Your Employer

Our client is a financially robust and highly respected Australian owned business that leads a niche, profitable export operation. With a long-standing reputation for sustainability, scientific research, and operational integrity, they maintain strong relationships with regulators, industry stakeholders, and international buyers. Based in Cairns, the company operates under a unique quota-based model, supported by a close-knit, long-serving team and guided by a hands-on board. Their high-performance culture is grounded in transparency, collaboration, and respect.

The Role

This CEO role offers a once-in-a-career opportunity to lead a premium export business with end-to-end operational responsibility. You’ll oversee factory operations, contract harvesting partnerships, export compliance, and board reporting—while serving as a key ambassador to regulators and international clients. A structured transition is in place, with support from both the outgoing CEO and a former CEO-turned-Director.

Key Responsibilities:

• - Lead and manage all business operations with strong oversight on financials, compliance, and strategic outcomes
• - Drive export sales and manage longstanding relationships with key Asian clients
• - Ensure sustainable practices and uphold the company’s strong regulatory reputation
• - Collaborate closely with the board and report on performance, risks, and strategic direction
• - Guide factory teams while upholding company values of integrity and accountability
• - Represent the business externally, including with regulators and industry bodies
• - Identify and develop new products, markets, and operational improvements

About You

You are a commercially savvy and culturally aware leader, known for your integrity, calm decision-making, and ability to build trust across diverse teams—from factory floors to boardrooms. You thrive in flat, agile environments and bring a global mindset to strategy and operations.

Selection Criteria:

• - Executive leadership experience, preferably in seafood, agribusiness, or export sectors
• - Track record in sales and client engagement—especially with Asian markets
• - Strong financial acumen, including Excel and understanding of FX risk
• - Experience liaising with government, regulators, and international buyers
• - Exposure to quality assurance, export compliance, and product lifecycle oversight
• - High emotional intelligence with a collaborative, transparent approach
• - Desirable: knowledge of regulated industries or marine products,

The Benefits: This role offers autonomy within a stable and streamlined operational structure, supported by a collaborative board and a clear succession plan.

Remuneration & Conditions:

• - Salary package: $200,000 – $250,000 + superannuation
• - Relocation assistance
• - Discretionary bonus post-18 months
• - Minimal travel (Asia: 1x annually; VIC: 1x annually)

Contact Agri Talent

Agri Talent provides permanent recruitment and executive search services exclusively for Australian agribusiness. For more information, please contact Bruce Highfield, Executive Search, Agri Talent on 0473 597 731.