We are currently looking for an experienced Assistant Manager to support our busy hostel in Central London.
This is a hands-on role requiring strong operational focus, people skills, and leadership capability, with a particular focus on maintaining excellent housekeeping and cleanliness standards across the hostel.
You will be expected to step up when the House Manager is not present and take full ownership of the day-to-day running of the hostel.
A key part of the role will be coordinating housekeeping activity, supporting and supervising volunteer housekeeping rotas, monitoring standards across bedrooms and communal areas, and making sure cleaning expectations are consistently met.
You will also support across all core business areas, including customer service, front desk, maintenance coordination, food stock checks, health and safety, and compliance.
About Us:
LHA London has been providing high quality accommodation in London since 1940. We currently operate thirteen large hostels, housing nearly 2,000 residents.
Our residents are mostly young, single people who are either studying or working in London and choose to stay with us short-to-medium term before securing more permanent housing.
Main Purpose of Job:
To support the House Manager and team in the efficient management and organisation of the hostel, ensuring consistent, high-quality service at all customer touchpoints.
The role will have a strong operational focus on housekeeping, cleanliness and presentation standards, ensuring that volunteer housekeeping rotas are effectively organised, responsibilities are clear and standards are regularly monitored.
To deputise in the absence of the House Manager, including carrying out direct line management responsibilities where required.
Key Responsibilities Include:
- Take day-to-day ownership of housekeeping standards across the hostel, ensuring bedrooms, communal areas, kitchens, toilets and shower areas are maintained to a consistently high standard.
- Coordinate and monitor volunteer housekeeping rotas, ensuring appropriate coverage, clear allocation of duties and effective completion of cleaning tasks.
- Regularly inspect hostel areas and follow up promptly where cleaning standards are not being met.
- Provide clear guidance, support and feedback to volunteers around housekeeping expectations, ensuring they understand their duties and have the appropriate equipment and information to carry them out safely.
- Work closely with the House Manager to identify housekeeping issues, improve cleaning processes and maintain consistent standards across the site.
- Ensure appropriate cleaning products, equipment and PPE are available and that housekeeping activities are carried out in line with Health and Safety and COSHH requirements.
- Manage the effective delivery of customer service, encouraging the team to consistently create a positive resident experience.
- Actively respond to and analyse customer feedback, particularly where this relates to cleanliness, facilities or overall hostel standards.
- Ensure effective use of LHA’s booking system to maximise occupancy and revenue.
- Drive and support sales initiatives to promote hostel offerings and increase profitability.
- Support the House Manager in adhering to financial management processes to control expenditure and income.
- Foster a culture of communication, collaboration and continuous improvement across employees and volunteers.
- Support food safety and food stock management, including purchasing and supplier sourcing where required.
- Coordinate maintenance issues and ensure repairs impacting resident experience or cleanliness standards are followed up appropriately.
- Ensure full compliance with Health and Safety regulations at all times.
- Deputise in the absence of the House Manager, taking full operational responsibility as needed.
Key Requirements:
- Proven team management experience, ideally in a hospitality, accommodation, housekeeping or similar operational environment.
- Previous hospitality experience with a strong understanding of cleanliness, presentation and service standards.
- Experience coordinating housekeeping operations, cleaning teams or volunteer rotas would be highly advantageous.
- Strong attention to detail and willingness to take a hands-on approach to maintaining standards.
- Confidence in addressing poor standards and providing clear, constructive feedback.
- Track record of recruiting, mentoring and developing individuals.
- Good understanding of LHA’s values, operations and resident profile.
- Ability to perform under pressure during peak operational periods.
- Familiarity with hospitality software systems and general IT proficiency.
- Strong numeracy, literacy and communication skills.
- Willingness to work flexibly, including evenings and weekends as required.
Why Join Us?
You will be part of a mission-driven organisation that values your skills, wellbeing, and professional development.
This is a great opportunity for someone who enjoys being visible on site, maintaining high operational standards and making a direct difference to the experience of residents.
Benefits Include:
- Additional day off to celebrate your birthday after one year of service
- Free meals while on site and access to free onsite gyms
- Quarterly Employee Recognition Awards
- Opportunity to join the Employee Forum and have your voice heard
- Enhanced pension contributions (Employee 5%, Employer 7%) – with LHA matching additional employee contributions up to 10%
- Comprehensive wellbeing support through our Employee Assistance Programme, including confidential mental health support and GP access
- Private Medical Insurance
- Cycle to Work scheme and Season Ticket Loan options
- Death in service coverage
- Enhanced maternity benefits
- Ongoing professional development and training opportunities
- Regular staff social and networking events
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: £31,824.00-£32,500.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Cycle to work scheme
- Discounted or free food
- On-site parking
- Sick pay
Experience:
- Hospitality management: 2 years (required)
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person
