Regional General Manager - Essence Communities

About the Company

Essence Communities is the largest build-to-rent operator across Australia and New Zealand, supported by three decades of experience in property and asset management through its parent group, UniLodge Living Group.

The organisation is helping redefine rental living by combining disciplined commercial management with a hospitality-first mindset to build communities where residents feel at home. As the sector grows rapidly, the business is expanding nationally and raising its standards for performance.

About the Opportunity

This senior leadership position has been created as part of the company’s growth plans. It is a rare, newly established role in the Australian market and offers end-to-end responsibility for commercial results, operational delivery and resident experience.

Reporting to the Executive General Manager, you will oversee a broad portfolio spanning Queensland, New South Wales, the Australian Capital Territory and South Australia. The role focuses on improving NOI, occupancy and revenue while ensuring strong resident satisfaction and team engagement.

You will be central to shaping operating strategy, scaling the platform and setting new benchmarks for build-to-rent performance.

Key Responsibilities

• Take full ownership of portfolio performance, with accountability for NOI, revenue growth, occupancy and EBITDA across multiple communities.
• Ensure commercial outcomes are delivered without compromising resident experience, retention or satisfaction.
• Coach and motivate General Managers and site leaders to produce consistent, high-quality results.
• Work closely with investors and clients as a trusted commercial partner, aligning operating performance with asset strategy.
• Improve operational consistency and support scalable growth across a fast-expanding national portfolio.
• Oversee the launch and integration of new communities, putting strong commercial and operational structures in place from the outset.
• Build a culture of high performance by lifting capability, accountability and engagement across teams.
• Provide visible leadership across the regions and travel regularly to support teams and business outcomes.

Why This Role Stands Out

• It is a new market-facing leadership position created to support the scale of Australia’s largest build-to-rent operator.
• You will carry direct accountability for NOI and commercial results across a multi-state portfolio.
• The position offers a chance to help shape the operating model for a maturing asset class.
• You will influence both strategy and execution at a national level.
• The role brings together commercial leadership, customer experience and people leadership in one position.

Experience and Skills Required

• Substantial operational leadership experience in build-to-rent.
• Proven success managing portfolios spread across multiple locations and regions.
• Strong commercial judgement, with a record of delivering NOI, revenue and operational KPI targets.
• Solid knowledge of residential leasing, operations and compliance.
• Demonstrated ability to build, lead and retain high-performing teams.
• Comfort working at both strategic and operational levels in a fast-growing environment.
• Current NSW Class 1 or Queensland real estate licence.
• Willingness to travel nationally.

Eligibility

Applicants need full working rights in Australia and must be eligible to obtain a National Police Check.

Why Join Us

People are central to the company’s approach, and the workplace is designed to recognise contribution and celebrate high standards.

• Competitive executive pay aligned to the scope and impact of the role.
• A real place at the leadership table with influence over the future of build-to-rent.
• A high-performance culture guided by strong values.
• Opportunities to shape a rapidly growing national platform.
• Exclusive travel and lifestyle benefits.
• A connected, engaged and purpose-driven community.
• Preferred travel rates across Essence Hotels & Apartment.
• Referral recognition of up to $1,000 for recommending exceptional talent.

How to Apply

Commercially minded operational leaders who can balance results with people leadership are encouraged to express interest and help shape the future of rental living.

Additional Information

Essence Communities is part of the UniLodge Living Group and is an equal opportunity employer. Applications from candidates with diverse backgrounds are welcomed.

The organisation is a 2026 Circle Back Initiative employer and is committed to responding to every applicant.