Chief Executive Officer

Strategic Business Co.; Gympie Regional, Sharon; On-site; AUD 200,000 - 320,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

KPI bonus framework

Vehicle or vehicle allowance

Mobile phone and laptop

Job summary

Bundaberg Fruit and Vegetable Growers (BFVG) is seeking an accomplished Chief Executive Officer to lead the organisation’s next chapter. This on-site role is based in Bundaberg and involves steering strategic and operational performance, strengthening financial sustainability and industry influence.

You will engage confidently with Government and growers, build partnerships, oversee services and projects, and empower a capable team to translate strategy into meaningful results for BFVG and its

Qualifications

• Senior leadership experience in industry, government or not-for-profit sectors.
• Experience with board reporting, governance and compliance.
• Strong financial management, budgeting and funding experience.
• Understanding of horticulture or fresh produce industry helpful.

Responsibilities

• Lead BFVG's strategic direction and operational performance.
• Advocate for growers, develop partnerships and funding opportunities.
• Oversee services and projects, and support a member‑focussed team.
• Engage with government, stakeholders and communities to deliver outcomes.
• Ensure sound governance and financial oversight with timely reporting.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Governance and compliance

Financial management

Stakeholder engagement

Industry advocacy

Education

Relevant tertiary qualifications or equivalent experience

Job description

Bundaberg Fruit and Vegetable Growers (BFVG)
Bundaberg, Queensland | Full time | On-site
Package based on experience + KPI bonus framework + vehicle/vehicle allowance

Lead with purpose. Strengthen the industry. Deliver for growers.

Behind every successful growing region are strong businesses, connected communities and an industry voice that gets heard.

Established in 1948 Bundaberg Fruit and Vegetable Growers (BFVG) is a respected member-driven organisation representing the interests of fruit, vegetable, herb and nut farmers across the Wide Bay Burnett, an industry valued at more than $1.68B. BFVG is passionate about advocating for its members and delivering meaningful outcomes for the broader industry. BFVG has served the industry across the region for close to 80 years.

The right candidate will be stepping into an established role supported by a dedicated team working across Bundaberg, Gympie and beyond delivering industry projects, services and initiatives on behalf of industry. This is an opportunity to build on strong foundations and continue ensuring BFVG has a respected and influential voice.

Our client, BFVG are seeking an accomplished, commercially minded Chief Executive Officer to lead the organisation’s next chapter. This is an opportunity to combine strategic leadership, industry advocacy and commercial development in a role with a direct connection to growers and the communities they support.

We are looking for an approachable leader who understands horticulture, earns trust and brings people together. Someone who can engage confidently with Government, listen to growers’ concerns and empower a team to turn strategy into meaningful results.

The opportunity

Reporting to the Board, you will lead BFVG’s strategic and operational performance, ensuring the organisation delivers value to members while strengthening its financial sustainability and industry influence.

The role combines external representation with practical organisational leadership. You will advocate on issues affecting growers, develop partnerships and funding opportunities, oversee services and projects, and support a capable, member-focused team. Working with the Board, you will advance priorities across member engagement, grower services, workforce capability, innovation, sustainability and commercial growth.

Your impact

• Champion growers’ interests through credible representation and advocacy across local, regional, state and national forums.
• Turn strategy into results, translating Board priorities into clear plans, accountable delivery and measurable member outcomes.
• Apply strong financial acumen to guide budgeting, forecasting and resource allocation, strengthen financial performance and evaluate commercial opportunities that deliver long-term value for BFVG and its members.
• Strengthen commercial performance by developing revenue streams, growing Regional Grower Services and securing funding, tenders and partnerships.
• Communicate with clarity and influence, connecting growers, Government, industry and community stakeholders, navigating differing views and building shared understanding to achieve meaningful outcomes.
• Empower your team, providing clear direction, building capability and encouraging ownership and collaboration.
• Maintain sound governance and financial oversight, giving the Board timely reporting, informed advice and clear visibility of performance and risk.
• Support industry resilience, helping growers respond to workforce pressures, changing markets, technology and sustainability challenges.

The leader we are looking for

You bring the commercial judgement to run an organisation, the credibility to represent an industry and the interpersonal skills to connect people with differing priorities and views.

You are comfortable moving between strategic discussions and day-to-day decisions. You listen carefully, communicate clearly and approach complex issues with sound judgement and practical solutions.

Your experience will include:

• Senior leadership within industry, Government or a not-for-profit environment, supported by relevant tertiary qualifications or equivalent experience.
• Experience in agriculture, horticulture or fresh produce, with an understanding of the commercial realities facing growers.
• Working with or reporting to a Board, including strategic planning, governance and compliance.
• Financial management, including budgeting, forecasting and securing external funding.
• Commercial development, tender submissions or the growth of services and revenue.
• Building relationships and influencing outcomes across diverse stakeholder groups.
• Leading and developing teams through clear expectations, support and accountability.
• Preparing high-quality reports, submissions, briefing papers and strategic advice.

An understanding of regional workforce challenges, a current driver’s licence and the ability to travel are also required. The position is based on-site in Bundaberg and includes weekend work as required.

Why this role?

This is an opportunity to lead an organisation where commercial success and industry purpose are closely connected. Your work will help strengthen grower businesses, expand the value BFVG delivers and shape the industry’s response to emerging challenges.

The remuneration and benefits include:

• Attractive remuneration package based on experience
• KPI bonus framework
• Vehicle or vehicle allowance
• Mobile phone and laptop

Strategic Business Co is managing this recruitment process on behalf of BFVG, if you have questions about the role, please contact our Recruitment Team on 07 4306 7*** or ***********@sbco.au.

Applications close on 4th December 2026. We may begin pre-screening applications before the closing date.