Chief Executive Officer

7 days ago

Cairns, Queensland, Australia Agri Talent Full time $250,000 - $350,000 per year
  • Niche, premium export market | Autonomous role
  • Financially successful | Predictable operations | Clear handover support
  • Cairns-based lifestyle | Minimal travel | relocation support

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,

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

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