Head of Portfolio Performance & Operations

We are working with a leading and growing operator in the Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) sector to recruit an experienced Head of Portfolio Performance & Operations.This is an exciting senior leadership opportunity for a commercially driven, hands-on operational leader to take ownership of a portfolio of student accommodation assets, driving financial performance, operational excellence and exceptional customer experiences. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in maximising portfolio performance, developing high-performing teams and building strong relationships with property owners and key stakeholders.This position requires someone who can balance strategic thinking with operational delivery, understands the commercial drivers behind successful property operations and thrives in a fast-paced, multi-site environment.Key ResponsibilitiesPortfolio Performance & Commercial ManagementTake full accountability for the operational and commercial performance of an allocated national property portfolio.Drive NOI, revenue growth, occupancy and profitability.Own portfolio budgets, forecasting, cost control and financial performance.Develop and implement strategies to maximise leasing performance, occupancy and rental income.Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency, commercial performance and long-term asset value.Operational LeadershipOversee day-to-day operations across multiple student accommodation sites, ensuring consistently high standards.Lead and develop a team of General Managers, creating a culture of accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement.Maintain a visible presence across the portfolio through regular site visits.Oversee maintenance programmes, property presentation, summer turnaround operations and operational readiness.Ensure robust health and safety practices, statutory compliance and effective risk management.Stakeholder & Client ManagementAct as a key point of contact for property owners, providing clear performance reporting and commercially focused updates.Build and maintain strong relationships with university partners, suppliers and other external stakeholders.Ensure operational delivery aligns with client expectations and investment objectives.Manage escalated operational matters and support effective resolution of complex issues.Customer Experience & Team DevelopmentChampion a customer-focused culture, ensuring excellent resident experiences across the portfolio.Drive improvements in customer satisfaction, service delivery and complaint resolution.Coach, mentor and develop General Managers and their teams.Support succession planning, recruitment and workforce development.About YouWe are looking for an experienced, commercially astute leader who brings a strong combination of operational expertise, financial understanding and people management skills.Proven senior operational leadership experience within PBSA, BTR, property management, hospitality, higher education or another relevant multi-site environment.A strong track record of managing geographically dispersed teams and delivering operational improvements.Thrives in a fast-paced, demanding and ever-changing environment, with the ability to manage competing priorities, adapt quickly and maintain high standards under pressure.Demonstrable experience of budget ownership, forecasting, revenue generation and cost management.A commercial mindset, with the ability to understand financial performance and translate insights into practical actions.Experience driving occupancy, leasing performance and customer satisfaction.Strong knowledge of property maintenance, statutory compliance and health and safety requirements.Experience managing client relationships and influencing senior stakeholders.Excellent leadership, communication and problem-solving skills.A proactive, hands-on approach, with the flexibility to travel regularly across the portfolio.A full UK driving license.Experience within the PBSA sector would be particularly advantageous, although candidates from other commercially focused, multi-site operational backgrounds will also be considered.Why Consider This Opportunity?Join an established, ambitious and growing business within the thriving Purpose-Built Student Accommodation sector.Take on a high-impact leadership role with genuine autonomy, commercial ownership and the opportunity to shape portfolio performance.Thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment where no two days are the same.Lead and develop high-performing teams while working closely with senior leadership and key stakeholders.Play a key role in driving operational excellence, commercial success and continued business growth.

Location: Flexibility to be based anywhere in the UK, with regular travel across the portfolio essential.Salary: Competitive package.If you're a hands-on, commercially driven leader who thrives in a fast-paced environment and enjoys a challenge, we'd love to hear from you.

Get in touch for a confidential discussion.