Residence Manager

City, Edinburgh
Downing

We are looking for a Residence Manager to join our team, overseeing operational activities within our scheme comprising 238 en-suite and studio bedrooms in the heart of Edinburgh.

As Residence Manager, you will be responsible for delivering an exceptional experience for our customers and ensuring the provision of cost-effective facilities and maintenance services.

Downing is an award-winning developer, owner, and operator of bespoke, luxury student accommodation, residential, and commercial properties across the UK. With over 35 years of experience, we currently operate 14 student accommodation schemes in 10 major cities, with additional projects under construction.

Role outline:

1. Manage and motivate the team to operate New Park student accommodation, providing high-quality service to customers.
2. Instruct the site team regarding Health & Safety, data protection, and current legislation.
3. Handle partnership agreements with external institutes, meeting all relevant SLAs and KPIs.
4. Support hospitality and customer service functions, including presentation of communal areas, handling complaints, and pastoral issues.
5. Manage the student letting cycle to ensure 100% occupancy, including marketing, viewings, check-ins and outs, inspections, tenancy agreements, rent & arrears management, and student welfare.
6. Assist in planning room availability and viewings.
7. Achieve lettings targets to maintain 100% occupancy year on year.
8. Maximise income through extensions, summer lets, vending, etc.
9. Prepare reports on lettings, rent, and customer issues.
10. Provide customer-focused facilities and maintenance services, managing utilities, waste, security, and cleaning contracts within the full budget.
11. Oversee statutory inspections and testing, ensuring compliance and proper documentation.
12. Manage site/building operations, scheduling trades, and supporting relationships with local authorities and partners such as universities.
13. Organise, tender, and manage minor works, maintenance programs, and procurement.
14. Ensure compliance with health & safety legislation and conduct risk assessments.
15. Manage defects and resolve complex issues.
16. Contribute to procurement programs for maintenance and services contracts.

Key Requirements:

• Proven experience in student/university halls accommodation or hotel sector.
• Ideal for someone at Assistant Manager level or seeking the next career step.
• Facilities Management experience is advantageous.
• Ability to manage staff with diverse expertise.
• Highly customer service-oriented, self-motivated, organized, and able to work under pressure.

Hours of Work:

• Monday to Friday, 8am-5pm or 9am-6pm on a rota basis.
• Every 3rd Saturday, 8am-5pm, with hours given back in lieu.
• Additional hours during summer turnaround periods may be required.

The benefits

25 days holiday + bank holidays

Life assurance cover

Mental health support

Company pension contribution

Work for us

Our people are our success. Join Downing during our most significant expansion in three decades. We value mutual respect and a desire to advance the business. Explore our latest vacancies and find opportunities where your contribution is valued.