_{11th February, 2026}

Essence Communities is seeking an exceptional Resident Experience Manager to help bring to life one of Melbourne’s most exciting new Build-to-Rent communities - The Raleigh.

Opening in July 2026, The Raleigh is a flagship BTR development and this newly created role offers a rare opportunity to shape the resident journey from day one. You will play a pivotal role in creating a connected, vibrant and highly engaged community, ensuring residents feel a genuine sense of belonging while delivering strong commercial and retention outcomes.

This is a hands-on, people-focused role for someone who blends hospitality thinking, community leadership and operational discipline, and who thrives in a premium, service-led environment.

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 human-centred design, hospitality-led service and operational excellence to deliver exceptional resident experiences and strong commercial outcomes for our partners.

The Opportunity - Resident Experience Manager:

The Resident Experience Manager is the custodian of the resident journey and community culture at The Raleigh.

You will design, deliver and continuously evolve the residential experience - from community engagement and events, to digital platforms, ancillary services and day-to-day resident interactions.

Working closely with marketing, operations and leadership teams, you will ensure the community experience directly supports renewals, reputation and revenue growth.

This role also supports core property management functions, ensuring compliance, service delivery and operational standards are consistently achieved.

Key Accountabilities: 

• Lead and deliver an exceptional end-to-end resident experience that fosters connection, belonging and long-term retention within the community
• Design, implement and evolve a compelling community engagement and events program that positions The Raleigh as a market-leading Build-to-Rent asset
• Drive resident satisfaction, advocacy and renewal performance through proactive engagement, service excellence and effective issue resolution
• Develop and manage ancillary services and value-add initiatives that enhance the resident experience while generating additional revenue
• Act as a key advisor to the General Manager on community experience, resident insights and emerging opportunities to strengthen performance
• Support core property management and operational activities, ensuring compliance, consistency and high standards of service delivery.

About You: 

You are a naturally engaging, service-driven professional who understands that exceptional resident experience drives both community success and commercial performance.

You will bring:

• Unrestricted working rights in Australia
• Valid National Police Check
• Current Cert IV in Real Estate Practice/Agent's Representative Certificate (VIC). 
• A strong background in customer experience, hospitality, residential or service-led environments
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple initiatives
• A genuine passion for community building and resident engagement
• An understanding of Build-to-Rent or similar asset classes (desirable).

Your Asset – The Raleigh

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

Ready to Shape the Resident Experience?

Build meaningful connections. Create unforgettable experiences. Help define the future of rental living.

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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