Commercial Director - Student Housing & Growth (Dubai)

Gedu Services Private Limited; Dubai; On-site; AED 600,000 - 1,000,000; Full time

Job summary

ESAW Premium Student Living in Dubai UAE seeks a Commercial Director to lead daily commercial management across two student residences, aiming to boost occupancy and revenue while ensuring a high-quality resident experience.

The role reports to Owner Director, coordinating admissions, sales, marketing, operations and resident services, turning priorities into plans and providing concise reporting.

Qualifications

• Has senior commercial or general management experience in student accommodation, residential property, hospitality, or related service business.
• Strong record of improving occupancy, revenue, sales conversion and customer retention.
• Led teams across multiple functions and can set clear expectations while supporting accountability.
• Confident using performance data, budgets, forecasts and sales pipelines to guide decisions.
• Communicates clearly and can present concise reports and practical recommendations to senior leadership.
• Organised, hands-on and able to balance commercial goals with service quality.
• Can build productive relationships with universities, agents, students, parents and internal teams.
• Has experience working in the UAE or strong understanding of the Dubai market.
• Proficient with CRM systems, spreadsheets and standard business reporting tools.

Responsibilities

• Lead ESAW's day-to-day commercial activities across both residences.
• Develop and deliver plans to increase occupancy, revenue, enquiries and bookings.
• Oversee the sales and admissions pipeline from enquiry through to booking and arrival.
• Build and maintain relationships with universities, education partners, recruitment agents, and referral sources.
• Review pricing, promotions and room performance and adjust based on demand.
• Coordinate marketing activity and ensure campaigns and communications align with the ESAW brand.
• Set targets, responsibilities and reporting routines for the team and monitor performance.
• Prepare concise reports for the Owner Director covering occupancy, revenue, enquiries, conversions, arrears, feedback, risks.
• Work with operations and facilities teams to address service issues affecting satisfaction and revenue.
• Ensure licensing, safety and compliance requirements are followed.

Skills

Senior commercial experience

Team leadership

CRM proficiency

Data-driven decisions

Relationship building

UAE market knowledge

Tools

CRM software

Spreadsheet tools

Reporting tools

Job description

ESAW Premium Student Living in Dubai UAE seeks a Commercial Director to lead daily commercial management across two student residences, aiming to boost occupancy and revenue while ensuring a high-quality resident experience.

The role reports to Owner Director, coordinating admissions, sales, marketing, operations and resident services, turning priorities into plans and providing concise reporting.