10th June, 2026
Our Story:
Essence Communities is Australia and New Zealand’s leading Build-to-Rent (BTR) operator, delivering tailored management solutions backed by a 30-year legacy in property and asset management through our parent company, UniLodge Living Group. We exist to create communities where people truly belong – combining hospitality-led thinking, operational excellence, and human-centred design to deliver exceptional resident experiences and strong performance outcomes for our partners.
The Opportunity:
At Assemble Kensington, we're creating something more than a collection of apartments. We're building a community designed around long-term renting, thoughtful design and a fairer housing experience. As our Senior Property Manager, you will be responsible for the day-to-day management and long-term performance of the community, leading onsite operations while creating an exceptional resident experience.
This is a highly visible leadership role requiring strong commercial acumen, operational excellence and the ability to foster meaningful relationships with residents, stakeholders and partners.
Key Accountabilities:
Your day-to-day will include:
- Lead and inspire the onsite team to deliver an outstanding resident experience and ensure the seamless day-to-day operation of the community.
- Take ownership of the asset's performance, balancing commercial outcomes with resident satisfaction through strong financial management, leasing performance and retention strategies.
- Foster a vibrant and inclusive community by delivering meaningful resident engagement initiatives and creating opportunities for connection.
- Oversee the presentation, safety and long-term performance of the asset, ensuring high standards across facilities, compliance and maintenance.
- Partner with residents, housing providers, ownership groups and stakeholders to build trusted relationships and support the ongoing success of the community.
About You: You are an experienced property professional who understands that successful Build-to-Rent communities require both operational discipline and genuine customer focus. You will bring:
- Minimum 2 years residential property management experience, ideally within Build-to-Rent, multifamily, PBSA, hospitality or large-scale residential assets
- Completed Cert IV in Real Estate/Agent’s Representative Certificate (VIC)
- Demonstrated experience leading teams and managing complex operational environments.
- Exceptional communication skills and the ability to build trust with residents, partners and clients alike
- Unrestricted working rights in Australia & National Police Check.
Introducing Assemble Kensington: Located on the historic site of a former confectionery factory in Melbourne’s inner north, Assemble Kensington represents Assemble Communities’ inaugural Build‑to‑Rent development – a landmark project that blends thoughtful design, inclusivity and long‑term community value.
The community comprises five partially connected buildings delivering 362 apartments across a diverse mix of typologies, including affordable, social, market and specialist disability housing. Designed as a collection of smaller residential cohorts, the development fosters a village‑like atmosphere that enhances connection, accessibility and human‑scale living across the 8,395 sqm site.
At ground level, curated retail, a supermarket and co‑working spaces activate an expansive landscaped public realm, enhancing both resident amenity and neighbourhood engagement. Green space is central to the design, with vertical planting integrated throughout the buildings and shared rooftop gardens providing communal spaces for residents to gather, relax and connect.
Why Join Us? At Essence Communities, our people are at the heart of everything we do. We cultivate an environment where your contribution is recognised, and excellence is celebrated.
We offer:
- Attractive remuneration indicative of your experience and impact.
- A refined and inclusive culture where individuality is respected and meaningful contribution is valued
- A genuine voice at the table, with opportunities to shape our future through engagement forums and Viva Engage
- A connected community, brought to life through curated team events, celebrations and social initiatives
- Exclusive travel privileges, with preferred rates across Essence Hotels & Apartment
- Rewarding referral recognition, with up to $1,000 for introducing exceptional talent to our growing teams.
This is a chance to lead one of Melbourne's most progressive residential communities and play a meaningful role in shaping the future of renting. Apply now with your resume and cover letter!
Essence Communities is part of the UniLodge Living Group. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from diverse backgrounds.
We are a 2026 Circle Back Initiative Employer – we commit to respond to every applicant.
Apply For Job