Dominus
Commercial Director, PBSA
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About the role
Job role: Commercial Director, PBSA
Location: London (with regular time on site at our schemes)
Reporting to: Director of Hotels & PBSA
Type: Permanent, full time
About Us
Dominus is a leading real estate investor, developer, owner and operator specialising in hotels and student living across central London and in key UK cities. Founded in 2011, we have built a £3 billion asset pipeline through investing our own equity and co-investing alongside institutional joint venture partners.
As a fully integrated business, we create value across the entire project lifecycle. Our teams span investment, planning, development, finance, legal and asset management. Our hotels are managed by Dominus Hospitality, our dedicated operating platform, under the Hilton and Marriott brands, and we are now building a portfolio of Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) in prime central London locations.
Our PBSA schemes are run day to day by a specialist third-party operator, with Dominus retaining ownership, strategic direction and commercial control. The pipeline is entering a critical phase, starting with Crutched Friars in Holborn for the 27/28 academic year and Fleet Street in London the year after.
The Role
We are seeking a commercially sharp, owner-minded Commercial Director to take full ownership of the revenue and commercial performance of our PBSA portfolio. This is a pivotal hire as the portfolio moves from development into operation.
This is a hands-on, build-from-the-front mandate. You will set pricing, sales and marketing strategy, hold our third-party operator to account, and turn each scheme's business plan into delivered income and asset value. You will shape how these assets launch into the market, fill, and perform year after year, starting with Crutched Friars and then Fleet Street.
The ideal candidate thrives in a lean, entrepreneurial platform, takes ownership without being asked, and is excited by the prospect of building a commercial function and a market-leading student accommodation offer in a growing business.
Key Responsibilities
Commercial strategy and revenue management
- Set and own the commercial strategy for each scheme, covering positioning, room mix, tenancy lengths and target customer segments (domestic, international, postgraduate, direct-let and nominations).
- Lead annual rent setting and in-cycle pricing, using competitor benchmarking, booking pace and demand data to maximise occupancy and net rental income.
- Develop summer and short-stay revenue strategies to drive income outside the academic year.
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Sales, marketing and distribution
- Direct the annual sales cycle with the operator, from the launch of bookings through to full occupancy, with clear pace targets by scheme.
- Shape brand, marketing campaigns and digital presence, and manage the mix of direct, agent and booking-platform channels.
- Build relationships with international student agents and partners in key source markets.
University and partner relationships
- Win and manage nomination and lease agreements with universities and higher education providers.
- Represent Dominus with universities, sector bodies and local stakeholders, building a reputation as a trusted accommodation partner.
Operator performance and contract management
- Hold the third-party operator to account against the management agreement, budget and agreed KPIs.
- Lead monthly and quarterly commercial reviews, challenge underperformance and agree corrective action.
- Oversee the commercial side of systems and data, including the property management and booking systems, so reporting is accurate and timely.
Mobilisation and launch
- Lead the commercial workstream for schemes in mobilisation: pre-opening budgets, launch pricing, lease-up plans and go-live readiness.
- Work with the development team so product decisions (amenity, specification, room types) reflect what the market will pay for.
Financial performance and reporting
- Own the revenue lines in scheme budgets and forecasts, and input to the full P&L with the operator and finance team.
- Produce clear commercial reporting for the Director of Hotels & PBSA, the board and investors.
- Support acquisition and development appraisals with rental, occupancy and operating assumptions.
Leadership
- Build and lead any in-house commercial capability as the portfolio grows.
- Work closely with the Head of Student so commercial plans and the resident experience reinforce each other.
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Experience and Skills
- At least 10 years' commercial, revenue or asset management experience in PBSA, build-to-rent, serviced living or hotels, with at least 3 years at senior leadership level.
- A track record of launching or leasing up new schemes and hitting occupancy and rent targets.
- Deep understanding of the UK student accommodation market, including pricing dynamics, booking cycles, international demand and nomination agreements.
- Experience managing third-party operators or outsourced management agreements from the owner's side.
- Strong financial literacy: budgets, forecasts, P&L ownership and investment appraisal inputs.
- Confident presenting to boards, investors and university leadership.
- Analytical and data-led, with hands-on experience of revenue management and property management systems.
- Experience in central London PBSA or a comparable premium urban market (desirable).
- An established network across universities, international agents and booking platforms (desirable).
- A background in the development or mobilisation of new assets (desirable).
- A degree in business, real estate, finance or a related field; RICS or a relevant professional qualification (desirable).
Personal Attributes
- Commercially sharp, with an owner's mindset and a focus on delivered results.
- Comfortable challenging partners constructively and holding them to account.
- Hands-on and pragmatic, happy to roll up your sleeves in a lean, growing team.
- Collaborative and credible with boards, investors, universities and operators alike.
Benefits and Career Development
We offer a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package: a performance-related bonus, pension, training allowance, private medical insurance, and 24 days' annual leave plus bank holidays and a 3-day Christmas shutdown. You'll also enjoy hotel discounts and up to three free nights a year in Dominus-owned hotels.
How to Apply
If you are looking for your next career challenge and believe you can make a meaningful contribution, we would welcome your application via LinkedIn. Applications close: 23rd October 2026
Dominus is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all backgrounds.
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