CONFIDENTIAL VACANCY – Hostel Manager (Female UAE Nationals Only)

United Arab Emirates

A leading higher education institution in the UAE is seeking an experienced and dynamic Hostel Manager to lead and shape the strategic and operational delivery of its student residential services.

This is a senior leadership role responsible for creating a safe, inclusive, and high-quality residential environment that enhances student welfare, engagement, and overall university experience. The successful candidate will play a key role in driving operational excellence, financial performance, and continuous improvement across the University’s student housing portfolio.

Role Purpose

The Hostel Manager will provide strategic and operational leadership for student accommodation facilities, overseeing both male and female residences. The role is accountable for delivering a high-standard living environment, ensuring compliance, financial sustainability, service excellence, and alignment with the University’s student development strategy.

Key Responsibilities

Residential Strategy, Policy & Standards

• Develop, implement, and continuously enhance housing policies, procedures, and residential standards.
• Ensure full compliance with health, safety, and regulatory requirements across all residential operations.
• Embed risk management and governance frameworks within housing operations to ensure a safe and secure environment.

Financial Management & Occupancy

• Take ownership of the annual housing budget, ensuring effective control of income and expenditure.
• Identify and implement cost optimisation initiatives to support financial sustainability.
• Drive occupancy levels through effective communication, marketing coordination, and student engagement initiatives.

Facilities & Operational Leadership

• Oversee day-to-day operations of all residence facilities, ensuring high service quality and operational efficiency.
• Manage relationships with internal departments and external service providers to ensure consistent service delivery.
• Lead the digital transformation of housing services through the adoption of modern systems and technology solutions.
• Manage external housing assets, including contract administration, lease agreements, and rental arrangements for residential and commercial spaces.

Team Leadership & Performance Management

• Lead, develop, and manage the residential housing team, including performance management and KPI monitoring.
• Foster a high-performance, service-driven culture focused on continuous improvement and accountability.
• Build capability within the team through coaching, mentoring, and structured development planning.

Student Engagement & Residential Life

• Design and implement a comprehensive residential life programme aligned with institutional values and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
• Enhance student experience through engagement initiatives, events, and wellbeing-focused programmes.
• Ensure effective communication channels within housing services, maintaining accurate and timely information for residents.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management, Business Administration, Facilities Management, or a related field.
• Minimum 5 years of progressive leadership experience in hostel management, hospitality, serviced apartments, or student accommodation.
• Experience managing large-scale residential operations (300+ beds preferred).
• Strong financial management experience, including budgeting, forecasting, and revenue/occupancy optimisation.
• Proven experience managing teams of 10+ staff and external service contractors.
• Working knowledge of facilities management systems or housing management software.
• Full fluency in English and Arabic (written and spoken) is essential.
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