AddressWe are searching for a highly skilled and experienced cattle manager with a strong background in pastoral management. This is an exciting opportunity for a proven leader to join this large, rapidly expanding, and progressive agribusiness. The role offers a competitive salary package negotiated to match your expertise, qualifications and potential.
Our clients are a fourth-generation, large-scale farming business with integrated cropping, beef cattle breeding, backgrounding, and finishing operations. Managing a land portfolio of high-grade assets covering over 450,000ha across five regions of Queensland, the company is one of the major beef producers in Australia. The group’s Northern aggregation includes the adjoining properties of Natal Downs, Longton and Narellan, located about 135km southwest of Charters Towers and serve as the grass-raised cattle powerhouse of the group, currently carrying 45,000 head plus 10,000 acres of fodder crops, with potential for further expansion.
As the core breeding operations for the entire business, the aggregation focuses on producing high-quality, productive, and quiet cattle for the growing and fattening properties and feedlot, with the herd already transitioning from a Brahman base to more suitable composite cattle lines. The Stations have a mix of very good quality open black soil downs and pulled brigalow/blackwood running into open forest and flooded Coolibah flats. With favourable water security and land and soil types, further planned development of the enterprise will result in a highly producing beef breeding and fattening aggregation. A continual generous capital improvement program is in place, and so far, a reticulated stock watering system, numerous yards, laneways, and modern internal fencing is underway.
This new role of Manager of Cattle Operations has been created to facilitate significant scaling of Cattle numbers. It will be based at the main breeding property, Natal Downs, south of Charters Towers. The role requires an experienced person to oversee all Cattle Operations and provide strong leadership within the organisation while looking at new and innovative methods to complement and increase current production systems and work towards key company targets.
The company has clear future goals, the main being significant scaling, including profitable agricultural enterprises, sustainable land management, and a safe and prosperous working environment for its employees. The role involves reporting to the General Manager, managing, leading, and mentoring a team of up to 10 individuals, planning and implementing animal movements and musters, driving improvement of herd performance and efficiency, overseeing accurate and timely data management, and prioritising animal nutrition and welfare.
The successful applicant must have -
- Minimum 5 years experience in a senior agricultural management role, including a solid hands-on knowledge of large, successful pastoral cattle enterprises.
- Post-secondary qualification in Agriculture or Agribusiness would be an advantage.
- A strong interest in regenerative and/or sustainable agricultural practices and fodder cropping experience would be advantageous.
- Grazing For Profit and Low Stress Stock handling course advantageous.
- High level of business acumen commensurate with the scale of the operation.
- High level staff engagement, communication, and interpersonal relationship skills.
- Ability to set and implement plans and strategies for production in line with company policies and within the strategic framework.
As the Manager of Cattle Operations, you must balance economic return, human relations, and sustainability with the business's long-term goals. You will be required to plan, budget, report, and be accountable for all aspects of the operation under your control and effectively communicate this to the entire team.
Natal Downs has an expansive homestead complex and facilities. A generous remuneration package plus a tailored performance program will be negotiated with the successful applicant. The package includes a Station Manager's house, vehicle, mobile, laptop and fuel.
To apply for this position, please submit your up-to-date resume and a minimum of 3 references that can be contacted. Preference will be given to those who supply a cover letter indicating why you would be suited to this role.
Additional information
- Autonomous role for elite cattle manager with leadership & agribusiness skills
- Highly attractive salary with opportunity for growth & performance rewards.
- Rapidly expanding family agribusiness.
