Operations Manager - Boutique Paddock to Plate | Tweed NSW

Drover Ag Agricultural Recruitment; Tweed Heads; On-site; AUD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

On-site accommodation

Job summary

Salterra Farm in NSW’s Tweed Heads region seeks an experienced Operations Manager to lead day-to-day activities on a 250-acre Wagyu property. You will oversee livestock, feed, and property maintenance with a strong emphasis on hands-on work and process improvement.

The role blends traditional farming with modern ag-tech, including Halter virtual fencing, to optimise grazing and infrastructure upgrades. You will manage ~150 Wagyu cattle, implement AI/ET breeding initiatives, and coordinate with

Qualifications

• Proven beef cattle management experience with herd health monitoring and breeding program support (AI/ET).
• Strong practical skills with modern farm machinery and irrigation systems.
• Ability to implement modern ag-tech solutions (Hal ter virtual fencing).
• Excellent communication and organisation to liaise with transport drivers, contractors, and farm owners.

Responsibilities

• Oversee livestock management, property maintenance, and feed management.
• Independently order feed and drive process improvements and property development.
• Manage a herd of ~150 Wagyu cattle and lead operational initiatives (AI/ET, Halter fencing).
• Coordinate with livestock transport drivers and abattoirs as part of paddock‑to‑plate operations.
• Hands-on role building/repairing fencing, shelters, roads, and drainage on the farm.

Skills

Beef cattle management

Herd health monitoring

Breeding programs (AI/ET)

Farm machinery operation

Irrigation systems maintenance

Fencing and infrastructure

Hal ter virtual fencing

Coordination with drivers/contractors

Tools

Hal ter virtual fencing

Irrigation systems

Modern farm machinery

Job description

Searching for an experienced, self-motivated, and enthusiastic Operations Manager to lead day-to-day operations across their boutique 250-acre Wagyu cattle property located in Piggabeen, NSW, our clients are an expanding agribusiness dedicated to producing high-quality Wagyu beef within a picturesque coastal environment. Having recently upgraded their central land holding while acquiring and renovating additional adjoining parcels, the business combines traditional agricultural values with modern farming strategies, overhead sprinkler irrigation, and machinery, including excavators, tractors, and side-by-side. Situated in the thriving Tweed Heads region just ten minutes from pristine surfing beaches and within easy reach of Byron Bay, the Gold Coast, and Brisbane, Salterra Farm offers an unmatched balance of high-standard agricultural work and an enviable coastal lifestyle.
In this highly autonomous, hands-on role, you will take full responsibility for livestock oversight, property maintenance, and feed management—independently ordering feed and proactively improving processes and property development without daily guidance. You will manage a herd of approximately 150 Wagyu cattle and drive key operational initiatives, including artificial insemination and embryo transfer breeding programs. You will lead the implementation of Halter virtual fencing technology to optimise rotational grazing, coordinate with livestock transport drivers, and oversee grass-finished grain-assisted feeding routines. Crucially, you will actively engage in hands-on work to build and repair fencing, construct livestock shelters, build roads, and implement drainage improvements across the farm.
Working alongside a supportive landholder who directly manages post-farm-gate processing and maintains direct relationships with abattoirs and butchers, you will see the complete paddock-to-plate supply chain in action, blending traditional animal husbandry with progressive agricultural technologies.
The Offer
An attractive remuneration package is offered, coupled with comfortable accommodation in a beautifully maintained 1-bedroom cottage located right on the farm. The successful applicant will benefit from working in a positive, friendly team culture alongside top-quality machinery, excellent infrastructure, and strong ongoing investment into pasture, breeding, and property improvements.
The Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate is a proactive and energetic farm management professional who thrives in an independent working environment and takes immense pride in livestock welfare and property presentation. To excel in this position, you should possess:

• Proven experience in beef cattle management, herd health monitoring, and breeding programs, including AI and ET protocol support
• Strong practical skills operating modern farm machinery, maintaining irrigation, and directly constructing and maintaining fencing, shelters, and property infrastructure
• A flexible, positive attitude with a desire to implement modern ag-tech solutions, such as Halter virtual fencing
• Excellent communication and organisation skills to liaise effectively with truck drivers, contractors, and farm owners