KSL Group is seeking to appoint a highly experienced and strategic General Manager to lead the overall operational and strategic direction of its student accommodation portfolio.

This role is equivalent in scope to that of a Chief Operating Officer (COO) and is responsible for overseeing student accommodation operations while providing executive oversight to:

• Internal Cleaning and Maintenance teams (operating within a separate company)
• Security services (separate entity)
• Facilities Management (separate entity)

The successful candidate will ensure operational excellence, financial sustainability, regulatory compliance, risk management, stakeholder satisfaction, and strategic growth within the student accommodation sector.

Strategic & Operational Leadership

• Develop and implement a long-term strategic plan for the growth and sustainability of KSL’s student accommodation portfolio.
• Drive operational excellence across accommodation sites and associated service entities.
• Analyse market trends in student accommodation to identify expansion and development opportunities.
• Ensure strong governance, compliance, and risk management across all operational structures.
• Oversee budgeting, financial planning, cost control, and profitability across all divisions.
• Coordinate and align the performance of cleaning, maintenance, facilities management, and security entities to ensure seamless service delivery.

Student & Stakeholder Management

• Ensure high levels of student satisfaction, safety, and service delivery across all residences.
• Build and maintain relationships with universities, regulatory bodies, and external stakeholders.
• Represent KSL at industry forums, property and student accommodation events.
• Implement service excellence standards and continuous improvement initiatives.

Team Leadership & Employee Relations

• Provide executive oversight to management teams across operational entities.
• Demonstrate strong Employee Relations capability and sound basic HR knowledge to effectively manage workforce matters and team dynamics.
• Foster a performance-driven, accountable, and service-oriented culture.
• Drive talent development, succession planning, and leadership capability across the group.
• Conduct performance reviews and ensure alignment of individual objectives with company strategy.

Minimum Requirements

• Extensive senior management experience within student accommodation, property management, facilities management, or related environments.
• Proven executive-level experience overseeing multi-entity or multi-division operations.
• Strong financial acumen and operational management expertise.
• In-depth understanding of compliance, governance, health & safety, and risk management.
• Demonstrated experience in Employee Relations and working knowledge of labour legislation.
• Exceptional leadership, strategic thinking, and stakeholder management skills.
• Relevant tertiary qualification in Business, Property, Operations Management or related field (MBA advantageous).

Closing Statement

This is a senior executive opportunity suited to a results-driven leader with significant experience in complex operational environments and a strong understanding of the student accommodation and property management sector.