Accommodation Services Manager

University of Sunderland; New Penshaw; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Holiday entitlement

Staff networks

Lifestyle benefits

Private medical cover

Learning and development

Job summary

The University of Sunderland is seeking an Accommodation Services Manager to lead a student housing operation, ensuring safe, welcoming and compliant residences while delivering the accommodation strategy. You will drive occupancy, financial performance and service innovation, working with colleagues, students and external partners.

We seek an experienced leader with a background in accommodation, housing or a similar operational environment, able to lead teams, manage budgets and leverage data

Qualifications

• Experience leading accommodation/housing services.
• Proven ability to manage teams and budgets.
• Strong data and technology literacy for decision making.
• Knowledge of health and safety responsibilities and housing legislation.

Responsibilities

• Lead the accommodation service and drive the strategy.
• Oversee day-to-day halls management and occupancy.
• Improve services through data, processes and innovation.
• Collaborate with colleagues, students and external partners.

Skills

Leadership

Accommodation

Budget management

Data-driven decisions

Health & safety

Communication

Job description

Is this you? As Accommodation Services Manager, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the student residential experience at the University, leading a diverse and dynamic accommodation service that places student wellbeing, safety and success at its heart. Reporting to the Head of Student Life, you will provide leadership of the accommodation service and delivery of the accommodation strategy, ensuring our residences are safe, welcoming, inclusive and compliant environments where students can thrive. From overseeing the day-to-day management of halls of residence and delivering our Accommodation Strategy, to driving occupancy, financial performance and service innovation, you will have the opportunity to make a lasting impact on both the student experience and the University's wider ambitions. Working collaboratively with colleagues, students, external partners and stakeholders, you will champion a customer-focused culture, use data and insight to inform decision making, and lead continuous improvement across every aspect of the service. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced leader who is passionate about creating vibrant residential communities, supporting student wellbeing, and delivering excellence in accommodation services. You are an experienced leader with a background in accommodation, housing or a similar operational environment, with a proven ability to lead teams, manage budgets and deliver high-quality services. You bring strong commercial awareness, experience of developing effective systems and processes, and confidence in using data and technology to support decision making. You'll have a sound understanding of health and safety responsibilities, housing legislation and compliance requirements, alongside excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Most importantly, you'll be passionate about creating inclusive, welcoming environments where students feel supported, valued and able to thrive. If you're a collaborative and proactive professional who enjoys improving services and making a positive impact, we'd love to hear from you.

• Up to 49 days' holiday - that's 36 days' annual leave, 5 festive closure days and 8 Bank Holidays!
• Award-winning staff networks that celebrate who you are.
• Lifestyle benefits, with savings on shopping, tech, bikes, and even cars.
• Health and well-being support, from private medical cover to gym discounts.
• Learning and development that helps you achieve your goals.

Closing date:Monday 31 August 2026 (23:59 GMT) Interviews: Thursday 10 September 2026 (TBC)

You are an experienced leader with a background in accommodation, housing or a similar operational environment, with a proven ability to lead teams, manage budgets and deliver high-quality services. You bring strong commercial awareness, experience of developing effective systems and processes, and confidence in using data and technology to support decision making. You'll have a sound understanding of health and safety responsibilities, housing legislation and compliance requirements, alongside excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Most importantly, you'll be passionate about creating inclusive, welcoming environments where students feel supported, valued and able to thrive. If you're a collaborative and proactive professional who enjoys improving services and making a positive impact, we'd love to hear from you.

At the University of Sunderland, we're more than a place of learning, we're a welcoming community that values inclusivity, collaboration, and well-being. We don't just offer jobs, we offer careers that come with support, flexibility, and plenty of perks:

• Up to 49 days' holiday - that's 36 days' annual leave, 5 festive closure days and 8 Bank Holidays!
• Award-winning staff networks that celebrate who you are.
• Lifestyle benefits, with savings on shopping, tech, bikes, and even cars.
• Health and well-being support, from private medical cover to gym discounts.
• Learning and development that helps you achieve your goals.