Project Manager - Sustainability R&D

Project Manager - Sustainability R&D; Brisbane; Hybrid; AUD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible hybrid working

Wellbeing support programs

Learning and development opportunities

Salary packaging benefits

Inclusive culture

Job summary

Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) is seeking a Project Manager – Sustainability and R&D to lead the development and delivery of sustainability-focused RD&A initiatives across Australia's beef and sheep industries.

You will work closely with industry stakeholders, researchers and producers to identify priorities, manage projects and drive adoption of innovative solutions that boost productivity and environmental performance.

Qualifications

• Experience in R&D program and project management in livestock or agricultural systems.
• Strong knowledge of priorities affecting profitability and sustainability of on-farm red meat production in Australia.
• Grounding in biological and environmental sciences supporting sustainable livestock production.
• Knowledge of beef cattle or beef feedlot production systems or sheep production.
• Ability to lead teams, manage stakeholders and resolve conflicts.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and delivery of sustainability-focused RD&A initiatives across Australia's beef and sheep industries.
• Collaborate with industry stakeholders, researchers and producers to identify priorities and shape research programs.
• Manage projects and budgets, ensuring timely delivery and impact of RD&A outcomes.
• Drive adoption of innovative solutions to improve productivity and environmental performance.

Skills

R&D management

Team leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Conflict resolution

Project delivery

Beef & sheep production

Job description

At Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA), we're not just balancing budgets. We're helping direct significant industry investment into the ideas, innovations and market opportunities that will shape the future of Australian red meat. From funding cutting-edge research to strengthening international market access and growing global demand, the work we do has a real and lasting impact for the Australian red meat industry.

The Project Manager – Sustainability and R&D leads the development and delivery of sustainability-focused Research, Development and Adoption (RD&A) initiatives across Australia's beef and sheep industries. Working closely with industry stakeholders, researchers and producers, you will identify emerging priorities, manage impactful projects, and drive the adoption of innovative solutions that enhance productivity, environmental performance and the global reputation of Australian red meat production.

This role is a full-time fixed term contact, ending February 2028.

Our ideal Project Manager – Sustainability and R&D has:

• Experience in R&D program and project management in livestock, agricultural production systems.
• Strong knowledge of the priorities and issues affecting the beef cattle and sheep industry and understanding of key drivers of profitability and sustainability of on-farm red meat production in Australia.
• Strong grounding in the biological and environmental sciences that support sustainable livestock production, including animal nutrition, soil science and emissions reduction.
• Knowledge of and experience in beef cattle or beef feedlot production systems or sheep production.
• Ability to work effectively in teams, provide leadership to both team members and stakeholders and deal effectively with conflict.

Who are we?

At MLA, we work at the intersection of innovation, sustainability, research and global marketing, helping Australia's red meat and livestock industry thrive in an ever-changing world.

Backed by significant investment and a clear purpose, we partner with industry and government to deliver world‑class research, development and marketing initiatives that support producers, strengthen communities and enhance Australia's reputation on the global stage.

We're a place where curious minds, fresh thinking and great people come together to solve challenges, create opportunities and make meaningful contributions to an industry that touches millions of Australians every day.

In return, you'll enjoy:

• Flexible hybrid working
• Wellbeing support programs
• Learning and development opportunities
• Salary packaging benefits
• A genuinely supportive and inclusive culture

Applications close: 31 October 2026

The successful candidate will be required to hold an appropriate visa/residency status for permanent full time employment in Australia. For more information refer to the position description.

If you have a question in relation to the advertised position, contact the Human Resources team by emailing [e-mail]

Candidate screening and interviews may be conducted prior to the closing date of the advertisement. MLA reserves the right to close applications for the position prior to the advertised date. We encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible.

POSITION DESCRIPTION