19th June, 2026
Our Story:
Essence Communities is Australia and New Zealand’s largest 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 are shaping the future of rental living - combining commercial discipline with hospitality-led thinking to create communities where people feel they truly belong. As the BTR sector continues to evolve at pace, so do we—expanding our national footprint and redefining what best-in-class performance looks like.
The Opportunity:
As part of our continued growth strategy, we are seeking an exceptional Regional General Manager to join our Senior Leadership Team.
This is a unique, newly created role in the Australian market, reflecting both the scale of our portfolio and the maturity of the BTR sector. It brings together end-to-end accountability for financial performance, operational excellence and customer experience - a rare blend of commercial leadership and community-focused delivery.
Reporting to the Executive General Manager, you will lead a geographically diverse portfolio across QLD, NSW, ACT and SA, driving strong NOI, occupancy and revenue outcomes, while ensuring our communities consistently deliver exceptional resident satisfaction and team engagement.
You will play a critical role in shaping operational strategy, scaling our platform and setting new benchmarks for performance in BTR.
What You Will Do:
In this role, you will:
- Own portfolio performance, driving NOI, revenue growth, occupancy and EBITDA outcomes across multiple communities
- Balance commercial outcomes with customer excellence, ensuring resident satisfaction and retention remain at the core of every decision
- Lead and inspire high-performing teams, coaching General Managers and on-site leaders to deliver consistent, best-in-class results
- Partner with investors and clients as a trusted commercial operator, aligning performance with asset strategy
- Drive operational consistency and scalability across a rapidly growing national portfolio
- Lead mobilisation and integration of new communities, embedding strong commercial and operational foundations from day one
- Champion a high-performance culture, strengthening capability, accountability and engagement across teams
- Provide visible, hands-on leadership across regions, travelling regularly to support teams and performance outcomes
Why This Role Is Different: - A new-to-market leadership role created in response to the scale and growth of Australia’s largest BTR operator
- Direct accountability for NOI and commercial performance across a multi-state portfolio
- A rare opportunity to shape the operating model of a maturing asset class
- The ability to influence both strategy and execution at a national level
- A true balance of commercial leadership, customer experience and people leadership
Skills & Experience Required: To be successful in this role, you will bring:
- Significant operational leadership experience within Build-to-Rent (BTR)
- Proven success managing multi-site, geographically dispersed portfolios
- Strong commercial acumen, with demonstrated delivery of NOI, revenue and operational KPIs
- Deep understanding of residential leasing, operations and compliance
- A track record of building and leading high-performing teams
- Ability to operate at both strategic and hands-on levels in a growth environment
- Current NSW Class 1 or QLD Real Estate Licence
- Flexibility to travel nationally
Applicants must have full working rights in Australia and be eligible to obtain a National Police Check.
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: - Competitive executive remuneration aligned to impact
- A genuine seat at the leadership table, shaping the future of BTR
- A high-performance, values-led culture
- Opportunities to influence a rapidly expanding national platform
- Exclusive travel and lifestyle benefits
- A connected, engaged and purpose-driven community
- 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.
How to Apply: If you’re a commercially driven operational leader who thrives on balancing performance with people, and you want to play a defining role in shaping the future of rental living—apply now.
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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