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