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- Tasks: Lead daily operations of a new student residence, ensuring a supportive environment.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking university dedicated to enhancing student living experiences.
- Benefits: Enjoy a great pension scheme, holiday entitlement, and career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Shape a vibrant community and make a real difference in students' lives.
- Qualifications: Experience in customer-facing roles and strong operational knowledge required.
- Other info: Work hours are 9-5, Monday to Friday, on-site in Southwark, London.
The predicted salary is between 36008 - 43854 £ per year.
We are seeking an experienced Operations Manager / Residents Manager to lead the daily operations of a newly developed student residence in Southwark, London. This is an exciting opportunity to join a forward-thinking university committed to delivering a first-class living experience for its students.
As the on-site lead, you’ll play a vital role in building a welcoming, well-managed environment, ensuring that services run smoothly and students feel safe, supported, and at home.
Key Responsibilities:
- Manage and motivate a front-of-house reception team to provide exceptional service.
- Work closely with an external facilities management partner to oversee maintenance, cleaning, and security standards.
- Ensure compliance with university service standards, GDPR, and health and safety procedures.
- Manage operational systems, including the Property Management System, finance records, and rota planning.
- Support student wellbeing by serving as the first point of contact for pastoral matters and community building.
- Monitor and maintain service KPIs, budgets, and occupancy targets.
Ideally you will have:
- Experience managing teams in a customer-facing environment (e.g. hospitality, accommodation, or student services).
- Proven track record in delivering excellent customer service.
- Strong understanding of operational procedures, compliance, and safety in a residential setting.
- Comfortable using Property Management Systems and Microsoft tools (Excel, Teams, SharePoint).
- Ability to handle emergencies, resolve complaints, and support student wellbeing.
- Organised, proactive, and capable of prioritising workloads during peak periods.
Desirable:
- Experience working in Higher Education or student accommodation.
- Familiarity with health and safety procedures including PEEPs, fire safety, and emergency planning.
Why this role?
- Be part of a diverse, inclusive, and values-driven university community.
- Help shape a new residence from the ground up.
- Excellent pension scheme and holiday entitlement.
- Opportunities for career development and training.
- Work that truly makes a difference in students’ lives.
If you have the skills and experience detailed above, please apply today and help create an exceptional student living experience. Due to the large number of applications that we receive, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Residence Manager employer: Val Wade Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Val Wade Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Residence Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of student accommodation. Understanding the unique challenges and expectations of students can help you demonstrate your commitment to creating a supportive environment during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the higher education sector. Attend relevant events or join online forums to connect with others who work in student services or accommodation management, as they may provide valuable insights or even referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with operational systems and compliance. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully managed teams and ensured safety standards in previous roles, as this will be crucial for the Residence Manager position.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your understanding of student wellbeing initiatives. Think about how you can contribute to community building and support services, and be prepared to discuss your ideas on fostering a positive living experience for students.
We think you need these skills to ace Residence Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in managing teams and delivering customer service, particularly in environments like hospitality or student services. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to lead and motivate a team.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for creating a welcoming environment for students. Mention your understanding of operational procedures and compliance, and how your previous experiences align with the responsibilities of the Residence Manager role.
Highlight Relevant Skills: Emphasise your familiarity with Property Management Systems and Microsoft tools. Discuss any experience you have with health and safety procedures, as this is crucial for the role. Be specific about how these skills will help you manage the residence effectively.
Showcase Your Commitment to Student Wellbeing: Demonstrate your commitment to supporting student wellbeing in your application. Share examples of how you've previously handled pastoral matters or built community in a residential setting, as this is a key aspect of the Residence Manager position.
How to prepare for a job interview at Val Wade Recruitment
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Residence Manager, you'll be leading a team. Be prepared to discuss your previous experiences in managing teams, particularly in customer-facing environments. Share specific examples of how you've motivated staff and improved service delivery.
✨Demonstrate Your Understanding of Compliance
Familiarise yourself with the relevant compliance standards, including GDPR and health and safety procedures. During the interview, highlight your knowledge and experience in ensuring these standards are met in a residential setting.
✨Emphasise Your Customer Service Experience
This role requires a strong focus on delivering excellent customer service. Be ready to provide examples of how you've handled complaints or emergencies in the past, and how you prioritised student wellbeing in those situations.
✨Prepare for Operational Questions
Expect questions about operational systems and your experience with Property Management Systems. Brush up on your knowledge of finance records and rota planning, and be ready to discuss how you would manage these aspects effectively.
