View Vacancy – Accommodation Support Team Manager

Main purpose of job:

The British Defence Staff in the United States is part of the British Embassy located in Washington DC and is responsible for defence and security engagement with the United States government and Department of Defence.  Our purpose is to defend United Kingdom interests by strengthening the trans-Atlantic defence and security relationship.

 The United States Support Group provides a range of support services to British Defence Staff working in the US, including human resource administration, welfare, medical, education and accommodation services. The Accommodation Support Team is responsible for sourcing permanent and temporary accommodation, furniture, logistics and routine support across the US. We are recruiting a new team manager to lead and manage this team to deliver accommodation support services. This is an exciting opportunity to make a real impact to the delivery of accommodation support to 2400+ personnel and their families living in some 30 States. At the heart of the team’s mandate is the need to drive forward process improvements which both enhance the service offering and deliver improved value for the organization.

 We are looking for highly motivated individuals who have a real passion for service delivery and team management. Applicants should be able to operate comfortably in a high paced environment, have good communication skills and be able to think innovatively and creatively.  Whilst experience in a housing management sector would be advantageous, it is not essential; applications from candidates with proven people management experience are welcomed.  A positive attitude and strong work ethic will be paramount.

 Roles and responsibilities:

• Lead the delivery of all British Defence Staff (BDS) accommodation support services across the US.
• Management and development of the United States Support Group Accommodation Support Team of 6 housing operations staff, ensuring the delivery of timely, appropriate, and good value accommodation needs.
• Responsible for the delivery of all accommodation support services for the 2400+ personnel and families assigned to the United States, including search advice, approval of leases, setting price limits, furniture provision and issue resolution.
• Oversight of approximately $32M expenditure for rent, furniture, maintenance and logistics. Direct budget oversight for approximately $10M of expenditure, including authorizations for lease rents, furniture and maintenance.
• Delivery of staff training and monitoring of team performance including the introduction of delivery and customer service targets.
• Maintenance and improvement of BDS accommodation policies, instructions and guidance, including appropriate communication and use of information channels to reach customer base.
• Management of key contracts for furniture supply, monitoring performance and value for money.

Resources managed (staff and expenditure):

 Eight staff (split in two sites).

Oversight of $32M expenditure, direct management of $10M within tasked authorisation limits.