Reece Stennett

Experienced operations and people leader with over 10 years of management experience across student accommodation, higher education, leisure and customer-focused environments. Currently responsible for the operational and commercial performance of a 499-bed student accommodation site, working towards an annual turnover target exceeding £6 million and managing an OPEX budget of approximately £2.5 million. A hands-on, relationship-focused leader with experience spanning people management, financial performance, Health & Safety, contractor management, customer experience and stakeholder engagement.

Passionate about developing teams, improving systems and services, and bringing people together to achieve shared objectives.

Operations Manager (Site Manager) - Hox Park | Here Student Living

(2025-02)

Lead the day-to-day operational and commercial management of a 499-bed student accommodation site, with accountability for service delivery, resident experience, people performance, compliance and financial performance.

• Manage and develop a team of 8 full-time employees through recruitment, onboarding, regular 1:1s, coaching, performance management and development planning.
• Manage site performance against an annual turnover target exceeding £6 million and an OPEX budget of approximately £2.5 million, including budgeting, forecasting and cost control.
• Oversee occupancy and commercial performance, supporting resident retention, rebooking activity, viewings and opportunities to develop additional revenue streams.
• Manage external contractors and suppliers, coordinating site visits and works while maintaining service, Health & Safety and operational standards.
• Maintain oversight of site Health & Safety and fire safety requirements, ensuring checks, audits, procedures and corrective actions are completed in line with legislative and company requirements.
• Build strong relationships with residents, university partners, contractors, investors and internal senior stakeholders, representing Hox Park during meetings, site visits and operational discussions.
• Take ownership of complex resident concerns and escalations, balancing customer experience and wellbeing with contractual, operational and commercial requirements.
• Identify opportunities to improve operational processes, service standards and the resident experience, working collaboratively with colleagues and external partners to implement effective solutions.

Assistant Sports Operations Manager - Royal Holloway, University of London

(2022-04 - 2025-02)

Supported the safe and effective operation of sports and fitness facilities, maintaining high standards of service, safety and cleanliness.

• Led Duty Officers and Sports Centre Assistants, including recruitment, regular 1:1s, performance support and development planning.
• Coordinated rotas, bookings and day-to-day service delivery to ensure facilities remained appropriately staffed and operated in line with standard operating procedures.
• Built positive relationships with students, clubs, colleagues and customers, resolving operational issues and supporting a consistently high-quality experience.

Senior Duty Manager / Lifeguard Manager / Trainer Assessor - Places Leisure – Camberley & Farnborough Leisure Centres

(2013-08 - 2022-04)

Progressed through operational and leadership roles from Duty Supervisor/Lifeguard to Senior Duty Manager and Lifeguard Manager.

• Managed day-to-day leisure centre operations, ensuring compliance with Health & Safety legislation, operating procedures and service standards.
• Led recruitment, training, mentoring and performance support for operational and lifeguard teams, including delivery of safety training and assessments.
• Maintained strong staff and customer relationships through a visible, hands-on leadership approach and effective resolution of operational issues and complaints.
• Managed financial controls, till reconciliation, rota planning and operational staffing requirements.

BTEC Level 3 - Sport & Exercise Science - Tomlinscote School & Sixth Form College (2008 - 2015)

BTEC - Creative Media - Tomlinscote School & Sixth Form College (2008 - 2015)

GCSEs - Maths, English, Science, German, Geography, Food Technology; BTEC Level 2 Sport - Tomlinscote School & Sixth Form College (2008 - 2015)