Livestock Manager

Smithfield Cattle Company; Goondiwindi Regional; On-site; AUD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Accommodation

Company vehicle

Training and development

Growth opportunities

Family-owned values

Job summary

Smithfield Cattle Company in Goondiwindi, Queensland, is seeking an experienced Livestock Manager to lead our Sapphire Feedlot team. You will oversee daily operations, health monitoring, and cattle handling for a high-capacity facility as we expand to 48,500 head.

You will manage a capable team, drive animal welfare, data integrity, and regulatory compliance while developing people and systems to sustain growth. This is a leadership role in a values-driven family business.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in livestock management, ideally within the feedlot industry.
• Strong leadership and communication skills, with the ability to motivate and develop a team.
• In-depth knowledge of cattle nutrition, health, and welfare practices.
• Familiarity with regulatory requirements and feedlot best practices.
• A proactive mindset with the ability to make sound decisions in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Manage daily operations, including arrival and dispatch schedules, health monitoring, and backgrounding programs.
• Supervise and develop our livestock team to ensure optimal cattle care and handling.
• Oversee maintenance of livestock facilities and equipment to maintain a safe and efficient environment.
• Ensure high standards of animal health management to meet quality assurance requirements.
• Maintain accurate and reliable livestock records, prioritising data quality and integrity.
• Uphold company standards for animal welfare and workplace health and safety (WHS).
• Support other areas of feedlot operations as needed.

Skills

Livestock management

Leadership

Cattle nutrition and welfare

Regulatory compliance

Team development

Job description

Lead livestock operations in an award-winning, growing feedlot.

Who are we?

Smithfield Cattle Company is a family-owned, values-driven cattle and farming business based near Goondiwindi, Queensland. At the heart of our operation is Sapphire Feedlot – a progressive, award-recognised feedlot with an exciting future.

Since purchasing Sapphire 10 years, it has grown from 6,000 head to 42,000 head, with approval in place to expand to 48,500 head.

We are proud of what our Sapphire team has achieved.

• Runner-Up Feedlot of the Year in 2024 and a Finalist in 2026

• Feedlotter behind some of the world’s best steak, with recognition at the World Steak Challenge in both 2024 and winner in 2026.

• State of the art cattle handling facilities

We are looking for an experienced and motivated Livestock Manager to lead our livestock operations and team. This is a significant leadership role for someone who genuinely loves working with cattle and takes pride in achieving outstanding standards of animal health, welfare and performance.

You’ll lead a capable livestock team and have the opportunity to influence how we continue to develop our people, cattle systems and facilities as the feedlot grows.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

• Manage daily operations, including arrival and dispatch schedules, health monitoring, and backgrounding programs.

• Supervise and develop our livestock team to ensure optimal cattle care and handling.

• Oversee maintenance of livestock facilities and equipment to maintain a safe and efficient environment.

• Ensure high standards of animal health management to meet quality assurance requirements.

• Maintain accurate and reliable livestock records, prioritising data quality and integrity.

• Uphold company standards for animal welfare and workplace health and safety (WHS).

• Support other areas of feedlot operations as needed.

Skills and Abilities:

• Proven experience in livestock management, ideally within the feedlot industry.
• Strong leadership and communication skills, with the ability to motivate and develop a team.
• In-depth knowledge of cattle nutrition, health, and welfare practices.
• Familiarity with regulatory requirements and feedlot best practices.
• A proactive mindset with the ability to make sound decisions in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.

Why Sapphire Feedlot?

This is an opportunity to join a feedlot that is growing, investing and being recognised for excellence.

You’ll be joining a family owned and operated business that is ambitious about its future while remaining grounded in its values, its people and its commitment to producing outstanding Australian beef

We Offer you:

• A key leadership role in a growing 42,000-head feedlot, approved to 48,500 head.

• Competitive remuneration reflecting your skills and experience.

• Accommodation and company vehicle provided.

• Ongoing training and professional development.

• The opportunity to work with quality cattle and excellent livestock facilities.

• A supportive, family-owned and values-driven business.

• A workplace where animal welfare, safety, people and performance matter.

• The opportunity to contribute to the next stage of Sapphire Feedlot’s growth.

And then there’s Goondiwindi…

There’s a lot to like about calling Goondiwindi home.

It’s a vibrant regional town with a strong sense of community, great sporting and recreational facilities, schools, cafés and services, while still offering the space and lifestyle that comes with living in regional Queensland.

For someone looking to build a long-term career in the beef industry without giving up a great community and lifestyle, Gundy is a pretty good place to do it.

Ready for your next challenge?