Residential Operations Manager

ZipRecruiter; London; On-site; GBP 38,000 - 44,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in London is seeking a Residential Operations Manager to oversee the launch and management of a new hall of residence. This permanent, full-time role involves key leadership responsibilities, including managing staff and ensuring student satisfaction. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in student accommodation or hotel operations, excellent interpersonal skills, and the ability to handle multiple priorities effectively.

Benefits

Generous annual leave

Strong pension scheme

Professional development opportunities

Qualifications

• Experience in student accommodation or hotel operations.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and drive projects to completion.

Responsibilities

• Oversee reception staff, recruitment, training, and performance.
• Monitor budgets and service KPIs.
• Act as primary on-site contact for operational issues.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Planning

Interpersonal Skills

Education

Experience in Higher Education

Tools

Property Management Systems

Job description

Job Description

Are you an experienced Operations Manager with a strong background in student accommodation or hotel operations? Are you ready to take on a key leadership role in the launch and management of a brand-new halls of residence?

Signature Recruitment is proud to be partnering with a long-standing client in London to recruit a Residential Operations Manager for a brand-new hall of residence. This is a permanent, full-time position with a salary of £38,500 to £44,000, working 35 hours Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm. This role offers the rare chance to help shape the launch and ongoing success of a new accommodation site. You will be working fully onsite, with some weekend work during peak times, such as student arrivals and departures. The role offers excellent benefits including generous annual leave, a strong pension scheme, and professional development opportunities.

The successful candidate will act as the key point of contact on-site, overseeing reception and front-of-house operations while working closely with internal teams and an external facilities provider. This role calls for excellent interpersonal skills, emotional intelligence, and strong attention to detail. The ideal candidate will be a confident, proactive leader, capable of managing multiple priorities and driving projects to completion.

Residential Operations Manager Key Responsibilities:

• Line manage reception staff, overseeing recruitment, rotas, training, development, and day-to-day performance.
• Monitor budgets and service KPIs, supporting occupancy, income , and student satisfaction targets.
• Act as the primary on-site contact, liaising with third-party providers and resolving operational issues efficiently.
• Maintain accurate systems and records, ensuring compliance with GDPR, health and safety, and financial procedures.
• Promote student wellbeing, manage complaints, and work with Residential Life teams to build a supportive community.
• Lead service improvements and projects, acting on feedback and contributing to wider operational and sustainability goals.

Residential Operations Manager Key Skills:

• Familiarity with student accommodation and the Higher Education sector, including experience using Property Management Systems.
• Confident team leader with experience managing front-line or reception staff
• Excellent planning skills with the ability to prioritise under pressure and respond effectively to day-to-day and emergency situations.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills, particularly when working with third-party contractors or facilities teams

This is an exciting opportunity to help shape a new residence from the very beginning. Where you will deliver a fantastic living experience for hundreds of students. Looking to take the next step in your operations career and thrive in a collaborative, on-the-ground role? Apply today.