General Manager - Student Property/Lettings

Job Introduction

This is a unique and exciting opportunity to oversee a property development for student accommodation in central Newcastle. As General Manager, you will manage the sales, tenancies and property of 329 rooms. The development is still in the process of being built, but by joining the team now, you will have input into supporting developers and selecting details as well as lead the sales and marketing of the rooms.

This opportunity would suit individuals from the property/lettings business, who have a keen interest in student living and welfare, and being part of a new development project.

Role Responsibility

• Take ownership of the property, developing a team approach to service delivery and fostering an attitude of service excellence.
• Manage the sales & marketing, housekeeping and facilities teams.
• Consistently drive high standards providing a one stop seamless service to all tenants, visitors, stakeholders and clients alike.
• Process rental payments and lead the local team in the collection/referral of arrears
• Establish and maintain a good working relationship with all relevant University/Institution departments and local competitors.
• Supervise the facilities team to deliver reactive and planned preventative maintenance through the year and during summer operations program.
• Facilitate tenant welfare issues onsite through tenant mediation and University support teams.
• Attendance to emergency situations such as fire alarms and requests for assistance from tenants and colleagues
• Manage and plan resource levels to ensure appropriate staffing levels are available to meet the demand of the market – open days, large check-ins  etc…
• Monitor and report upon sales/viewings data and drive improvements
• Work with the Student Living Marketing Manager around key sales/marketing campaigns
• Meet Financial targets in relation to operating income and arrears management
• Management of cash control and banking reconciliation
• Fully understand & monitor the local student accommodation markets

The Ideal Candidate

• Experience of property/lettings management, property sales and maintenance (FM)
• Background in student accommodation, estate agencies or equivalent
• Excellent customer focus and passionate about the customer journey and welfare
• Strong team manager and able to lead sales and marketing teams
• Commercial and able to manage budgets, rent and debt
• Strong communication skills and orgnaisation skills
• Flexibility to the needs of the business

About the Company

In the UK and Ireland, Sodexo employs some 35,000 employees to deliver integrated facilities management services to clients at over 2,000 locations in the corporate, healthcare, education, leisure, defence and justice sectors. With an annual turnover of over £1bn, we provide everything from catering, cleaning and reception to security, laboratory and grounds maintenance services, enabling our clients to focus on their core business.

Sodexo and our clients are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults within a regulated activity. Certain roles will require applicants to undergo screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and/ or Disclosure Scotland.