Residence Manager - Student Accommodation

Residence Manager - Student Accommodation

Job Overview

StuHomes, part of Education Travel and Leisure Ltd, is looking for a proactive, organised and hands-on Residence Manager to lead the day-to-day operation of Briggate Studios, our 86-room purpose-built student accommodation residence in the heart of Leeds.

This is a key operational leadership role responsible for ensuring the residence is safe, compliant, well maintained and professionally presented, while delivering an outstanding experience for residents throughout their stay. You will lead the on-site team, oversee building operations, manage compliance, support occupancy and financial performance, coordinate maintenance and contractors, and ensure residents receive a responsive, high-quality service.

Alongside the operational management of the residence, you will play an important role in supporting the sales process. Working closely with the Sales team, you will assist with accommodation enquiries, conduct property viewings, support the conversion of prospective residents into confirmed bookings, encourage resident re-bookings and ensure the residence is presented to the highest possible standard. You will be an ambassador for the StuHomes brand, helping maximise occupancy while delivering an exceptional customer experience from first enquiry through to departure.

The successful candidate will be a confident people manager with excellent organisational skills, strong commercial awareness and operational knowledge, and a genuine passion for delivering exceptional customer service.

ResponsibilitiesSite Operations and Leadership

• Lead the day-to-day operation of the residence, ensuring the building is safe, secure, compliant and professionally presented at all times.
• Manage the reception, housekeeping, maintenance and security functions to ensure the smooth running of the residence.
• Lead, motivate and develop the on-site team, managing rotas, attendance, training, performance and conduct in accordance with company procedures.
• Chair daily handovers, manage operational priorities and ensure actions are completed within agreed timescales.
• Maintain accurate site records, operational reports and compliance documentation.
• Drive high standards of presentation, cleanliness, safety and customer service across the residence.

Compliance, Health & Safety and Maintenance

• Ensure statutory compliance is maintained, including fire safety, water hygiene, electrical safety, inspections, risk assessments, incident records and other regulatory requirements.
• Carry out regular site inspections, identifying risks and ensuring remedial actions are completed promptly.
• Prioritise maintenance issues and coordinate contractors undertaking repairs, servicing, planned maintenance and compliance works.
• Review quotations, risk assessments and method statements where required and monitor the quality and completion of works.
• Liaise with contractors, suppliers, emergency services, local authorities and other external stakeholders to ensure works are delivered safely and efficiently.

Resident Experience and Welfare

• Oversee resident arrivals, departures, room moves and the overall resident journey.
• Handle complaints professionally, ensuring concerns are investigated, resolved and responded to in a timely manner.
• Recognise and appropriately manage safeguarding, welfare, behavioural and security concerns, escalating where necessary.
• Communicate effectively with residents to ensure tenancy obligations, house rules and company policies are applied consistently.
• Promote a positive resident experience through excellent communication, engagement and customer service.

Sales, Occupancy and Financial Performance

• Support the Sales team by responding to accommodation enquiries and assisting prospective residents throughout the booking journey.
• Conduct professional property viewings, showcasing the residence and its facilities to prospective residents, university partners and other stakeholders.
• Build positive relationships with prospective residents, helping convert enquiries into confirmed bookings through excellent customer service and product knowledge.
• Support resident retention initiatives by promoting re-bookings, contract extensions and renewals.
• Ensure show rooms, communal areas and the wider residence are maintained to the highest possible standard to support marketing and sales activity.
• Work closely with the Sales and Portfolio teams to maximise occupancy and achieve business targets throughout the academic year.
• Support promotional campaigns, open days, university events and other marketing initiatives where required.
• Monitor resident accounts, rent payments and arrears, maintaining accurate financial records and working closely with the Finance team on reconciliations and reporting.
• Manage student council tax exemption administration and liaise with local authorities where required.

Administration and Reporting

• Maintain accurate operational, compliance and resident records.
• Produce reports on occupancy, compliance, maintenance, resident issues and site performance as required.
• Ensure clear communication and effective handovers between shifts and departments.

ExperienceEssential

• Previous management experience within student accommodation, residential property, hospitality, facilities management or another customer-focused operational environment.
• Strong leadership skills with experience managing teams, rota planning, performance management and staff development.
• Good working knowledge of health and safety legislation, fire safety, statutory compliance, inspections and incident management.
• Experience managing rent arrears, resident accounts, reconciliations or similar financial administration.
• Experience supporting customer enquiries, sales conversations or occupancy initiatives.
• Excellent organisational and administrative skills with strong attention to detail.
• Confident using Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, and able to learn property or facilities management systems quickly.
• Excellent communication and customer service skills with the ability to build positive relationships with residents, colleagues and external stakeholders.
• Strong commercial awareness, with the ability to balance operational excellence with occupancy and resident satisfaction.
• Ability to remain calm under pressure and confidently manage complaints, operational incidents and challenging situations.
• A proactive, hands-on approach with a commitment to delivering an exceptional resident experience.

Desirable

• Previous experience working within Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA).
• Experience working within ANUK, Unipol or other accredited student accommodation standards.
• Knowledge of safeguarding, student welfare and escalation procedures.
• Experience supporting occupancy, resident retention and re-booking initiatives.
• Experience using CRM, booking or property management systems.
• First Aid, Fire Marshal, IOSH or another recognised health and safety qualification.

Working Hours

• Full-time, permanent position.
• 40 hours per week.
• Working 5 days out of 7, including weekends on a rota basis.
• Based on-site.
• Employment is subject to satisfactory references and confirmation of the right to work in the UK.

Pay: £35,000.00-£40,000.00 per year

Work Location: In person