Chief Executive Officer

AgJobs Central and Beef Central – Officer VIC Full time 9d ago , from AgJobs Central and Beef Central About The Company Avocados Australia is a not-for-profit organisation that represents the Australian avocado industry from orchard to consumer. The Australian avocado industry supplies high-quality fruit to domestic and international markets. In 2024, the industry produced approximately 150,000 tonnes of avocados, with strong domestic demand and growing export opportunities. The organisation strives for continual improvement and provides strategic leadership, advocacy, research, and market development programs to support growers and the broader supply chain. As part of this continual improvement, they work closely with Hort Innovation to ensure the industry levy funded Research and Development and Marketing programs for the Australian avocado industry are well directed, achieve the best outcomes possible and responsive to industry needs. Guided by the 2022–2026 Strategic Plan, AAL focuses on four key industry priorities: Increase domestic consumption. Grow export volumes at profitable farm gate prices. Improve industry productivity and quality to increase global competitiveness. Optimise the operating environment to support a sustainable and profitable industry. About The Role Reporting to the Chair and Board, the CEO will lead the organisation to deliver these objectives while expanding member value, strengthening financial performance, and fostering a culture of innovation. The CEO will be the face and voice of the Australian avocado industry, providing leadership, advocacy, and strategic oversight. Key responsibilities include: Strategic Leadership: Drive industry strategy, implement the Annual Operational Plan. Emerging opportunities: Identify risks and trends to guide Board decision‑making. Corporate Management: Oversee all operations, ensure compliance, and lead a high‑performing management team. People Leadership: Lead a capable management team and ensure strong operational performance whilst maintaining compliance, governance, and reporting frameworks. Industry Advocacy: Represent AAL nationally and internationally, advocate retailers, government, and policymakers. National voice: Be the national voice of the avocado industry with government, retailers, media, and global partners and champion grower interests and advocate industry settings at the highest levels. Financial & Commercial Oversight: Manage budgets, revenue growth, risk, and investment of AAL funds. Market Development: Lead initiatives to grow domestic and export demand, support R&D, quality improvement, and marketing programs. Member & Stakeholder Engagement: Build strong relationships with growers, members, supply chain partners, research bodies and government leaders to maintain trust and deliver value. This role is about vision and action. You will create opportunities, solve problems, and make strategic decisions that affect the entire supply chain. About You You are a dynamic, outward‑facing leader who can navigate high‑level discussions, inspire confidence across stakeholders, and drive measurable outcomes for the Australian avocado industry. To succeed, you will bring: Significant senior leadership & management experience in agriculture, horticulture, FMCG, or other related commercial sectors. Proven ability to deliver strategic outcomes and lead high‑performing teams. Strong commercial acumen with experience in growing revenue and managing financial performance. Outstanding communication, advocacy, and stakeholder engagement skills. Experience engaging with government, industry bodies, international trade partners, and the media. Ability to operate at both strategic and operational levels with confidence. Willingness to travel domestically and internationally. Desirable Knowledge of international trade, export markets, and market access frameworks. Experience in member‑based or not‑for‑profit organisations. Familiarity with fresh produce supply chains and rural communities. Why this role? This is a rare opportunity to lead the national direction of one of Australia’s most recognisable horticultural industries. This is a high‑impact leadership position that has significant influence across trade, production and retail. If you’re a strong leader driven by improvement and innovation and constantly think about how to do things better, we’d love to hear from you. Contact information For a confidential discussion or to learn more, contact Mark Turner or Marcela Badim Rocha Lima on . Applications via #J-18808-Ljbffr