Operations Director - Co-Living - Student Accommodation - Hotel Sector

About us

Introducing Lumis, a premier student accommodation provider offering a unique blend of comfort, convenience, and community. With current locations in the vibrant cities of Cardiff and Leicester in the UK, Lumis is expanding its reach across Europe. In Austria, Lumis boasts two state-of-the-art sites, one nestled in the cultural hub of Graz, and the other in the enchanting city of Vienna. Further expanding its international footprint, Lumis proudly presents a contemporary residence in Leipzig, Germany, providing students with a home away from home.

Excitingly, Lumis has its sights set on new horizons, with the construction of a dynamic student housing project underway in the heart of Dublin, Ireland. Additionally, a promising site in Portugal is in the pipeline, promising to bring the Lumis experience to even more students seeking modern, secure, and vibrant living spaces.

About the role

As the Operations Director for this dynamic opportunity, you will assume a pivotal role in shaping the strategic trajectory and overall prosperity of the operations business. Your responsibilities will encompass the oversight of a diverse and expanding portfolio of high-quality student accommodation properties throughout the UK and Mainland Europe. The core of your leadership will be instrumental in driving operational excellence, elevating the customer experience, and achieving outstanding financial performance for both asset owners and the operating business proprietors. You will not only exercise control over all facets of operations, people, and projects but will also chart the course for the overarching success of the business.

The role necessitates a seasoned strategist capable of aligning the company with its vision, mission, and long-term goals. The Operations Director will play a pivotal role in driving operational efficiencies, enhancing service quality, and fortifying the business's EBITDA. As the company enters a phase of exciting growth, the Operations Director will be tasked with expanding existing operations and exploring opportunities for new business functions, whether through organic growth or strategic acquisitions. This hiring is pivotal to navigating this transformative period and ensuring sustained success in an ever-evolving business landscape, making the Operations Director the driving force behind the company's trajectory, ensuring sustained success, and competitive positioning in the market. The candidate should also be ready to embrace new and challenging responsibilities, contributing to the company's continued growth and success.

Provide strategic leadership and direction.

Set ambitious goals and objectives for sustainable growth and profitability.

Develop and implement robust business plans, operational strategies, and performance metrics.

Foster a people first approach, emphasizing innovation and collaboration.

Empower the team to deliver exceptional results, exceeding customer expectations.

Drive operational efficiency across the business.

Develop and implement performance metrics for optimizing property portfolio management.

Initiate cost appraisals, improvements, and control third-party utility service agreements.

Implement effective revenue management and cost control measures.

Lead proactive asset enhancement initiatives to maximize property portfolio value.

Establish and nurture stakeholder relationships.

Cultivate strong connections with investors, partners, clients, and industry stakeholders.

Champion best practices and drive continuous improvements through all business areas.

Advocate for best practices in property management, sustainability, and corporate social responsibility.

Position the business as the premier operational leader in the real estate sector.

Develop and implement project strategies, plans, and budgets.

Monitor and report on key project progress and performance indicators.

Manage and mitigate risks and issues, preparing and delivering project communication materials.

Coordinate stakeholders, attend, and chair meetings as required.

Manage all aspects of property operations, including maintenance, budgeting, and day-to-day operations.

Oversee refurbishment and construction projects, collaborating with various stakeholders.

Contribute to the vision and oversight:

Play a key role in structure & planning, governance, and identifying growth opportunities.

Participate in the execution and monitoring of ongoing projects.

About you

Degree qualified or equivalent qualification.

Demonstrates expertise in accommodation/property services and complex asset management.

Construction industry knowledge including MMC, Net Zero Carbon, and the Digital agenda.

Proficient in project lifecycle management and business case approvals processes.

Hold experience in P&L ownership.

Capable of defining annual budgets and developing forecasting models.

Skilled in supplier management, procurement, and inventory management practices.

Adept in negotiating and managing business contracts and Service Level Agreements (SLAs).

Proficiency in project management within the realm of property/facility or construction services.

Extensive knowledge of information systems and technology projects in the real estate sector.

Competent in managing multi-site operational ventures and deploying resources effectively.

Preferred experience in planning/strategic estate development and capital project planning for business case compilation.