Job Description

Drifter is a growing hospitality group built for curious travellers, free spirits, and people who care about great spaces and great experiences. Across Australia and New Zealand, we’re creating places that feel connected, welcoming, and full of life - where guests come for more than just a bed, and teams are empowered to create memorable experiences every day.

As we continue to grow, we’re looking for an experienced Area Manager to oversee our Victorian portfolio and help shape the next phase of Drifter’s operational journey.

The Opportunity

This is a senior operational leadership role with real scope, autonomy, and influence

As Area Manager in Victoria, you’ll oversee multiple properties across the region, currently including Melbourne CBD and North Melbourne, with additional growth expected over time. You’ll work closely with onsite leaders to ensure our properties deliver exceptional guest experiences, strong commercial performance, and consistent operational standards.

You’ll be responsible for building high-performing teams, supporting leaders to grow, driving operational improvements, and ensuring each property reflects the energy, quality, and values that define Drifter.

This role is highly visible, hands-on, and people-focused - ideal for someone who thrives in fast-paced hospitality environments and enjoys balancing strategic oversight with operational presence on the ground.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Leading operational performance across multiple Victorian properties
• Supporting and mentoring Property Managers and Operations Managers across the region
• Driving consistency in service delivery, brand standards, and guest experience
• Monitoring financial performance including payroll, labour management, occupancy, and cost control
• Supporting onboarding, training, and leadership development across teams
• Working closely with People & Culture on recruitment, performance management, and succession planning
• Managing escalated guest matters and supporting positive resolutions
• Supporting regional projects, operational improvements, and future property openings
• Partnering with the Director of Hospitality and onsite F&B teams to support food and beverage operations and guest experience integration
• Maintaining a strong presence across properties during key trading periods and operational moments
• Ensuring compliance with WHS, safety, employment obligations, and company standards

What We’re Looking For

You’re an experienced hospitality leader who knows how to bring structure, energy, and accountability across multiple sites - while still keeping people and guest experience at the centre of what you do.

You’ll bring:

• Previous experience in multi-site hospitality operations leadership
• Strong leadership capability with experience coaching and developing managers
• A solid understanding of financial performance drivers including payroll, forecasting, labour management, and revenue performance
• Experience leading operational change and improving consistency across properties or venues
• Confidence managing fast-paced environments with competing priorities
• Strong communication skills and the ability to build trusted relationships across teams
• A hands-on, visible leadership style with a willingness to jump in where needed
• A genuine passion for hospitality, people, and creating memorable guest experiences

And just as importantly:

• You lead with professionalism, warmth, and accountability
• You’re adaptable, solutions-focused, and calm under pressure
• You care about building positive team cultures and developing future leaders
• You’re excited by growth and the opportunity to help shape what comes next

What You Can Expect at Drifter

This role comes with real ownership and the opportunity to make a genuine impact across the Victorian portfolio.

Alongside that, you’ll have:

• Competitive remuneration package, including a bonus structure aligned to performance and impact
• Opportunity to travel interstate and internationally across the wider Drifter portfolio, including New Zealand
• Accommodation discounts across Drifter properties for you, your friends, and family
• Lifestyle discounts and perks through Employment Hero
• Peer-to-peer recognition programs that celebrate great work and team contribution
• Learning platform access and ongoing development opportunities
• Wellbeing support including EAP access and annual flu vaccinations
• Flexible work arrangements where operationally appropriate
• Birthday leave to celebrate your day properly
• Potential sponsorship pathways for eligible candidates

Drifter is collaborative, practical, and values-led. Professional but not stuffy, we’re a welcoming and inclusive workplace and proudly welcome team members from all races, places, gender expressions, and beliefs.

If you’re ready to lead multiple properties, develop great teams, and help shape the future of Drifter, we’d love to hear from you.