Commercial and Retail Manager, Property

Lead and manage a multi-venue property management functionFull-Time, continuing position; package Circa $180K negotiableMacquarie University – Wallumattagal Campus, North Ryde
Macquarie University is seeking an experienced and strategic Commercial and Retail Manager to join our Property Division within the University’s Finance and Resources Portfolio. This pivotal role will oversee the management of the University’s diverse property portfolio, including retail, commercial, and leased assets, to maximise financial viability, and income generation.
About the Role
Reporting to the Director, Strategy and Planning, the Commercial and Retail Manager will provide strategic oversight of Macquarie University’s property holdings, leading complex negotiations with external stakeholders, managing lease agreements, and driving commercial outcomes that align with the University’s broader strategies. You will be responsible for optimising revenue opportunities across campus and beyond, overseeing a commercial and retail budget of $36 million.
Working closely with senior management, Faculties, the Office of the General Counsel, and external partners, you will ensure our property portfolio is managed effectively, legally compliant, and positioned to deliver sustainable commercial value.
Key Responsibilities
Lead, negotiate, and manage commercial and retail lease agreements to maximise outcomes for the University.Provide expert advice on commercial property strategies, investment opportunities, and asset optimisation.Manage and oversee income and expenditure for the University’s commercial and retail portfolio.Build and maintain strong relationships with internal stakeholders, tenants, consultants, and industry bodies.Ensure compliance with relevant legislation, contracts, and University policies.
About You
You are a commercially astute property professional with significant experience in managing retail and commercial property portfolios. You are confident in leading commercial lease negotiations, managing budgets, and identifying opportunities for revenue growth. Your strong stakeholder management skills enable you to work across complex environments, and your ability to work independently ensures successful delivery of strategic and operational outcomes.
In addition, you will have (Selection Criteria):
Postgraduate qualifications or extensive experience in commercial and retail property management.Proven expertise in retail and commercial leasing, asset utilisation, and financial viability.Strong knowledge of tenancy legislation (including the Retail Leases Act) and experience working with legal representatives on contracts.Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.High-level financial management capability, including budget and cashflow oversight.
Experience in the higher education sector and with property management systems (such as Progenesis) will be highly regarded.
About Us
The Property team at Macquarie University plans, delivers, and manages the University’s owned and leased assets. We are responsible for creating sustainable, innovative, and effective property solutions that support the University’s mission of learning, teaching, health and research excellence. This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in shaping the University’s property portfolio and contributing to its long-term success.
Why Macquarie?
You’ll be joining a collaborative and forward-thinking university that values safety, inclusion, and service excellence. In this role, you will have the opportunity to shape the future of the University’s property portfolio and make a meaningful impact on the assets owned and leased by the University.
Macquarie is a university engaged with the real and often complex problems and opportunities that define our lives. Since our foundation over 60 years ago, we have aspired to be a different type of university. Over the years, we have grown to become the centre of a vibrant local and global community. Connect with us today.
We rank amongst the top employers in the Australian Workplace Employers Index, having recently earned a five-star rating in the QS World Rankings with the highest rating for employability. Take a look at the staff benefits on offer.
How to apply
To be considered, please apply online with your CV and a cover letter outlining how your experience aligns with the key selection criteria (above).
*This position requires qualification and criminal history checks.
Application Closes: Thursday 27 August 2026
We reserve the right to progress or decline an application prior to the application closing date.
For enquiries, or a confidential conversation about the role please contact Tracey Baldwin, Director Property Strategy and Planning at tracey.baldwin@mq.edu.au or Sarah Bate, Head of Talent Acquisition at sarah.bate@mq.edu.au.
If you're already part of the Macquarie Group (MQ University, U@MQ, MQ Health, MGSM), you'll need to apply through your employee Workday account. To apply for this job: Login to Workday and go to the Careers App > Find Jobs.
A Place Where You Belong
At Macquarie, we believe diversity makes us stronger, inclusion drives our success, and belonging inspires us to do our best work. We are proud to foster a community where different backgrounds, identities, and experiences are valued, and where our people are empowered to thrive through supportive leadership, shared responsibility, and a deep commitment to genuine care and respect for our community. Find out more about our vision for a truly inclusive workplace in our Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging Framework.
Flexible Work
At Macquarie, we believe by providing flexibility in when, where and how work is done, we can support our staff to manage their personal commitments, while optimising their work performance and contributions to the University. See how we lead in flexible work to enable an outcome focused and inclusive workplace. To learn more about our culture and hiring process, explore our Candidate Resource Hub.