Center Manager - Shopping Centre

Teska Carson; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Teska Carson in Melbourne is seeking a Centre Manager to lead the newly redeveloped mid-sized shopping centre in the western suburbs. You will drive operational excellence, tenant engagement, and marketing initiatives to boost foot traffic and sales while ensuring safety and regulatory compliance.

The role focuses on day-to-day management, budget oversight, and delivering a high-quality customer experience for retailers and shoppers alike.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in centre management, commercial property management, or retail asset management.
• Strong understanding of retail operations, facilities management, and leasing processes.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills.
• Financial acumen with budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting.
• Strong leadership and team-management capabilities.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with competing priorities.
• Knowledge of WHS legislation and risk management best practices.
• Understanding of leasing practices and engagement with tenants.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day centre operations including security, cleaning, maintenance, and facilities management.
• Ensure the centre complies with legislative, safety, and operational standards.
• Manage contractor performance, service agreements, and procurement activities.
• Oversee risk management, incident reporting, and emergency procedures.
• Build relationships with tenants, retailers, local authorities, and partners.
• Provide input on operating budgets, capital expenditure budgets, and forecasting.
• Monitor financial performance and reporting to senior management or owners.

Skills

Centre management

Commercial property management

Retail asset management

Budgeting & forecasting

Leadership

Negotiation

Customer service

Education

Tertiary qualifications in Property/Business/Facilities Management

Tools

MRI

Cirrus 8

Job description

Be a key leader in the management of a newly redeveloped, mid-sized shopping centre in Melbourne’s thriving western suburbs. This vibrant centre features an impressive mix of approximately 80 tenancies, including well-known national brands across retail, food, banking, and professional services, as well as office spaces.

As Centre Manager, you will be responsible for the overall performance, operations, and day-to-day management of the centre. This pivotal role encompasses tenant engagement, customer experience, operational delivery, marketing initiatives, and commercial outcomes.

You will play a critical role in fostering strong tenant relationships, driving foot traffic and sales performance, and ensuring the centre delivers a high-quality, engaging environment for both retailers and customers. With a strong focus on operational excellence, you will ensure the asset is well-maintained, compliant with all relevant legislation, and adheres to best practices in safety and risk management.

This is an exciting opportunity for a proactive and commercially minded professional to lead a dynamic retail destination and contribute to its continued success and growth.

Key Responsibilities

1. Operational Management

Oversee day‑to‑day centre operations including security, cleaning, maintenance, and facilities management.

Ensure the centre complies with all legislative, safety, and operational standards.

Manage contractor performance, service agreements, and procurement activities.

Oversee risk management, incident reporting, and emergency procedures.

2. Tenant & Stakeholder Management

Act as the on-site contact for tenants, fostering positive relationships and supporting retailer performance.

Manage lease obligations, tenancy fit‑outs & refurbishments, tenancy disputes, and operational queries.

Work closely with leasing teams to support tenant mix strategy, renewals, and new leasing opportunities.

Build strong relationships with local authorities, community groups, and key commercial partners.

Provide feedback and input in relation to operating budgets, capital expenditure budgets, and forecasting.

Suggest revenue opportunities, cost efficiencies, and profitability.

Monitor financial performance and provide regular reporting to senior management or owners.

4. Marketing & Customer Experience

Oversee centre marketing activities, campaigns, and events to increase foot traffic and customer engagement.

Ensure the centre delivers a safe, welcoming, and high‑quality customer experience.

Analyse customer trends, feedback, and market insights to improve the centre’s performance.

Lead and develop onsite contractors and team members including operations, admin, customer service, and marketing teams.

Promote a positive culture focused on customer service, safety, and operational excellence.

Conduct regular performance reviews and ensure ongoing contractor development.

Skills & Qualifications

Proven experience in centre management, commercial property management, or retail asset management.

Strong understanding of retail operations, facilities management, and leasing processes.

Excellent communication, negotiation, and relationship‑building skills.

Financial acumen with experience in budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting.

Strong leadership and team‑management capabilities.

Ability to work in a fast‑paced environment with competing priorities.

Knowledge of WHS legislation and risk management best practices.

Understanding of basic leasing practices and have the ability to engage in initial conversation with prospective and current tenants.

Tertiary qualifications in Property, Business, Facilities Management, or a related field.

Experience with commercial property software systems (e.g. MRI, Cirrus 8).

Key Attributes

Commercially minded with strong problem‑solving ability.

Customer‑focused with a passion for delivering memorable experiences.

Highly organised, proactive, and resilient under pressure.

Strong collaborator with a professional and approachable manner.

Please note that applications from agencies will not be considered at this time. Please note that due to high application volumes, only short listed candidates will be contacted. To be eligible to apply for this role you must be legally permitted to work in Australia.

Unlock job insights

Your application will include the following questions:

• Which of the following statements best describes your right to work in Australia?
• What's your expected annual base salary?
• How many years' experience do you have as a centre manager?
• How much notice are you required to give your current employer?