Assistant Accommodation Manager

About the role

Kensington Student Services is an independent education accommodation provider, providing student accommodation for international UK-based students. 

We are looking for a reliable and responsible Assistant Accommodation Manager to supervise the operation of our student accommodation throughout London.

Main duties and responsibilities:

• The post holder will manage the Resident Assistant Teams on site and support the Senior KSS Management by monitoring local service level agreements.  

• The post-holder will support the welfare and pastoral provisions in place as well as ensuring the safeguarding policy is adhered to. 

• Advise on accommodation options, using knowledge and practical experience of the London market if accommodation is oversubscribed. 

• Assist with the marketing, letting and promotion of the accommodation portfolio in London and ensure accurate data entry to CRM and maintaining records 

• Process all London based enquiries promptly and effectively (and other cities when needed) 

• Allocate students according to National Minimum Standards to minimise safeguarding risks 

• Undertake training where appropriate for personal development and as the business requires. 

• Visit accommodation and homestay providers ensuring quality and reliable residences and families are recruited. 

• Provide financial management of bookings and services including student invoices/credit notes and chasing arrears. 

• Liaise with guardianship services and MPW staff to support residents 

• Line manage any London based KSS Residence Team and any summer temporary staff. 

• Assist in the development and delivery of staff training and student Induction. 

• Ensure that arrangements are in place for international students who are collected from the airport on arrival to the UK and taken to the Residence safely. 

• Manage complaints in the first instance, escalating when necessary 

• Liaise with service providers on site to ensure high standards are maintained and undertake regular assessments of these providers and make recommendations for quality and value for money. 

• Undertake viewings and tours of our portfolio with families, agents and other stakeholders 

• Create and proofread both digital and print marketing materials. 

• Be part of the out of hours emergency call out rota for London, Cambridge and Birmingham, and provide support to the Head of Accommodation as part of the Senior Management Team and provide cover in their absence 

Student welfare

Promoting and safeguarding the welfare of the students for whom you are responsible and with whom you come into contact.

Person Specification

• Experience in working in an operational accommodation related environment 

• Experience of working with young people in an educational setting is desirable 

• Interest in working with young people 

• Ability to react effectively to unexpected situations, coupled with good negotiating skills combined with tact and diplomacy 

• Flexible, adaptable and willing to work as part of a team 

• Ability to deal with sensitive and confidential information appropriately 

• Experience in compiling data and presenting it to meet the needs of different audiences, and using databases and CRM for record keeping 

• Business to business experience of working in a commercial environment 

• IT skills to include a sound knowledge of MS Word and Excel to intermediate level 

• Excellent attention to detail and the capacity to work efficiently in order to meet tight deadlines 

• Positive attitude to use of authority and maintaining student discipline 

• Willingness to work beyond normal office hours, particularly at times of peak workload 

Additional Requirements:

• Availability to respond to emergencies and address accomodation issues outside of regular business hours.

To apply please email recruitment@kss.co.uk  via the ‘Apply’ button above.