony’s College on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insider info about the role and help you stand out.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the college's values and recent initiatives. We want to see how your experience aligns with their mission, so be ready to share examples that showcase your customer-focused approach.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your leadership skills! Think of specific situations where you’ve successfully managed teams or resolved conflicts. We love to hear about how you’ve created a collaborative environment in past roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can keep you fresh in their minds. Plus, it shows your enthusiasm for the role and the college community.
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 management experience in hospitality or higher education, and showcase how your skills align with our customer-focused approach.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:We want to see your strong leadership abilities! Share examples of how you've successfully managed teams, supported recruitment, and developed staff in previous roles. This will help us understand how you can lead our Accommodation Coordinator and Head Housekeeper.
Demonstrate Your Problem-Solving Skills:As an Accommodation Manager, you'll need to handle complaints and resolve issues promptly. Include specific instances where you've effectively managed challenges in accommodation or hospitality settings to show us you're up for the task.
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at St Antony’s College.
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Oxford
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re familiar with the Universities UK Accommodation Code of Practice and any relevant health and safety regulations. Brush up on your knowledge of accommodation management and be ready to discuss how you would ensure compliance in your role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As an Accommodation Manager, you'll be leading a team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past, focusing on collaboration and customer service. Think about specific situations where you’ve resolved conflicts or improved team performance.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific situations, like managing complaints or coordinating maintenance issues. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and demonstrate your problem-solving skills.
✨Highlight Your IT Proficiency
Since strong IT and data management skills are essential, be prepared to discuss your experience with Microsoft Office and any accommodation systems you’ve used. If you have experience with Kinetics or similar software, make sure to mention it!
