At aparto, we're more than just student accommodation, we're a community that acts as a home-away-from-home for students across the UK, Ireland, Italy, and Spain. We understand that university life is a significant transition for many, often marking the first time they've lived away from their families. That's why we strive to make aparto not just a place to stay, but a vibrant, supportive environment where students can make lifelong friends, discover new possibilities, and have experiences that will shape their futures.
Responsibilities
Responsible for oversight of the UK and Ireland aparto business. The portfolio is currently 10 properties across the UK, and 6 in Dublin, with further growth anticipated.
The successful candidate will maintain responsibility for financial performance and achievement of performance goals across all properties. The will ensures successful administration of talent management, operations, quality control, governance, procurement, and supporting investor/owner/client communication activities for UK and Ireland. They will ensure that our buildings operate safely, efficiently, and profitably, while delivering an outstanding resident experience that differentiates aparto in the market. They will be responsible for leading a team to drive continuous improvement, and partner closely with asset management, marketing, and finance to ensure the portfolio meets commercial objectives.
Operational Leadership
* Lead the sales and operational strategy for the UK & Ireland portfolio, ensuring consistent, high-quality service delivery across all properties.
* Oversee day-to-day operations, including H&S, compliance, facilities management, guest experience, and community engagement.
* Ensure all buildings operate in line with brand standards, legal requirements, and investor expectations.
* Oversee 3rd party client relationships.
* Develop industry wide network and pitch for new 3rd party mandates.
Commercial Performance
* Work closely with Asset Management to deliver annual budgets, operating plans, and financial targets.
* Work closely alongside the Marketing Managers to develop and deliver marketing strategy.
* Oversee the sales function including agent strategy.
* Monitor occupancy, revenue, cost control, and financial performance across the portfolio.
* Identify opportunities to enhance income, reduce costs, and improve operational efficiency.
Property & Facilities Management
* Partner with the Facilities Management team to ensure buildings are well-maintained, safe, and aligned with lifecycle plans.
* Support mobilisation of new developments and refurbishments, ensuring smooth handover into operations.
* Oversee procurement and contractor performance to ensure value for money and service quality.
* Manage new mobilisations (including set up of systems, recruitment, marketing strategy) and oversee refurbishments.
* Deliver Environmental goals and ensure compliance.
Health, Safety & Compliance
* Ensure full compliance with statutory and brand standards across all buildings.
* Oversee risk management, incident reporting, and audit processes.
* Drive a proactive safety culture across the operational teams.
* Ensure strict adherence with local market standards, laws and regulations.
Team Management & Culture
* Lead, coach, and develop Regional Operations Managers and central support teams.
* Build a culture of accountability, empowerment, and hospitality-led service.
* Ensure staffing models, recruitment, and training programmes support operational excellence and peak trading periods.
* Champion the aparto brand and ensure a consistently exceptional resident journey from enquiry to move-out.
* Work alongside Marketing Managers to support community programming, wellbeing initiatives, and service innovation.
* Use resident feedback, NPS, and data insights to drive continuous improvement.
Strategic Projects & Innovation
* Support initiatives to improve systems, processes, and resident experience.
* Support digital transformation across operations, including CRM, FM systems, and resident engagement platforms.
* Benchmark aparto against competitors and wider hospitality sectors to maintain market-leading standards.
Qualifications
* Experience in a similar Director of Operations role within student accommodation.
* Proven track record of managing multi-site operations.
* Strong commercial acumen with experience overseeing sales, delivering budgets and improving financial performance.
* Deep understanding of H&S, compliance, and property operations.
* Exceptional leadership skills with the ability to inspire, influence, and develop teams.
* Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
* Experience mobilising new developments or large refurbishments.
* Experience working with private equity or institutional investors.
* Knowledge of UK and Irish regulatory frameworks for residential accommodation.
* Experience with summer lettings and/or hostel operations.
* Demonstrated success with new business pursuits, and third-party business.
Personal Attributes
* Strategic thinker with a hands-on, solutions-focused approach.
* Calm under pressure, resilient, and adaptable.
* Collaborative, transparent, and commercially minded.
* A natural leader who builds trust and drives performance.
We are an equal opportunity employer and support workforce diversity.
No calls or emails from third parties at this time please.
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