General Manager

Fresh are seeking a dynamic and passionate General Manager to lead operations at Hearth House, our brand new 198-bed student accommodation development in Southampton, opening to residents in September 2027.

The role is due to start on 1st October, supporting the successful mobilisation and launch of Hearth House ahead of its September 2027 opening.

We’re looking for someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment, champions excellence, and wants to make a meaningful impact within the building they are managing.

Initially, this role will focus on the final stages of development, acting as the key contact on site, liaising with contractors, supporting the completion of snagging works, and ensuring Hearth House is ready for launch. You'll develop relationships with local universities and partners in Southampton, drive room occupancy through proactive marketing and outreach, and work closely with our in-house recruitment team to recruit and build your own dedicated on-site team, laying the foundations for a successful opening.

Once operational, you’ll oversee the day-to-day running of the building, including budget management, team leadership, stakeholder relationships, and driving resident satisfaction. Your leadership will help shape a safe, welcoming, and supportive home for students from day one.

About you:

We’re looking for a confident and proactive leader with experience managing residential operations or similar environments. You’ll be comfortable taking ownership, making decisions, and adapting to the evolving demands of a new development, from managing pre-opening activity to shaping the long-term success of a brand-new student community.

This is a varied role that requires strong organisational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to bring people together to achieve shared goals. If you’re motivated by building something from the ground up and creating a positive experience for both residents and your team, we’d love to hear from you.

Benefits of working at Fresh??

We offer:  

A dedicated Training team to assist you with development of your on-job training.

A generous holiday entitlement of 25 days plus bank holidays from day one to recharge and enjoy life beyond work

An in-house Learning & Development team to support you with personal and professional development including vocational qualifications.

Health cash plan to contribute to everyday healthcare expenses.

Access to ‘Your Wellbeing’ programme & Open Up – a confidential wellbeing platform.

Stay active and take advantage of our cycle to work scheme.

Access to exclusive shopping discounts to help your money go further!

Life Insurance for peace of mind.

About Fresh:

Fresh are a multi award-winning student accommodation provider with over 20,000 beds in our portfolio across the UK & Ireland. We’re looking for someone to support their residents and the wider operational team.

We create great places to live, built on the simple principle that the people around you can make a huge difference to your way of life. If you’re a people person who loves working collaboratively and is great at making things happen, then you’ll fit right in