Community Manager

Deverell Smith Recruitment Ltd; Ashford; On-site; GBP 38,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Deverell Smith Recruitment Ltd is seeking an experienced Community Manager to lead the day-to-day operations of a residential development in Ashford, Kent. You will drive occupancy, customer service, and financial performance while managing an on-site team and coordinating with marketing and property stakeholders.

The role focuses on delivering high standards of service, maintaining regulatory compliance, and creating a safe, welcoming living environment for residents.

Qualifications

• Experience in property management or residential operations.
• Strong leadership and team development skills.
• Commercial awareness with budgeting and revenue management.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities.
• Experience driving occupancy, leasing activity and retention.
• Knowledge of landlord and tenant legislation and health & safety standards.
• Organised with attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities.

Responsibilities

• Lead the on-site team and drive professional development.
• Own budgets, forecasting, and overall financial performance.
• Develop local marketing/leasing strategies to maximise occupancy and rental income.
• Manage resident relations, address feedback and ensure high service standards.
• Oversee day-to-day operations, tenancy management and property maintenance.
• Monitor expenditures and provide accurate financial reporting to stakeholders.
• Ensure compliance with legislation, health and safety and company policies.
• Engage with residents, investors and contractors to support community operations.
• Plan and execute community engagement and service improvements.

Job description

Community Manager

An exciting opportunity for an experienced Community Manager to lead, inspire and drive the success of a thriving residential community.

We are seeking a motivated, commercially minded and people-focused Community Manager to take full ownership of the day-to-day operations of a residential development in Ashford, Kent.

This is an excellent opportunity for an established property management professional who thrives in a fast‑paced environment, enjoys leading teams and is passionate about delivering exceptional customer service. You will play a key role in driving financial performance, maximising occupancy, developing your team and creating a safe, vibrant and welcoming community where residents are proud to live.

The Role and Responsibilities

As Community Manager, you will have overall responsibility for the operational, financial and commercial performance of the property, ensuring the community operates efficiently while consistently delivering high standards of service.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Leadership and Team Development: Lead, motivate and develop the on‑site team, setting clear expectations, supporting professional development and creating a positive, high‑performing working environment.
• Commercial Performance: Take ownership of budgets, forecasting, revenue targets and overall financial performance, using market insights and operational data to identify opportunities for growth and improvement.
• Leasing and Occupancy: Work closely with marketing teams to develop effective local marketing and leasing strategies, maximise occupancy, drive rental income and support resident retention.
• Resident Experience: Build strong relationships with residents, proactively address feedback and complaints, and ensure a consistently high standard of customer service throughout the community.
• Property Operations: Oversee day‑to‑day operations, tenancy management, property inspections, planned and reactive maintenance, and refurbishment projects, ensuring work is completed to a high standard and within agreed budgets and timescales.
• Financial Reporting: Monitor expenditure, review financial performance, analyse variances against budget and provide accurate reporting to relevant stakeholders.
• Compliance and Health & Safety: Ensure the property operates in accordance with relevant legislation, health and safety requirements, company policies and industry standards.
• Stakeholder Management: Develop and maintain strong relationships with residents, investors, property owners, contractors and internal teams to support the successful operation of the community.
• Community Engagement: Take a proactive approach to resident engagement, community events and service improvements, helping to create an inclusive and enjoyable living environment.
• Standards and Continuous Improvement: Conduct regular inspections and walkabouts, ensuring buildings, communal areas, grounds and amenities are safe, clean, well‑maintained and presented to a high standard.

About You

We are looking for a confident and organised leader with a proven track record in property management, residential operations or a similar customer-focused environment.

You will be commercially aware, operationally strong and comfortable taking full accountability for business performance. You should have the ability to balance competing priorities, make informed decisions and lead by example while maintaining a strong focus on both resident satisfaction and financial results.

The ideal candidate will bring:

• Previous experience managing a residential property, multifamily community or comparable operational environment.
• Strong leadership skills and experience managing, coaching and developing a team.
• A solid understanding of budgets, financial reporting, revenue management and commercial performance.
• Experience driving occupancy, leasing activity and resident retention.
• Excellent communication, relationship‑building and stakeholder management skills.
• Knowledge of landlord and tenant legislation, property compliance and health and safety requirements.
• Strong organisational skills, attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.
• A proactive, solutions‑focused mindset with the confidence to take ownership and resolve challenges.
• A genuine passion for customer service, community engagement and continuous improvement.