Rental Operations Manager

About the Opportunity

Career Plus is partnering with a highly regarded, established real estate group in Melbourne’s south-eastern suburbs to recruit an experienced and driven Rental Operations Manager.

Our client is a well-established agency with a strong local presence, an excellent reputation and a substantial residential rental portfolio. With a commitment to delivering exceptional customer service and operational excellence, the business is seeking a capable leader to oversee its property management operations and drive continued growth.

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced Property Management Leader who thrives in a fast-paced environment, enjoys developing high-performing teams and has a strong commercial mindset.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Team Management

• Lead, mentor and manage the residential property management team, including Senior Property Managers, Property Managers, Assistant Property Managers and Leasing Consultants.
• Oversee day-to-day rental department operations to ensure efficiency, productivity and service excellence.
• Establish clear KPIs, performance expectations and accountability across the team.
• Conduct regular performance reviews, team meetings, training and professional development.
• Support recruitment, onboarding and retention of high-performing property management professionals.
• Foster a positive, collaborative and results-driven team culture.

Operational Management

• Oversee the management of a substantial residential rental portfolio, ensuring consistent service delivery and operational standards.
• Develop, implement and continuously improve property management systems, procedures and workflows.
• Monitor portfolio performance, arrears, vacancies, leasing turnaround times, landlord retention and client satisfaction.
• Ensure compliance with Victorian residential tenancy legislation, regulatory requirements and internal policies.
• Manage escalated landlord and tenant complaints, complex disputes and sensitive operational matters.
• Maintain high standards of documentation, reporting, risk management and quality assurance.

Business Growth & Financial Performance

• Drive rental department profitability, operational efficiency and sustainable portfolio growth.
• Work closely with senior management to establish and achieve departmental budgets, KPIs and strategic objectives.
• Identify opportunities to improve revenue, reduce operational costs and increase portfolio retention.
• Support new business development initiatives, landlord acquisition and referral opportunities.
• Monitor departmental financial performance and provide regular reporting to senior leadership.
• Build strong relationships with landlords, investors, internal stakeholders and external service providers.

Client Relationship Management

• Maintain and strengthen long-term relationships with key landlords and investors.
• Ensure exceptional customer service standards are consistently delivered across the department.
• Oversee client retention strategies and proactively address service concerns.
• Represent the rental department professionally in internal and external business interactions.

About You

To be successful in this position, you will ideally possess:

• Minimum 5 years of residential property management experience, including proven leadership or operational management experience.
• Previous experience as a Rental Department Manager, Head of Property Management, Property Management Team Leader or Operations Manager.
• Strong knowledge of the Victorian Residential Tenancies Act and relevant compliance requirements.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, motivate and develop a high-performing property management team.
• Experience managing a large rental portfolio and overseeing multiple property management professionals.
• Strong commercial acumen with the ability to drive profitability, efficiency and business growth.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, conflict resolution and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to prioritise competing operational demands.
• Proficiency in property management software and CRM systems.
• A current Victorian Agent’s Representative registration or relevant estate agency licence, as required for the role.

What’s on Offer

• Leadership Opportunity: Take ownership of a well-established residential rental department.
• Established Portfolio: Join a reputable agency with an existing client base and strong market presence.
• Career Progression: Opportunity to contribute to strategic business decisions and long-term growth.
• Supportive Management: Work alongside an experienced senior leadership team.
• Competitive Remuneration: Attractive salary package commensurate with experience, with potential performance-based incentives.
• Professional Environment: Join a collaborative, high-performing real estate business with a strong reputation in Melbourne’s property market.