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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.

Ready to shape the future of Build-to-Rent?

Join Essence Communities as our General Manager – Portfolio, where you'll lead the operational and commercial performance of our Assemble portfolio, delivering exceptional resident experiences while maximising asset performance.

Role Snapshot: 

This is a strategic leadership opportunity offering a blend of commercial management, stakeholder engagement and operational excellence. Working closely with internal teams, clients and key stakeholders, you'll drive portfolio performance, identify opportunities to enhance asset value, optimise leasing and retention outcomes, and empower high-performing onsite teams to deliver outstanding customer experiences.

About You: 

You're a commercially minded property leader with a passion for building high-performing teams and delivering exceptional customer experiences. You bring a strategic approach to portfolio management and thrive in fast-paced, evolving environments where you can influence outcomes and drive continuous improvement. You will also bring:

• Proven leadership experience managing multi-site residential, Build-to-Rent, hospitality or property portfolios.
• Strong commercial acumen with the ability to drive financial performance, maximise asset value and achieve portfolio KPIs.
• Estate Agent's Licence or at the very least, a completed Cert IV in Real Estate (VIC). 
• Demonstrated success leading, coaching and developing high-performing teams.
• Exceptional stakeholder management skills, with the ability to build trusted relationships with clients, partners and internal leaders.

About the Portfolio: 

At Essence Communities, we're proud to manage the Assemble Build-to-Rent portfolio - communities designed to provide more than just a place to live. Together with Assemble, we're creating thoughtfully designed, sustainable neighbourhoods where residents feel connected, supported and truly at home.

Assemble is helping reshape the future of housing by delivering high-quality Build-to-Rent communities that bring together market, affordable and social housing, creating inclusive places where people and communities can thrive. The portfolio represents a unique opportunity to be part of an innovative housing model that's redefining the rental experience and setting a new benchmark for community-focused living.

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 an experienced property leader ready to make your mark in one of Australia's most exciting Build-to-Rent portfolios, we'd love to hear from you! 

Apply now and join us in shaping the future of rental living with Essence Communities and Assemble.

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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