Main purpose of job:

The British Defence Staff in the United States (BDSUS) has an exciting opportunity for a dynamic person to join the United States Support group (USSG) as the Accommodation Support Manager in the Accommodation Support team in Washington DC. 

The USSG delivers support to over 900 British Defence personnel – civilian and military – and their family members across the US.  

This rewarding role acts as an enabler in supporting the special relationship between the UK and the US, and we are looking for a highly motivated individual who is committed to delivering an excellent service to the BDSUS footprint and their families. 

While experience with corporate or residential housing management is beneficial, this role will suit someone with excellent client relationship skills and experience managing a team.  

The candidate’s key responsibilities include the delivery of housing requirements in line with UK Ministry of Defence (MOD) and BDSUS policy across key locations across the US; leading, developing and managing DC-based Accommodation Support staff; deputising for the Head of Accommodation Support Team; driving value for money through collaboration with Embassy finance and commercial teams; and support to the wider Accommodation team or cross-BDSUS outputs, as required.

The ideal candidate will have strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to be professional, confident, and courteous, and deal with interlocutors at a senior level. The candidate should also have sound financial competency and the ability to make value-based business decisions. Intermediate to advanced Microsoft Office skills and the ability to multitask are also required. A background/experience in leadership or management, and finance is essential. 

The US Network offers a unique career enhancing opportunity and is committed to supporting its staff through a variety of benefits including generous leave, insurance packages and a highly competitive 401k programme. It also promotes a culture of flexibility which enables people to better maintain wellness through a work/life balance approach where possible, in agreement with line management, and in consideration of work responsibilities. In-person attendance for various client and staff meetings will be required. 

The British Government is an inclusive and diversity-friendly employer.  We value difference, promote equality and challenge discrimination, enhancing our organisational capability. We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We do not discriminate based on disability, race, colour, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, or other category protected by law. 

Roles and responsibilities:

• Responsible for the delivery of Embassy and MOD housing requirements across key locations in the US.
• Contribute to the management and development of the Accommodation Team with a result focused, strong customer service ethos, with a commitment to delivering to the UK public purse.  
• Lead the development and delivery of on-the-job training of Accommodation Support team members in location.
• Ensure accommodation services are delivered in line with MOD and BDSUS Accommodation Policy.  
• Lead residential lease negotiation and assurance for BDSUS aiming to drive enhanced value for money.
• Lead support to personnel with policy, leasing, and market advice for self-sourced accommodation. Oversight of rental budgets, temporary accommodation, and maintenance.
• Work in conjunction with the Embassy finance and commercial teams to maximise value for money as well as keep accurate financial/contractual records.
• Work with vendors to ensure all products and services are in line with accommodation standards across the country.
• Deputise for the Head of Accommodation Support Team and support the wider Accommodation Team or cross-Embassy outputs as required.
• Must hold a valid US driver’s licence to attend rental walk-outs.

Resources managed (staff and expenditure): 

• Administration Officer (AO) level associates in an Accommodation Support Officer function, plus other temporary staff that may occasionally be recruited to support peak activity.
• Relationships with third party vendors (furniture/housing/temporary accommodation).
• Oversight of $20M pan-US rents expenditure and approximately $5M temp accommodation.
• Direct management of approximately $3M directed sourced leases and maintenance budget.

Essential skills / experience: 

• Experience of managing a team, with proven experience of nurturing a strong team culture. 
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to be professional and courteous, whether with customers, colleagues, or interlocutors at a senior level.
• Strong communication/negotiating skills with sound financial competency/ability to make value-based business decisions.
• Excellent organisational skills with the ability to multi-task and problem-solve.
• Excellent customer service skills, with an intrinsic desire to assist customers to a high standard. 
• Intermediate to advanced Microsoft Office skills (Excel, Teams, Word, Outlook).
• Must hold a valid US driver’s licence and be a confident driver.

Language requirements: 

Language: English

Level of language required: Fluent spoken and written.