_{01st February, 2026}

Essence Communities is seeking an exceptional General Manager to lead the launch and ongoing performance of The Raleigh, a brand-new flagship Build-to-Rent (BTR) development in Melbourne.

This is a newly created role, established in response to the continued growth and success of Essence Communities’ national BTR platform. From day one, you will take full ownership of a landmark asset, shaping its commercial success, operational excellence and community culture from lease-up through to stabilisation and beyond.

About Essence Communities

Essence Communities delivers tailored Build-to-Rent management solutions across Australia and New Zealand. As the largest operator in the emerging BTR sector, our platform is backed by a 27-year legacy of property and asset management through our parent brand UniLodge, Australia’s leading Purpose-Built Student Accommodation operator.

Our purpose is simple: to create communities where people truly belong. We combine hospitality thinking, operational excellence and human-centred design to deliver exceptional resident experiences and strong commercial outcomes for our partners.

The Opportunity:

Reporting to the senior leadership team, the General Manager acts as the single point of accountability for asset performance, operating as a “business leader on the ground” across all operational, financial, leasing and people outcomes.

You will lead the end-to-end establishment of the asset, build and mentor a high-performing onsite team, and deliver premium resident experiences while achieving strong commercial returns for investors and stakeholders.

Key Accountabilities: 

• Develop and execute leasing and pricing strategy to maximise occupancy, renewals and rental performance
• Lead the full lease-up phase and transition the asset to a stabilised, high-performing community
• Recruit, inspire and develop a high-calibre onsite team and culture of excellence
• Drive financial performance including budgets, P&L, NOI and cost optimisation.
• Deliver exceptional resident experience, engagement and community outcomes
• Ensure the asset meets the highest standards of presentation, governance, risk, safety and legislative compliance
• Build strong relationships with owners, internal stakeholders and external partners

About You:

You are a commercially minded, people-focused leader who thrives in high-accountability environments and enjoys building something from the ground up.

You will bring:

• Proven leadership experience in residential, BTR, PBSA, hotel, retail or mixed-use environments
• Strong financial acumen with the ability to manage budgets, P&L and asset performance metrics
• Deep understanding of leasing strategy and revenue optimisation
• A track record of building, mentoring and leading high-performing teams
• Exceptional stakeholder management and communication skills
• Strong focus on customer experience and community building
• Unrestricted working rights in Australia
• Current Victorian Diploma of Property or Certificate IV
• Valid National Police Check (or willingness to obtain).

Your Asset – The Raleigh

Opening in July 2026, The Raleigh is a landmark BTR development comprising 348 architecturally designed studio, one, two and three-bedroom apartments, complemented by a vibrant ground-floor retail precinct and one of Melbourne’s most comprehensive lifestyle and wellness amenity offerings.
Residents will enjoy access to:

• Co-working lounges
• Fully equipped gym
• Stunning pool
• Yoga retreat
• Basketball court
• Cinema
• Private dining rooms

Designed with people at its heart, The Raleigh’s nature-inspired form and abundance of shared spaces foster connection, wellbeing and flexibility in how residents live, work and relax.

Perfectly positioned between Windsor, Prahran and St Kilda, The Raleigh blends village life, green spaces and vibrant culture to redefine what it means to live well in Melbourne.

Life at Essence Communities

At Essence Communities, our people are at the heart of everything we do.
We offer:

• An inclusive and collaborative culture where individuality and contribution are valued
• A workplace where your voice matters, with opportunities to influence our future through engagement forums and Viva Engage
• Strong community and connection, with regular team events, celebrations and social initiatives
• Travel benefits with exclusive rates across Essence Hotels & Apartments

Why Join Us?

This role offers the opportunity to:

• Lead a flagship BTR asset from day one
• Operate as a true General Manager with full asset accountability
• Join a high-growth platform shaping the future of rental living in Australia
• Build a lasting legacy within one of the most exciting sectors in property

Ready to Lead The Raleigh?

Build something extraordinary. Shape a community. Define the future of Build-to-Rent.

Apply now with your resume and cover letter. For a confidential discussion, contact our Talent Acquisition team on (07) 3233 3700.

Essence Communities is part of the UniLodge Living Group. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and encourage applications from diverse backgrounds.

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