Join Fresh as our Next Operations Director – South

Fresh, an award-winning residential for rent accommodation provider with a portfolio of over 20,000 beds across the UK and Ireland, is seeking a highly strategic and people-focused Operations Director.

In this pivotal role, you will lead operational performance across our fast-growing and diverse portfolio, operating within the Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA), Build to Rent (BTR), and Co-Living sectors. You’ll take full ownership of more than 8,500 units and foster strong, strategic partnerships with a valued client base of over 15.

This is a senior operations role reporting to the COO, responsible for leading the region with a matrix team of marketing and property SMEs to drive client outcomes.You’ll work closely with the COO to shape and deliver the future vision of residential living—driving strategy, commercial performance, and delivering exceptional experiences for both residents and clients.

Acting as the vital link between our teams, assets, and stakeholders, you’ll ensure operational excellence, regulatory compliance, and continued commercial success across the region.

Location: Ideally based within commuting distance of London, with regular travel required across London, the South of England, and South Wales. Flexible home working is available.

What We’re Looking For:

We’re searching for a confident, accomplished, and forward-thinking Operations Director who brings a balance of strategic vision and hands-on leadership. You’ll play a key role in delivering operational excellence, inspiring high-performing teams, and shaping the resident and client experience across our growing portfolio.

Strategic Leadership & Operational Excellence

• Proven experience leading large, multi-site operational teams within residential property, hospitality, or student accommodation.
• Ability to deliver scalable, consistent, and efficient services across a wide portfolio.
• Data-driven mindset with the ability to use insights to improve performance and decision-making.

People-First Leadership

• A motivating and collaborative leader who builds trust and drives a culture of service excellence.
• Track record in developing and empowering high-performing teams through coaching, clarity, and support.
• Committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and wellbeing—aligned with our Be Wellbeing programme.

Resident & Customer Experience

• Strong understanding of the full resident lifecycle—from move-in to move-out—and the drivers of satisfaction and retention.
• Skilled in using feedback (e.g. NPS) to elevate service standards and operational delivery.

Commercial Acumen & Partner Management

• Strong commercial skills, including experience managing budgets, operating margins, and meeting client expectations.
• Capable of building long-term partnerships with institutional clients, JV partners, and developers.
• Experience with bids, mobilisations, or award submissions is a plus.

Growth Mindset & Innovation

• Passionate about shaping the future of residential living in a dynamic, evolving market.
• Confident in managing change, scaling operations, and driving continuous improvement.
• Brings fresh thinking, challenges the status quo, and actively contributes to innovation.

You’ll be proactive, energetic, and solutions-focused—someone who leads by example and isn’t afraid to get hands-on when needed. Your integrity and credibility will earn the trust of colleagues, clients, and partners. With a forward-looking mindset and a focus on results, you’ll continually seek opportunities to innovate, improve, and move the business forward.

If you’re ready to lead transformational change and deliver lasting impact, we’d love to hear from you.