Commercial Director – Student Accommodation

Commercial Director Student AccommodationLocation Dubai UAECompany ESAW Premium Student LivingReports to Owner DirectorAbout ESAWESAW Premium Student Living provides student accommodation in Dubai with approximately 650 beds across two residences We are looking for an experienced Commercial Director to lead the day-to-day running of the business improve commercial performance and ensure our teams deliver a consistent high-quality resident experienceThe roleThe Commercial Director will take ownership of ESAW s daily commercial management and coordinate the work of the team across admissions sales marketing operations and resident services They will turn agreed business priorities into clear plans make sure those plans are implemented and keep the Owner Director informed through concise reliable reporting The Owner Director will retain oversight of the business and make key strategic and financial decisions in regular one-to-one meetings with the Commercial DirectorKey responsibilitiesLead ESAW s day-to-day commercial activities across both residences Develop and deliver plans to increase occupancy revenue enquiries and bookings Oversee the sales and admissions pipeline from enquiry and follow-up through to booking and arrival Build and maintain relationships with universities education partners student recruitment agents and other referral sources Review pricing promotions and room performance and recommend adjustments based on demand and market conditions Coordinate marketing activity and ensure campaigns collateral and communications are accurate timely and consistent with the ESAW brand Set clear targets responsibilities and reporting routines for the team Review team updates and performance data identify issues early and ensure agreed actions are completed Prepare a concise regular performance report for the Owner Director covering occupancy revenue enquiries conversions arrears resident feedback team performance and key risks Chair regular team meetings and hold one-to-one meetings with relevant team members Work closely with operations and facilities teams to address service issues that affect resident satisfaction renewals reputation or revenue Monitor resident feedback complaints and retention and lead improvements to the resident journey Track budgets and commercial performance highlighting variances and proposing corrective actions Maintain awareness of relevant market activity and competitor offers in Dubai s student accommodation sector Ensure the team follows company procedures and coordinates appropriately on licensing safety and other compliance requirements Bring significant decisions risks and investment proposals to the Owner Director with clear analysis and recommendationsReporting and decision-makingThe Commercial Director will be accountable for the team s day-to-day execution and for providing the Owner Director with a clear overview of progress They should be comfortable making routine decisions within agreed plans while escalating matters that require strategic direction significant expenditure or owner approvalThe ideal candidateHas senior commercial or general management experience in student accommodation residential property hospitality or a related service businessHas a strong record of improving occupancy revenue sales conversion and customer retentionHas led teams across multiple functions and can set clear expectations while supporting accountabilityIs confident using performance data budgets forecasts and sales pipelines to guide decisionsCommunicates clearly and can present concise reports and practical recommendations to senior leadershipIs organised hands-on and comfortable balancing commercial goals with service qualityCan build productive relationships with universities agents students parents and internal teamsHas experience working in the UAE or a strong understanding of the Dubai marketIs proficient with CRM systems spreadsheets and standard business reporting toolsWhat success looks likeClear ownership of daily commercial activity and team follow-throughRegular accurate reporting that gives the Owner Director a reliable view of the businessImproved occupancy enquiry conversion and revenue performanceStronger partner relationships and a more consistent resident experienceIssues identified early with practical recommendations and timely escalation