Operations Manager (Residential) at University of Bristol

The role

We are seeking an experienced Operations Manager to lead essential frontline services across a large, multi-site residential estate. This is a key leadership role focused on delivering safe, compliant and welcoming environments for students, staff and visitors through high-quality operational services.

Reporting to the Head of Department, you will provide leadership to service managers and their teams, translating strategic priorities into effective operational delivery. You will drive consistency and continuous improvement across multiple service areas, embedding clear standards for performance, customer service and compliance.

The role has a strong focus on workforce planning and capability, ensuring teams are appropriately resourced, skilled and supported to meet operational and regulatory requirements. You will also be accountable for ensuring compliance with statutory and sector standards, including the UUK Code, through robust governance, risk management and performance oversight.

You will manage budgets of approximately £3m per annum, oversee supplier performance and contracts, and use data and insight to monitor KPIs, identify trends and improve efficiency. You will also oversee peak operational activity, including student arrivals and Open Days, working collaboratively to deliver a high-quality residential experience.

What will you be doing?

• You will lead and manage operational teams delivering cleaning, portering, reception, post and out-of-hours services across a large, multi-site residential estate.
• You will provide strategic and operational leadership to service managers, oversee workforce planning, staff development and performance, and ensure high standards of customer service.
• The role includes managing statutory compliance and risk, overseeing fire safety and regulatory testing regimes, managing budgets of approximately £3m per annum, monitoring performance through KPIs, and driving continuous improvement.
• You will also manage suppliers, contracts and key operational projects, including student arrivals and Open Days.

You should apply if

• You should apply if you have substantial experience managing large operational service teams within a complex, multi-site environment, ideally in residential, estates, facilities or customer-facing services.
• You will have a proven track record of leading managers, undertaking workforce planning, and delivering high-quality services at scale.
• Experience of managing significant budgets, interpreting financial data and achieving value for money through effective contract and supplier management is essential.
• You should be confident interpreting legislation and regulatory requirements, including health, safety and fire compliance, and translating these into robust operational controls.
• Strong stakeholder management skills, a data-driven approach to performance improvement, and the ability to balance strategic planning with hands-on problem-solving in a fast-paced environment are critical to success in this role.