Portfolio Operations Manager

Due to an internal promotion, we’re looking for a Portfolio Operations Manager to join QIC Real Estate in Melbourne.

Reporting to Carly Xerri, Head of National Operations, you’ll become part of a high-performing team that genuinely enjoys what they do, works collaboratively and takes pride in delivering great outcomes across our Victorian retail portfolio.

This is an opportunity to bring your operational expertise, commercial thinking and fresh ideas to a role where innovation, sustainability and continuous improvement are actively encouraged.

As Portfolio Operations Manager, you’ll provide operational leadership, advice and support across a portfolio of retail assets, helping our centres operate safely, efficiently and sustainably.

You’ll work closely with centre teams, investment management, fund management, development partners, retailers, contractors and other stakeholders to improve performance and deliver portfolio-wide initiatives.

The role combines strategic planning with hands-on delivery, giving you the opportunity to influence how our assets operate today and evolve for the future.

will include:

Supporting the preparation of annual operational plans, capital expenditure programs and longer-term capital budgets

Managing contracts in line with procurement requirements and ensuring services deliver strong commercial outcomes

Identifying and implementing cost efficiencies across the portfolio

Leading operational initiatives relating to energy, water, waste, recycling and sustainability

Supporting asset due diligence, operating expense reviews, benchmarking and capital planning

Providing operational input into development and redevelopment planning

Delivering national and portfolio-wide projects in partnership with centre operations teams

Supporting the onboarding and development of centre Operations Managers

Maintaining strong operational governance, reporting, compliance and record keeping

Building collaborative relationships with internal teams, retailers, contractors and external stakeholders

Identifying new technology, systems and processes that improve operational performance

QIC Real Estate takes an active, innovative, disciplined and hands-on approach to property management, with technology, innovation and strategic cost initiatives central to the operations function.

About You You’re an experienced retail property operations professional who understands what it takes to keep complex shopping centre environments running smoothly.

Commercially minded and naturally curious, you look beyond the immediate issue to find practical, sustainable solutions.

You’re comfortable working across multiple assets and priorities, and you know how to balance strategic thinking with the operational detail required to deliver.

You enjoy being part of a capable and positive team, but you’re equally confident taking ownership and working independently.

Most importantly, you bring credibility, sound judgement and the ability to build strong relationships with stakeholders at every level.

You’ll also bring:

A proactive and solutions-focused approach

Strong commercial and financial capability

The confidence to challenge existing practices and introduce better ways of working

A collaborative leadership style

The ability to influence without relying solely on authority

Strong organisation and attention to detail

Clear and professional written and verbal communication

A genuine interest in innovation, sustainability and continuous improvement

Essential Criteria To be successful in this role, you must have:

Significant operations management experience within retail property or shopping centres

Previous experience in a portfolio, national operations or senior operations management position

Strong knowledge of retail asset operations, facilities management, service contracts and operational expenditure

Demonstrated project management capability, including the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines

Proven safety leadership and sound knowledge of relevant workplace health and safety legislation

Experience working collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders

Strong numeracy, budgeting and financial analysis skills

The ability to read and interpret construction drawings and lease plans

Proven leadership capability

Advanced computer skills, including Microsoft Office, SharePoint and database systems

A highly organised approach with meticulous record keeping

The ability to attend after-hours events when required

The position description also identifies self-sufficiency, initiative, adaptability, stakeholder management, safety leadership and strong communication as essential capabilities for the role.

Desired Criteria The following would be highly regarded:

Experience delivering or supporting a major redevelopment within a leading regional shopping centre

Extensive experience managing operations within major or regional shopping centres

Tertiary qualifications in property, facilities management, engineering, construction or another related discipline

Experience implementing technology-led operational improvements

Exposure to energy efficiency, waste reduction, recycling, solar, LED or broader sustainability programs

If you’re looking for a role where you can make an impact, bring new ideas to the table and work alongside a high-performing team that enjoys what they do, we’d love to hear from you.

A Note to Recruitment Agencies QIC is managing recruitment for this position directly and will not be accepting agency submissions.

All interested candidates should apply directly or contact Cassandra Eshman, Talent Partner, for a confidential discussion.

Unsolicited candidate profiles submitted by recruitment agencies will not be considered.