David Lang – Senior Operations Manager

Hello! My name is David, and I’m the Senior Operations Manager for two of our properties in Glasgow, Buchanan View and Gibson Street.

I’ve worked since I left school, deciding to head straight onto the career path after my GCSEs. For many years, I worked in retail until I was sadly made redundant. From there, I fell into the student accommodation sector, securing a temporary Customer Service Advisor role where I knew I could put my years of retail skills, such as customer service, to good use.

When the property I was working at was acquired by Student Roost, I remained as a member of the team and worked my way up from CSA to Assistant Operations Manager, working across the Student Roost portfolio across Glasgow. Not long later, my hard work, dedication and determination saw me promoted to Operations Manager, and most recently Senior Operations Manager.

If you ask anyone what a typical day is in their role, they’ll give you the same answer: there isn’t a typical day! That’s what I like about my role, though. Sometimes the unknown is the most exciting because you get to really show what you’re made of, and put skills and knowledge to use that you didn’t think you had!

There are some constants, such as catching up with my team before a shift, ensuring there is cover for nights and weekends at all properties, ensuring audits are completed, and answering calls and emails. But even these constants can raise obstacles you need to attend to, such as covering sick leave, securing support to fix an urgent maintenance issue, or even a fire alarm.

One of the best things about working at Student Roost, for me, is that I feel like I’m trusted to make decisions, run the properties for the benefit of our residents and team members without interference or someone saying “no, that’s not the way we do things.” I’m able to make suggestions and changes that are listened to and applauded.

My story shows how much room and encouragement there is for progression at Student Roost. I could have stayed as a Customer Service Advisor, but instead I wanted to learn new skills and progress in the student accommodation sector, and Student Roost provided that stepping stone for me.

To anyone thinking of applying for a role, don’t hesitate to do it. If you’re invited to an interview, be yourself because that’s what we want to see; original, stand-out people who aren’t afraid to go for what they want, who don’t sit in their lane and who want to make a difference.

Good luck, go for it, and I hope we’ll be working together soon!