CEO

Silvalis is a vertically integrated Australian forestry and sandalwood business with a strong provenance story, long‑term resource security, and deep relationships across the global natural products, fragrance, and flavours sectors. The company manages and markets Australian sandalwood (Santalum spicatum) —a species with unique cultural, ecological, and commercial value. Silvalis has access to long‑term, reliable supply over the next 25+ years . The brand is built on: Authenticity (true Australian provenance) Sustainable and ethical harvesting Transparent chain‑of‑custody Respect for Aboriginal cultural heritage Consistent quality and supply reliability Silvalis services global buyers across fragrance, flavour, incense, aromatherapy, and specialty wood markets. The company is privately owned, profitable, and entering a new phase of growth expansion domestically and internationally. Opportunity Silvalis is seeking a Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to lead the company into its next phase of growth. This is a rare opportunity to take stewardship of a uniquely positioned Australian natural‑products business with global market demand, strong supply fundamentals, and multi‑decade commercial visibility. The incoming CEO will: Run and grow an established, profitable enterprise Lead expansion into new product grades, new markets, and new customer segments Strengthen the operational and commercial platform for scale Build a high‑performing senior team Professionalise systems, reporting, and governance Drive EBITDA growth and prepare the business for eventual sale or capital event The founders will transition into Chair / Board roles , providing strategic oversight while stepping back from day‑to‑day operations. The CEO will have full operational and strategic authority (within agreed delegation limits). Key Responsibilities A. Strategic Leadership Develop and execute Silvalis’ 3–5 year strategic plan Expand our international markets (India, Asia, Middle East, EU, US) Explore product diversification Identify and evaluate M&A, JV, and value‑add‑tion opportunities Build the brand’s global reputation for provenance, quality, and sustainable supply B. Operational Management Lead daily operations across procurement, processing, logistics, compliance, and customer fulfilment Strengthen QA/QC systems and maintain a verified chain‑of‑custody Oversee safety, environmental compliance, and risk management Drive operational efficiency and margin improvement Grow revenue through new and existing customers, sectors, and geographies Maintain key relationships with customers Lead commercial negotiations, tenders, and long‑term supply agreements Build predictable demand pipelines Own the P & L, budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting Deliver consistent EBITDA growth Implement stronger financial controls, KPIs, and board reporting Manage working capital, inventory, and capital expenditure E. People & Culture Lead the senior leadership team (Operations, Finance, HSE, Commercial) Strengthen capability across the business Build a performance‑oriented culture grounded in safety, quality, and accountability Recruit and mentor future leaders F. Exit / Capital Event Preparation Build due‑diligence‑ready reporting and governance Implement structures attractive to strategic acquirers or investors Drive valuation uplift through operational and commercial excellence Candidate Profile Experience 10+ years senior leadership experience in forestry, agriculture, natural products, FMCG, supply chain, or adjacent heavy‑industry sectors Demonstrated success driving growth in a mid‑market business ($20M–$100M typical background) Strong commercial acumen, with experience negotiating long‑term supply or commodity contracts Experience scaling a business across international markets Operational discipline: safety, compliance, yield optimisation, quality control Experience working with founder‑led companies is highly advantageous M&A, vertical integration, or exit‑preparation exposure is a strong plus Capabilities Strategic thinker + strong operator (rare combination) Relationship builder with gravitas and authenticity Financial literacy and comfort with data‑led decision‑making Leadership maturity: builds trust, sets direction, holds people accountable Comfortable working in a business with history, culture, and multi‑stakeholder inputs Deep respect for the cultural significance of Australian sandalwood Personal Style Low ego, high accountability Hands‑on when needed, strategic where required Values‑based leadership Entrepreneurial mindset with corporate discipline Passion for natural resources, sustainability, and long‑term stewardship Compensation Package $250,000 – $275,000 + Super Short‑Term Incentive, (STI): Long‑Term Incentive (LTI) are offered. Reporting Structure CEO > BoardQuarterly board meetings + monthly performance reporting #J-18808-Ljbffr