A leading international operator in the student housing and hospitality sector is seeking a General Manager.

  The Role

Based in Bologna, the General Manager will be responsible for the pre-opening phase and the long-term performance of a new student residence. The role carries full accountability for the property, with a strong focus on:

operational management,

financial performance,

service quality,

health, safety and regulatory compliance,

team leadership.

The General Manager will work closely with central teams and other General Managers across the portfolio, while maintaining full ownership and accountability for the residence.

 

Key Responsibilities

Oversee the day-to-day operations of the residence, ensuring a safe, clean and high-quality environment in line with company standards.

Lead, manage and develop the Operations team (Front Desk, Housekeeping, Maintenance), including shift planning and training programs.

Drive the achievement of operational and commercial targets through a proactive, results-oriented approach.

Manage the property’s financial performance, including budget control, costs, P&L, forecasting and KPI reporting (occupancy, revenue, NPS, costs).

Drive revenue growth through:

B2B contracts and partnerships (universities, agencies, corporates, relocation partners),

local sales initiatives,

optimisation of pricing and occupancy strategies.

Build strong relationships with the local community, while monitoring competitors and market demand trends.

Coordinate the Facilities team, ensuring preventive maintenance and timely escalation of critical issues.

Ensure full regulatory compliance (Health & Safety, fire safety, audits, water compliance).

Oversee arrivals and departures, seasonal turnover periods and refurbishment programmes.

Manage HR-related matters and relationships with external suppliers.

Safeguard the resident experience, handling complaints and sensitive situations effectively and professionally.

Collaborate with central offices and support portfolio-wide audits when required.

 

Candidate Profile

Proven experience in hospitality, hotellerie or PBSA.

Strong focus on guest / resident experience.

Solid commercial background, with a track record in sales, occupancy growth and B2B partnerships.

Experience managing multidisciplinary teams.

Advanced financial skills, including P&L, budgeting, forecasting and KPI analysis.

Strong familiarity with PMS and IT systems (e.g. StarRez, Mews).

Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.

High level of autonomy, accountability and problem-solving ability.

Experience in Health & Safety, fire safety, operational audits and preventive maintenance.

Sensitivity to student wellbeing and the ability to manage complex or sensitive situations.

Energetic, results-driven leadership style.

Willingness to attend training and travel to other properties as required.

Proven ability to manage the complexity of a new hospitality opening, from pre-opening through to full occupancy.

 

Location: Bologna