Head of Residential and Hospitality Services

The University is seeking an exceptional individual to lead its integrated accommodation and hospitality portfolio as Head of Residential and Hospitality Services, a newly expanded leadership role within the Student and Campus Experience Directorate. Reporting to the Director of Student and Campus Experience, the postholder will shape and deliver a strategic vision for high-quality, student-focused services across accommodation, food, drink, and retail—supporting the ambitions of Strategy 2030.

This is a pivotal post responsible for delivering an inclusive, welcoming, and commercially successful hospitality environment that enhances the experience of over 29,000 students, staff, and visitors. The Head of Residential and Hospitality Services will lead a multi-disciplinary team of over 170 staff, manage a multimillion-pound budget, and oversee strategic operations across student accommodation and campus hospitality outlets.

About the person:

Working across functional boundaries, the postholder will:

• Lead the creation and delivery of a unified residential and hospitality strategy aligned with Strategy 2030.
• Ensure operational excellence and financial performance across accommodation, food, drink and retail services.
• Champion a high-quality student experience, underpinned by values of service excellence, wellbeing, sustainability, and inclusion.
• Provide visible, strategic leadership across the University, influencing decision-making at senior governance levels.
• Oversee legal compliance, contract management, capital projects, and digital transformation within a highly complex service portfolio.
• Design and lead a vibrant residential life programme that supports cultural integration, personal development, and community-building.

The successful candidate must have:

1. A university degree in Hospitality, Facilities Management or equivalent (or substantial senior management experience in a hospitality/accommodation context).
2. Demonstrable substantial relevant senior leadership experience across both food & beverage and accommodation operations.
3. Proven success in managing large teams and significant budgets, including capital project mobilisation.
4. In-depth knowledge of housing legislation, health & safety, and regulatory frameworks.
5. A commitment to sustainability, digital innovation, and enhancing the student experience.

To be successful at shortlisting stage, please ensure you clearly evidence in your application how you meet the
essential and, where applicable, desirable criteria listed in the Candidate Information.

What we offer:

Beyond a competitive salary, the University offers an attractive benefits package including a holiday entitlement of up to 8.4 weeks a year, pension schemes and development opportunities. We support staff wellbeing with flexible working options, work-life balance initiatives and support for physical and mental health. You can find more detail on all of this and more on our website.

Queen's University is committed to promoting equality of opportunity to all. We subscribe to Equality Charter Marks such as the Diversity Charter Mark NI and Athena Swan and have established staff networks such as iRise (Black, Asian, Minority Ethnic and International Staff Network) and PRISM (LGBTQ+) which help us progress equality.

For further information on our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, please visit our website.

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