Make a real difference locally while managing vibrant, community-minded retail stores.
Family Life is a recognised Employer of Choice. Work with us and be part of our supportive, people-focused culture.
The Retail Area Manager is a Full Time, Permanent role based across our 13 Retail Stores stretching from Elwood to Rosebud with our Distribution Centre based in Moorabbin (Bunurong Land). The Area Manager plays a critical leadership role in ensuring operational excellence, strong community engagement, and consistent delivery of Family Life’s values across the Bayside Opportunity Stores.
As this is a store facing role, the position requires regular travel across our Peninsula and Bayside locations. The 13 stores will be a shared responsibility between two Retail Area Managers, supported by access to fleet vehicles and our Distribution Centre based in Moorabbin. This is a busy and energetic role that is predominantly on the road, supporting stores to build capability, strengthening community relationships, and driving performance across key operational and customer service outcomes. It’s a dynamic and rewarding position that calls for flexibility, initiative and a commitment to delivering high quality experiences for our staff, volunteers and customers.
Step into a fast‑paced, hands‑on role where no two days are the same and your impact is felt across our vibrant retail network. As a Retail Area Manager, you’ll lead and inspire multiple Opportunity Shop teams, supporting Store Managers and volunteers to create safe, positive and high‑performing environments. You will lead fortnightly rostering, recruitment, onboarding and capability development while fostering an inclusive, community‑centred culture that reflects Family Life’s values.
You’ll also play a key role in driving operational and financial performance across our stores — monitoring KPIs, uplifting merchandising standards, and leading local implementation of new initiatives. With strong communication channels across the network, you’ll provide clear, evidence‑based reporting to the Head of Retail and build meaningful connections with staff, volunteers, donors and the community to strengthen the impact of every store
Our ideal candidate is a dynamic retail leader who thrives on variety and impact. You’ve successfully supported or overseen multiple stores, bring sharp operational know‑how across stock flow, merchandising, KPIs and cost control, and you love coaching teams to be their best. Fast‑paced environments excite you, and your strong communication, problem‑solving and relationship‑building skills help you create positive momentum wherever you go.
You’re highly organised, adaptable and confident navigating volunteer‑supported retail models. With a current driver’s licence and availability for regular travel (including one Saturday a month), you’re ready to be out in the community, connecting with teams and living our values. Most importantly, you’re committed to our passion for making a real, lasting difference.
Family Life is a specialist family services provider with over 50 years’ experience supporting children, families and communities. We believe every family deserves to thrive in a safe and supportive community, and we work alongside clients and partners to build capable communities, strong families, and thriving children.
Known for our innovation and whole-of-community approach, we’re committed to creating lasting, positive change and fostering resilience and healthy relationships.
Our network of Op Shops and warehouse, supported by dedicated volunteers, operates as a Social Enterprise – facilitating local community connections and promoting reuse and recycling. As a values-driven organisation, we live the Family Life Way, working together to strengthen the communities we serve.
Working at Family Life is more than just a job. It’s the feeling of knowing that your work is contributing to making the community in which you live a better place and working with others who feel the same way.
Additionally, you will have access to:
If you’re a passionate retail leader with a heart for community and a head for business, we’d love to hear from you.
Apply today and help us create stores with purpose and heart.
A full position description please click here.
Please submit your confidential application including a CV and cover letter addressing the key selection criteria via our Application Portal.
We will be reviewing applications as they are received, therefore this role may close sooner if we find the right candidate. Please apply now to ensure you do not miss out!
For further information regarding the position please contact
Liz Thomas, Head of Retail on (03) 8599 5433.
Applications close: 4 March 2026
Belong, Learn and Grow With Us as We Support Families and Build Stronger Communities
Our Employee Value Proposition (EVP) represents the unique benefits, experiences and opportunities that define what it means to work at Family Life. It reflects our commitment to fostering an environment where every team member feels valued, engaged and inspired to thrive.
All offers of employment are subject to the Family Life Safety Screening process, including a Working with Children Check and Police Records Check. Any person issued with a negative notice on their Working with Children Check will not be eligible for employment with Family Life.
Family Life values diversity and welcomes applicants who meet the position criteria, irrespective of race and ethnicity, colour, age, gender, gender identity, disability, religion and sexual orientation.
Family Life is a trauma informed organisation and recognises the unique skills, contributions and insights that come from lived experience.
Family Life is a child safe organisation. We value, respect and listen to children and young people. We are committed to the safety of all children and young people. Family Life supports children to meet their potential and thrive. We do not tolerate neglect, mistreatment or abuse of any kind.
