General Manager in London

The Role

Britannia Student Services is seeking an exceptional individual to lead our London-based team. The ideal candidate will be a results driven, commercially minded professional, with strong leadership qualities.

Pro-active, energetic and customer focused, while encouraging the same in others, you will seek timely results and solutions, building strong relationships with clients and suppliers, negotiating rates and contracting accommodation products and services. You will be able to manage Britannia’s activities and improve business strategies, effectively motivating staff to ensure that a high quality of work and customer satisfaction is achieved. 

Ideally, you will have experience in the EFL or student accommodation industry and a proven track record of senior management experience in a UK-based company.

Attributes

• Solution focused, results orientated and strategic thinking
• Commercially and financially aware
• Influencer and strong negotiator
• Excellent interpersonal skills used to build strong relationships
• Dynamic, energetic leader and motivator
• Systems driven problem solver with an eye for detail

Key Responsibilities

As well as leading and managing the London team, you will also take a lead role in financial analysis and control, sales and business development, and planning operational delivery and services.

You will represent Britannia at conferences, trade fairs, client/supplier meetings and events so overnight travel within the UK and internationally is a requirement.

Other responsibilities will include:

• Assess and analyse performance of staff and departments, making decisions on any necessary changes to the current structure and division of responsibilities amongst staff to improve processes and maximise productivity while adhering to policies, e.g. Safeguarding, Right To Rent, etc.
• Work closely with the Directors to set business goals; propose and implement strategies for the development of the business to increase profitability.
• Forge and develop close relationships with international and domestic clients and monitor their satisfaction at a senior level, as well as resolve service or other issues.
• Be involved in the marketing and promotion of our products and services to our UK and international client base, including both B2B and B2C.
• Oversee day-to-day operations, ensure all services are provided in a timely manner and to the highest standards, and accurate records kept.
• Work closely with the accounts team to prepare budgets, manage costs, analyse management accounts, etc., to ensure control of cashflow and margins.
• Continuously seek to improve Britannia’s product offering, negotiating and contracting for new accommodation both in the UK and overseas.
• Oversee facilities, quality control and services both in Britannia’s own properties and in those contracted with third party providers.
• Manage supply chains by key suppliers by monitoring service delivery, controlling costs, negotiating on rates, and maintaining good working relationships.
• Oversee our third party web and software developer in working on new projects.
• Introduce KPIs in order to motivate, incentivise and track the performance of staff, and implement training and staff development activities.
• Ensure there is out-of-hours emergency cover and that all staff have received appropriate training, are briefed/debriefed, and coverage is continuous.

Accountabilities

• Contribute to the company’s goals and objectives
• Analyse team performance and decide on necessary changes
• Monitor client satisfaction and develop relationships
• Assess financial performance to ensure profitability
• Ensure compliance with British Council and legal protocols

Skills & Experience

• Senior management experience essential; within the EFL, student services, and/or hotel industries desirable.
• Strong sales and commercial focus with a proven track record in business development and account management.
• Financial acumen with ability to interpret and analyse financial documents including cashflow forecasts, income/expenditure statements, etc., and set financial targets.
• Proven ability to build strong working relationships with clients and suppliers, and utilise negotiation skills to close contracts and manage supply chains.
• IT literate, with excellent working knowledge of MS Office 365 (knowledge of CLASS reservations system is an advantage). Website management experience is desirable.
• Supervisory management experience.
• Exceptional planning and organisational skills used to deliver multiple, simultaneous projects to deadline.
• Experience of British Council inspections an advantage.

Education/Qualifications

Degree level graduate or a verifiable educational level and/or qualifications which meet the scope and seniority of the role.

Job Details

Based just off Oxford Street in central London, 3 minutes walk from nearest Underground station.

Hours of work: Full-time permanent role working from 9.30am to 6pm Monday to Friday, with one hour for lunch, plus periodic out-of-hours cover over evenings and weekends. Hybrid working one day per week (subject to change)

Salary: £50,000 - £60,000 per annum dependent on experience

Benefits: 25 days annual leave, plus bank holidays; Company-contributed pension; Performance/profitability related bonus.

The closing date for applications is 30th June 2024. To apply, please submit a cover letter and a copy of your CV to

Please Note:    

The successful candidate must have the right to work in the UK.

Successful applicants may be required to undertake a DBS check.

Proof of qualifications may be required.

References will be required.

If not already certified, successful candidates will be required to complete safeguarding training within 3 months of employment.