BA (Hons) Business
The BA (Hons) Business course at UWS develops your understanding of organisations, strategy, leadership, sustainability and digital...
An Accommodation Manager is responsible for the effective day-to-day running of residential accommodation such as hotels, student halls, care facilities or staff housing. Their aim is to provide residents or guests with a safe, clean and well-managed environment. The role combines operations, customer service, facilities management and people management. Accommodation Managers may supervise staff and contractors, manage budgets, resolve resident issues and ensure standards of maintenance, cleanliness and health and safety are maintained.
Manage the day-to-day operation of accommodation facilities. Supervise, recruit and train staff or contractors. Monitor cleanliness, maintenance and health and safety standards. Manage budgets, purchasing and operational costs. Handle resident or guest queries, complaints and emergencies. Plan staff rotas and coordinate services with maintenance, security and other teams.
Pay varies according to the type and size of establishment, location and level of responsibility. Trainee and assistant Accommodation Managers typically earn around £20,000 to £25,000 per year. At more senior levels, salaries can range from approximately £22,000 to £50,000. Current UK salary data also places the average Accommodation Manager salary at around £34,000 per year.
Working hours vary considerably by sector. Accommodation is often a seven-day operation, so managers may work shifts, evenings, weekends or bank holidays and may sometimes be on call for urgent issues. Roles are available in hotels, university halls, student accommodation, care homes, conference centres and other residential facilities. Most work is site-based because managers need to oversee the accommodation and staff directly.
Accommodation management is a practical and people-focused role. You may spend part of the day checking facilities and standards and another part dealing with staffing, budgets, contractors or resident enquiries. Problems can arise unexpectedly, from maintenance faults to staffing shortages, so managers need to be organised and comfortable making decisions. Customer satisfaction and safety are important measures of success.
There is no single compulsory qualification. Degrees or qualifications in hospitality management, facilities management, business, tourism or a related subject can be useful, particularly for graduate management schemes. It is also possible to progress from operational roles through experience, vocational qualifications and management training.
Experience in hospitality, student accommodation, facilities, housekeeping, customer service or residential services is valuable. Many managers progress after working in supervisory or assistant management roles. Part-time hospitality work, placements and university accommodation roles can provide useful experience of customer service and operational environments.
You may begin as an accommodation assistant, supervisor or assistant manager before taking responsibility for a complete site or service. Larger organisations can offer progression into regional or multi-site management. Experienced Accommodation Managers may move into operations management, facilities management, hotel management, student services or other senior hospitality and property roles.
Build the skills needed for this role with these courses.
Common questions about this role.
Step-by-step guidance on preparing and submitting your university application.
Step-by-step guidance on preparing and submitting your university application.
Learn what qualifications and English levels you’ll need to apply.
Learn what qualifications and English levels you’ll need to apply.
Find essential information on UK student visas, immigration, and ATAS certificates.
Find essential information on UK student visas, immigration, and ATAS certificates.
Understand tuition fees, payment options, and financial requirements before you apply.
Understand tuition fees, payment options, and financial requirements before you apply.
