_{19th 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.

Role Snapshot:
  
This is your opportunity to lead at the forefront of Australia's evolving Build-to-Rent sector. As Area General Manager, you will provide strategic leadership across the premium Essence Communities Victorian portfolio, driving operational excellence, commercial performance, and exceptional resident experiences.

Leading multiple communities and high-performing teams, you will be accountable for delivering strong revenue and NOI outcomes, ensuring compliance excellence, and fostering a culture of engagement, accountability, and service leadership.

Joining one of Australia's emerging Build-to-Rent portfolios, you will play a key role in shaping the future of residential living while setting new benchmarks for customer experience, operational performance, and community success across Victoria.

What You Will Do:
  
In this role, you will:

• Provide strategic and operational leadership across multiple Build-to-Rent communities, ensuring consistently high standards and exceptional resident experiences.
• Deliver on key financial targets including revenue, occupancy, NOI and EBITDA, while identifying opportunities to enhance asset value and operational efficiency.
• Inspire, coach and empower General Managers and on-site teams, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement.
• Champion initiatives that enhance resident satisfaction, engagement and retention, strengthening brand loyalty and community connection.
• Uphold best-practice, risk management and operational compliance, while building strong relationships with clients, partners and stakeholders.

Skills & Experience Required:
  
If you are a strategic yet hands-on individual who excels at driving performance across multiple sites, embedding consistent standards, and navigating complex operations – we want to hear from you. To be successful in this role, you will bring:

• Build-to-Rent (BTR) operational experience, with strengths in property performance, resident experience, and on-site delivery.
• Estate Agent’s Licence (VIC)
• Deep understanding of residential leasing, compliance and property operations
• Proven ability to lead customer-focused operational teams
• Strong understanding of the evolving Build-to-Rent landscape and resident expectations

What is Build-to-Rent (BTR)?
  
Build-to-Rent (BTR) is a new generation of renting designed around people, community, and exceptional living experiences. Unlike traditional rental models, our communities are owned and professionally managed by one organisation, allowing us to provide a consistent, high-quality experience from the day residents move in.

With flexible leasing, dedicated on-site support, and beautifully designed shared spaces, residents enjoy the freedom of renting without compromising on lifestyle. From wellness facilities and pools to resident lounges and outdoor entertaining areas, every detail is designed to help people feel connected, supported, and truly at home.

At its heart, BTR is about creating vibrant communities where residents don't just live – they belong.

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.

Lead with impact and help shape the future of Build-to-Rent living with Essence Communities – Melbourne.
  
Apply now and bring your expertise to an organisation committed to raising the benchmark in modern living.

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.

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