General Manager – Residential Accommodation Melbourne CBD | New Property | Senior Operational Leadership

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced General Manager to lead a brand-new, large-scale residential accommodation property in the heart of Melbourne’s CBD.

This is a rare chance to join the property ahead of opening and play an key role in shaping its operational strategy, building the onsite team and establishing the culture and service standards from the outset.

Working closely with the property’s owners and management team, you will develop and implement the mobilisation plan before taking full responsibility for the property’s ongoing operational, commercial and customer performance.

About the role

As General Manager, you will lead all aspects of the property’s operation, combining strong commercial management with a visible, people-focused leadership style.

You will oversee the resident experience, occupancy and revenue performance, team development, building operations, compliance and stakeholder relationships. You will also help create an inclusive and connected community in which residents feel safe, supported and at home.

Key responsibilities will include:

- Leading the mobilisation and operational readiness of a new Melbourne CBD property.
- Developing the operating structure, processes and service standards for the asset.
- Recruiting, onboarding and leading a high‑performing onsite team.
- Driving occupancy, revenue and overall financial performance.
- Managing budgets, forecasts, KPIs and operational reporting.
- Delivering a consistently high-quality resident and customer experience.
- Developing initiatives that support wellbeing, engagement and community connection.
- Building trusted relationships with owners, internal stakeholders, education partners and service providers.
- Overseeing building presentation, maintenance, safety, compliance and risk.




- Identifying opportunities to improve performance, service delivery and operational efficiency.

About you

You will be a commercially capable and engaging operational leader who enjoys building teams, improving performance and creating exceptional customer experiences.

Previous experience within student accommodation would be highly regarded, although we are equally interested in accomplished leaders from hotels, Build to Rent, serviced apartments, retirement living or other large‑scale residential and accommodation environments.

You will bring

- Proven experience leading a complex, service‑led property or accommodation operation. Experience in the student accommodation space would be beneficial
- Previous mobilisation, pre‑opening or operational setup experience.
- Strong commercial and financial management capability.
- Experience managing budgets, occupancy, revenue and performance targets.
- A track record of recruiting, coaching and developing successful teams.
- Excellent stakeholder engagement and communication skills.
- A genuine passion for customer service, community and resident experience.
- The confidence to work closely with property owners and senior stakeholders.
- A proactive and hands‑on approach to leadership.

Mandatory requirements

- National Police Check.
- Working with Children Check.
- Valid Australian working rights.
- A current Victorian Agent’s Representative Certificate CERTIV Real Estate or Real Estate Licence (or the ability to obtain one that will require study).

Why consider this opportunity?

- Take the lead on a significant new residential accommodation asset.
- Shape the operation, team and customer experience from the beginning.
- Work closely with experienced owners and accommodation specialists.
- Join a growing sector offering strong long‑term career opportunities.
- Access employee advantages, referral rewards, team events and accommodation discounts.

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📌 General Manager (Melbourne)
🏢 Living Sectors Recruitment
📍 Melbourne