Accommodation Manager (FTC)

Job Description:

Site Manager (12 Month Fixed Term Contract)

Location: Cardiff

Sector: Student Accommodation

Contract: 12 Month FTC

We're recruiting for a hands-on Site Manager to take full operational responsibility for a purpose-built student accommodation scheme in Cardiff.

This role is about ownership. You'll lead the on-site team, protect occupancy and revenue, ensure compliance is watertight, and create a safe, well-run environment where students feel supported.

You'll be accountable for performance, people and profit - reporting into senior asset leadership while running the building day to day.

What You'll Be Responsible For:

Operational Leadership

• Full day-to-day management of the residence
• Leading and motivating the on-site team
• Ensuring smooth front-of-house, maintenance and back-office operations
• Overseeing student move-in and move-out periods
• Maintaining high visual and service standards throughout the building

Commercial & Occupancy Performance

• Driving occupancy, renewals and summer lets
• Managing enquiries, viewings and conversion activity
• Supporting retention initiatives to maximise revenue
• Monitoring performance against targets and identifying improvement opportunities

Financial Control

• Managing budgets and cost control for the site
• Monitoring P&L performance
• Overseeing billing, credit control and debt management
• Ensuring accurate use of booking and finance systems
• Supporting budget preparation and forecasting

Compliance & Health & Safety

• Full responsibility for H&S compliance across the building
• Ensuring fire safety testing, emergency lighting checks and statutory inspections are completed
• Maintaining up-to-date compliance records
• Supporting building safety and legislative requirements
• Acting as emergency contact and attending site when required

Student Experience & Welfare

• Ensuring high levels of customer satisfaction
• Managing complaints and conduct matters professionally
• Understanding mental health protocols and directing students to appropriate support services
• Building positive relationships with local universities and stakeholders

Team Management

• Recruitment, onboarding and performance management
• Conducting 1-2-1s and performance reviews
• Managing rotas, holidays and absence
• Coaching and developing a multi-skilled team
• Handling employee relations matters in line with policy

What We're Looking For

• Experience managing a residential, hospitality or service-led site
• Strong team leadership experience
• Commercial awareness with experience managing budgets and financial performance
• Confident handling compliance and health & safety responsibilities
• Able to balance operational detail with commercial objectives
• Calm under pressure, particularly during peak periods
• Strong communication skills with the ability to influence and lead

The Role Requires

• Flexibility to work evenings and weekends when required
• Participation in an on-call rota and attendance for emergencies
• Occasional travel for meetings or training