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. This rewarding role acts as an enabler in supporting the special relationship between the UK and the US. 

The USSG delivers support to over 900 British Defence personnel – civilian and military – and their family members across the US.  We are looking for a highly motivated individual who has a real passion for service delivery and an ability to communicate compassionately and clearly with clients. While experience with corporate or residential housing management is beneficial, this role will suit someone with excellent client relationship skills and strong communication and accounting experience.

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 that, where possible, encompasses hybrid working, including working from home and flexible hours.  In this role, some hybrid working may be possible – in-person attendance for various client and staff meetings will be required. The candidate will also be required to work closely with a diverse team. 

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. 

The candidate’s key responsibilities include the delivery of housing requirements in line with UK Ministry of Defence (MOD) and BDSUS policy across key geographical locations across the US; leading, developing and managing DC-based Accommodation Support staff; deputising for the Accommodation Support team manager; 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 senior level. The candidate should have sound financial competency and the ability to make sound 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. 

Roles and responsibilities:

• Responsible for the delivery of Embassy and MOD permanent and temporary residential housing requirements across key geographical locations across the US.
• Contribute to the management and develop the Accommodation Team with a result focused, strong customer service ethos.
• Ensure accommodation services are delivered in line with MOD and BDSUS Accommodation Policy.
• Work in conjunction with the Embassy finance and commercial teams to maximize value for money as well as keep accurate financial/contractual records.
• Work with vendors to ensure all products ordered are in line with accommodation standards across the country.
• 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.
• Lead the development and delivery of on-the-job training of Accommodation Support team members in location.
• Deputise for the Head of Accommodation Support Team and support the wider Accommodation Team or cross-Embassy outputs as required.

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.

• Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to be professional, confident, courteous, and deal with interlocutors at senior level.
• Intermediate to advanced Microsoft Office skills (Excel, Teams, Word, Outlook).
• Positive attitude.
• Ability to multitask.
• Strong communication/negotiating skills with sound financial competency/ability to make business decisions.
• Excellent organisational skills with the ability to multi-task and strong problem-solving skills.
• Excellent customer service skills, with proven ability to take responsibility.

Language requirements: 

Language: English
Level of language required: Fluent spoken and written.

Please note: Under US State Department requirements, the UK Government in the US may only employ, as non-diplomatic staff, persons who are US citizens, US Permanent Residents, A and NATO visa holders with EAD cards, and L2 visa holders with an up-to-date I-94 form. You may refer to our website for additional information:  https://www.gov.uk/guidance/living-in-the-usa.

All selected candidates are subject to background checks and will require a security clearance prior to starting work.