Operations Manager

Agri Appointments; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

On-property housing

Vehicle provided

Job summary

Agri Appointments is seeking a senior agricultural lead to drive an ambitious improvement plan across 2,000 owned and 2,500 leased acres near Melbourne. You will grow cattle, sheep and pasture production, assessing opportunities and delivering a practical, financially grounded plan in collaboration with the General Manager and stakeholders.

The role offers on-property accommodation and the chance to shape a diversified farming operation with clear commercial outcomes.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience managing hands-on sheep and/or cattle operations.
• Strong knowledge of pasture improvement, grazing management, fertiliser programs and livestock production.
• Ability to assess land and enterprise potential, develop a commercially grounded plan and lead its implementation.
• Practical, self-directed approach with sound judgement, strong organisation and clear communication.
• Confidence working with a broad range of stakeholders and managing contractors and farm activities safely.

Responsibilities

• Assess the agricultural capability of the owned and leased properties and identify the best opportunities to improve productivity.
• Develop and deliver a practical, staged plan for pasture improvement, fertiliser use, grazing and livestock production.
• Assess suitable complementary cropping opportunities as part of a diversified agricultural plan.
• Oversee day-to-day sheep and cattle operations, including stocking decisions, animal performance and farm work programs.
• Build a plan to improve the productivity and management of the leased land in collaboration with relevant stakeholders.
• Evaluate potential new ventures, including feedlot and on-farm processing opportunities, and provide clear commercial recommendations.
• Coordinate operational resources, contractors and farm infrastructure to support safe, efficient delivery.

Job description

The Client

Our client is a respected, privately owned business with a landmark rural property and a diverse portfolio spanning agriculture, food, hospitality and accommodation. With substantial owned and leased agricultural land on Melbourne's northern fringe, the business is investing in a more productive and commercially focused future for its farming operations.

Role

This is a rare opportunity to take the lead on a major agricultural improvement program within a diverse and high-profile rural setting. The opportunity extends well beyond the vineyard, with scope to develop productive livestock, pasture and complementary cropping enterprises across a large landholding. The property currently carries around 300 cattle and 1,000 sheep, with significant potential to lift productivity through better pasture, fertiliser use and well-planned livestock management. Working alongside the broader business and its General Manager, you will assess the potential of both owned and leased land, set a clear direction and turn it into practical results. You will also have the opportunity to evaluate broader development options, which may include a feedlot or on-farm processing, as part of a sound commercial plan.

Responsibilities

• Assess the agricultural capability of the owned and leased properties and identify the best opportunities to improve productivity.
• Develop and deliver a practical, staged plan for pasture improvement, fertiliser use, grazing and livestock production.
• Assess suitable complementary cropping opportunities as part of a diversified agricultural plan.
• Oversee day-to-day sheep and cattle operations, including stocking decisions, animal performance and farm work programs.
• Build a plan to improve the productivity and management of the leased land in collaboration with relevant stakeholders.
• Evaluate potential new ventures, including feedlot and on-farm processing opportunities, and provide clear commercial recommendations.
• Coordinate operational resources, contractors and farm infrastructure to support safe, efficient delivery.

Requirements

• Demonstrated experience managing hands‑on sheep and/or cattle operations.
• Strong knowledge of pasture improvement, grazing management, fertiliser programs and livestock production.
• Ability to assess land and enterprise potential, develop a commercially grounded plan and lead its implementation.
• Practical, self-directed approach with sound judgement, strong organisation and clear communication.
• Confidence working with a broad range of stakeholders and managing contractors and farm activities safely.

Remuneration & Location

A competitive package will be tailored to attract the right person and includes a house on the property and a Ford Ranger or similar. The role is based near Craigieburn, approximately 35 minutes north of Melbourne, offering a distinctive rural lifestyle within easy reach of the city.

Additional information

• Lead an ambitious improvement plan across 2,000 owned and 2,500 leased acres.
• Grow the potential of cattle, sheep and pasture production, with scope to assess
• Enjoy a rare lifestyle opportunity with on-property accommodation and a vehicle