General manager (pbsa)

We are seeking an experienced and dynamic General Manager to lead the ongoing operations of an exciting brand-new student accommodation development in Leeds. This is an exciting opportunity to take full ownership of a new scheme from launch, shaping the culture, service standards, and resident experience from day one. You’ll play a pivotal role in bringing a high-quality, service-led living concept to life—creating a vibrant, welcoming community where residents feel genuinely supported and at home. The Role As General Manager, you will have full operational responsibility for the site, leading a team and ensuring the delivery of exceptional customer service, strong commercial performance, and first-class facilities management. You will oversee the mobilisation phase, setting up systems, recruiting and training your team, and embedding a service culture that prioritises proactivity, care, and attention to detail. Key Responsibilities Operations & Mobilisation Lead the full mobilisation of the development, ensuring readiness for launch Oversee day-to-day operations, ensuring seamless service delivery Monitor quality standards across the building, apartments, and shared spaces Manage contractors, suppliers, and third-party service providers Act as the escalation point for operational challenges and service issues Customer Experience & Community Deliver a best-in-class resident experience through proactive, high-quality service Create and maintain a strong sense of community through events and engagement Handle complaints and feedback professionally, ensuring swift resolution Build local partnerships to enhance the resident offering Team Leadership Recruit, train, and lead an on-site team including operations and facilities staff Drive engagement, performance, and a positive team culture Conduct appraisals, performance reviews, and ongoing development Commercial & Financial Performance Manage budgets, costs, and financial performance against targets Support leasing strategy to maximise occupancy and reduce voids Identify opportunities to drive additional revenue and improve efficiencies Produce regular performance and asset reports Health, Safety & Compliance Ensure full compliance with all statutory and regulatory requirements Lead on health & safety, fire safety, and risk assessments Manage audits, inspections, and incident reporting processes Marketing & Leasing Support Support marketing and leasing strategy during launch and stabilisation Conduct viewings and promote the development’s value proposition Monitor local market trends and competitor activity About You We are looking for a confident and personable leader who thrives in a customer-focused environment and enjoys building high-performing teams. You will bring: Proven experience in residential, PBSA, Build-to-Rent, or hospitality management Strong operational leadership skills Commercial awareness with experience managing budgets and targets Excellent communication and interpersonal skills A proactive approach with strong attention to detail The ability to balance hands-on operational involvement with strategic oversight If you’re passionate about delivering exceptional experiences and want to play a key role in launching an exciting new development, we’d love to hear from you.