Relationship Manager (Ireland)

About us
Being a member of the Now Student Living team requires an appreciation for the dedication our core vison to be the best choice for our students and our clients, as an innovative industry leader, to inspire them and grow together. Our Vision and Values are fundamental to Now Student Living’s ultimate mission to provide a safe and welcoming environment for our residents, colleagues, and visitors.

Vision and Values
At Now Student Living, we stand for core brand values of Community, Accessibility and Sustainability. Three pillars that inspire our brand name through everything we do.

Our Residence Teams help shape and contribute to our community, giving back in the most environmentally friendly way, whilst being on hand with 1-2-1 support our students with their studies, accommodation maintenance or something more personal. Our Head Office team support our residence teams to achieve their goal.


Role Purpose and Summary
Reporting to the Operations Manager (Ireland), your role will have responsibility for the analysis, interpretation and strategy in support of revenue generations across the portfolio whilst offering support to the site teams in the implementation and delivery of service to enhance stakeholder experience. exist. Working with the parameters set by the RTB. PSRA and Failte Ireland the role requires both support and training for site teams promoting an understanding of the promotion of tourism both internationally and domestically to ensure Here Students is best placed to be a market leader in the servicing of this sector within the niche that student accommodation occupies. Awareness of all relevant licensing requirements is essential.

You will monitor system and operational processes to ensure that all functions are communicated to onsite staff and be the point of contact for any revenue related issues for the central Now Student Living team. You will be integral to the development of the business given your detailed understanding of third-party partners and the relevant system to ensure investors are fully informed of trends ensuring that forecasted figures are accurate and achievable, understanding and adherence to ongoing compliance in line with Now Student’s policies and our statutory legal obligations in Ireland.

You will be an excellent communicator across all levels creating new networks to showcase Here students as the exemplar of financial and operational delivery within Ireland.


Core Objectives – Specific Expectations of the role Expectations of the Role
Stakeholder Support

• Take ownership of various reporting platforms and deliver accurate and up to date reports to the Senior team.
• Ensure teams are aware of the various reports and assist in the development of the teams in line with the relevant reporting matrix.
• Enhance existing relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Create new working relationships both domestic and international to promote the brand.
• Ensure that relevant systems support documentation is maintained to the highest quality and accuracy and is communicated effectively.
• Provide systems training support where required

Finance

• Structured forecasting of potential income and occupancy for the purpose of delivery against targets.
• Be fully aware of the financial targets and interpret relevant reports.
• Implementation of financial controls in line with financial operating procedures. Manage and report sales pipeline (summer & core).
• Audit all processes to ensure accuracy in invoicing to commercial partners is timely.
• Co-ordination of all contractual agreements, leases and nominations.
• Provide input into annual price setting process.

Business Development

• Actively source new clients and manage existing business and revenue, generating leads and holding regular review meetings with existing clients.
• Drive new and existing business development and revenue generating opportunities by adopting a professional sales approach with all clients ensuring that we remain ahead of market headwinds.
• Build relationships and work with students, Education Institutions, all potential groups and individuals seeking accommodation with emphasis on summer revenue delivery.
• Maximise occupancy across all residences within Ireland to maximise revenue generation against targets.

Customer Service Delivery

• Work with site teams to ensure that service levels and building standards meet both customers’ expectations and standards required from stakeholders.
• Ensure all members of the team can conduct viewings to a high standard, carrying out ongoing training and development.
• Liaise with residence teams to ensure a smooth transition from student to commercial stays so that product and service expectations are met.
• Lead through personal expertise the usage of all CRM systems, training and developing staff and working with partners to ensure accuracy of reporting.

Person Specification and Role Specific Skills and Abilities

Essential Requirements:

• Strong experience of direct sales and understanding of marketing strategies and methods.
• Knowledge of student accommodation business cycle and management of residences.
• Strong awareness of the Irish summer sales models
• Experience with an organisation delivering summer lets on a commercial basis.
• Strong understanding of business planning in terms of process and presentation.
• Good financial knowledge including interpretation and analysis of P&L statements, forecasting, budgeting and credit control.
• Proven people and team management, presentation and communication skills.
• Strong analytical and quantitative skills, with attention to detail.
• Effective planning and time management
• Ability to travel across Ireland with focus on markets in Dublin and Galway with the flexibility to travel to other cities should the business opportunities arise.

Desired Experience

• Previous business development / sales /lettings experience in the student accommodation sector, particularly:
• An understanding of the Irish commercial summer cycle, the study abroad market and relevant sales and service delivery.
• An established network of relevant clientele

Computer Literacy

• Practical experience of relational databases
• Accomplished Excel user
• Excellent Microsoft office knowledge
• Good knowledge of web based applications

Customer Focus:

• Continually demonstrating enthusiasm and drive to “go the extra mile”.
• Able to demonstrate an understanding of the business and the requirement or excellent customer service at all times.
• Making decisions with the customer in mind that add value to service delivery.

Teamwork:

• The ability to work collaboratively with stakeholders to maximise efficiency.
• Able to communicate work with stakeholders at all levels.
• Willingness to deliver support to colleagues across sites

Communication (verbal & written):

• Excellent interpersonal and influential skills.
• Able to communicate with stakeholders at all levels and exchange information in a clear, concise manner
• An ability to influence colleagues in the effective use of systems as directed by the OM

Analytical thinking:

• Strong ability to problem-solve.
• Able to identify and assess key issues and suggest best course of action.

Planning & Organising:

• Demonstrates excellent prioritising, organisational and decision-making
• High attention to detail.