Residency Living Manager

Sodexo; Gateshead; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 40,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Mental health support

Employee assistance programme

Virtual GP service

Discount scheme

Pension plan

Learning and development opportunities

Bike to Work scheme

Job summary

Sodexo UK&I is seeking a Residency Living Manager to lead student living across Newcastle and Gateshead. You’ll shape the residential journey, influence wellbeing, and drive engagement initiatives across multiple sites.

You will lead high-performing teams, build partnerships with universities and community groups, and deliver exceptional experiences for thousands of students—while managing budgets and services to meet commercial goals.

Qualifications

• Experience in Student Accommodation / PBSA (Purpose-Built Student Accommodation).
• University Student Experience or Student Services experience.
• Residential Life or Community Engagement background.
• Hospitality, Leisure, Events, or Customer Experience management background.
• Facilities, Operations, or Multi-Site Service Management experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a vibrant residency living programme across multiple sites.
• Create engaging events, wellbeing programmes, and community-building activities.
• Manage and develop a team including Residency Advisers and operational staff.
• Build relationships with university stakeholders, student services, local organisations, charities, emergency services, and partners.
• Drive student satisfaction through communication, engagement, and support strategies.
• Oversee on-site café, retail, and social space operations to maximise engagement and commercial performance.
• Monitor budgets, control costs, and contribute to financial targets.
• Use feedback and insights to continuously improve the living experience.
• Support senior leadership across the wider portfolio.

Skills

Relationship-building

Team leadership

Stakeholder management

Budget management

Communication

Customer experience

Tools

Microsoft Office

Databases

Job description

Join Our Team as aResidency Living Manager– Make an Impact Every Day

Student Living by Sodexo UK&I, Trinity Square, Gateshead, NE8 1FT, UK (Multiple sites across Newcastle and Gateshead)

40hrs pw 5/7 09.00 – 17.30 £36,000pa + excellent bonus and benefits

Shape the Student Experience. Build Communities. Lead with Impact.

Are you passionate about creating exceptional living experiences? Do you thrive in a fast-paced environment where no two days are the same? This is an exciting opportunity to take the lead in shaping the residential journey of thousands of students living within one of the UK's most vibrant university accommodation portfolios.

We're looking for an inspiring, commercially aware, and people-focused Residency Living Manager to lead the student living experience across multiple accommodation sites in Newcastle and Gateshead. This is far more than a traditional accommodation role. It's an opportunity to influence student wellbeing, build thriving communities, drive engagement initiatives, and create an environment where students can truly flourish.

This role is particularly well suited to candidates from student accommodation, higher education, hospitality, residential life, community engagement, customer experience, events management, leisure, facilities management, or multi-site operational leadership backgrounds.

If you're passionate about building communities, enhancing student wellbeing, leading high-performing teams, and delivering exceptional customer experiences, we'd love to hear from you.

About the Role

As Residency Living Manager, you'll be at the heart of student life. You'll lead innovative programmes, manage key stakeholder relationships, oversee residential engagement strategies, and ensure students receive an outstanding living experience from arrival through to graduation.

You’ll have the freedom to introduce new ideas, challenge the status quo, and help shape the future of student accommodation services. From coordinating large-scale student events to developing community partnerships and enhancing on-site facilities, you’ll play a pivotal role in delivering an exceptional customer experience.

• Leading and developing a vibrant residency living programme across multiple student accommodation sites.
• Creating memorable experiences through events, engagement initiatives, wellbeing programmes, and community-building activities.
• Managing and developing a team, including Residency Advisers and operational staff.
• Building strong relationships with university stakeholders, student services teams, local organisations, charities, emergency services, and community partners.
• Driving student satisfaction through innovative communication, engagement, and support strategies.
• Supporting the management of on-site café, retail, and social space operations, helping maximise both student engagement and commercial performance.
• Monitoring budgets, controlling costs, and contributing to financial performance targets.
• Using student feedback and market insights to continuously improve the residential experience.
• Supporting senior leadership and deputising where required across the wider portfolio.

What We’re Looking For

We're keen to hear from candidates who have experience in:

• Student Accommodation / PBSA (Purpose-Built Student Accommodation)
• University Student Experience or Student Services
• Residential Life or Community Engagement
• Hospitality, Leisure, Events, or Customer Experience Management
• Facilities, Operations, or Multi-Site Service Management

You’ll also bring:

• Exceptional relationship‑building and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience leading, motivating, and developing teams.
• Strong commercial awareness and budget management capability.
• Outstanding communication and presentation skills.
• A passion for delivering first‑class customer experiences.
• Experience working with diverse communities and supporting wellbeing initiatives.
• A creative mindset with the confidence to introduce new ideas and challenge existing approaches.
• A highly organised and proactive approach, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment.
• Strong problem‑solving skills and the confidence to make decisions independently.
• Experience using Microsoft Office, databases, and digital communication platforms, including social media.

What We Offer

At Sodexo, this is more than just a job—it’s your chance to be part of something greater. We celebrate individuality, encourage purpose‑driven work, and empower you to succeed on your own terms. Here’s what you can expect when you join us:

• A competitive salary & excellent benefits package.
• Opportunities for career growth and development.
• A diverse, supportive, and inclusive workplace.
• A chance to make a tangible impact on student satisfaction, wellbeing, and community engagement, creating a positive and memorable residential experience for thousands of students.

Additional Perks & Benefits

• Unlimited access to an online mental health and wellbeing support platform.
• An Employee Assistance Programme for legal, financial, and personal support.
• 24/7 access to a virtual GP service.
• Exclusive discounts for you, your family, and friends through the Sodexo Discounts Scheme.
• Membership in the Mercer Aspire Pension Plan to help you save for your future.
• Learning and development opportunities to enhance your career growth.
• A Bike to Work Scheme, supporting both your fitness and the environment.

Ready to Be Part of Something Greater?

If you're looking for an opportunity where you can bring your passion, skills, and ambition to a company that truly values you, then this is it.

Friendly customers. Vibrant communities. Exciting careers.