Interim Estates & Accommodation Lead

Investigo; Oxford; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious UK college is seeking an experienced Interim Estates & Accommodation Lead to provide leadership in a transitional period. You will oversee accommodation services and ensure compliance and student satisfaction remain high. Candidates should have a background in estates management, strong communication skills, and the ability to lead during change. This role starts in January and requires applicants with proven experience in academic environments.

Qualifications

• Proven background in accommodation management or operational estates management.
• Ability to integrate quickly in a fast-paced academic environment.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to influence others.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership across accommodation services and estates functions.
• Ensure smooth running of student accommodation processes.
• Maintain health & safety and compliance standards.
• Support the estates team with ongoing projects.

Skills

Accommodation management

Interpersonal communication

Leadership

Compliance knowledge

Job description

Overview

OPPORTUNITY: Interim Estates & Accommodation Lead - January Start

I'm partnering with a prestigious, world-renowned UK college to source an experienced interim professional who can provide vital leadership within their Estates & Accommodation function during an important transitional period.

This is a highly visible role within a well-established, high-performing team responsible for delivering exceptional accommodation services and maintaining a safe, compliant and student-focused estate. The successful candidate will be expected to step in with confidence, take ownership quickly, and ensure continuity of service while supporting both day-to-day operations and ongoing improvement work.

You will be working closely with colleagues across estates, student services, academic departments and external partners, ensuring that accommodation operations continue to run efficiently, student experience remains at the forefront, and all statutory, compliance and service standards are upheld.

Responsibilities

• Providing steady leadership and operational oversight across accommodation services and estates functions
• Ensuring smooth running of all student accommodation processes, including allocations, tenancy management, service delivery and issue resolution
• Maintaining strong health & safety, compliance and property management standards
• Supporting the wider estates team with ongoing projects, operational planning and peak-period activity
• Acting as the senior point of contact for internal stakeholders, external suppliers and student-facing teams
• Leading and motivating teams during a period of change, ensuring morale, consistency and service quality remain high

Essential Requirements

• Previous experience working within a college or university estates and/or accommodation environment
• A proven background in accommodation management, student services leadership, or operational estates management
• Ability to quickly integrate into a fast-paced academic setting and provide reliable, autonomous leadership
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate across complex institutions
• A flexible, proactive approach with the confidence to make decisions and maintain stability during interim cover

If you\'re an experienced interim professional with relevant sector expertise and January availability, APPLY NOW.

Please feel free to reach out directly for further details or an informal discussion