Station Manager

Australian Agricultural Company (AACo); Julia Creek; On-site; AUD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Australian Agricultural Company (AACo) is seeking a seasoned Station Manager for Canobie Station in Queensland. You will lead a 25–30 person team, drive production targets, manage budgets and capital works, and ensure strong safety and welfare standards across the station’s operations.

You will report to the Regional Manager and oversee daily activities, performance metrics, and stakeholder relationships with suppliers, regulators and communities in a pivotal role within AACo's northern

Qualifications

• Proven leadership with ability to coach and develop people.
• Financial and commercial acumen, including budgeting and performance management.
• Strong understanding of cattle production systems and animal welfare.
• Experience delivering operational plans and capital projects.
• Excellent organisational, planning and reporting skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a high-performing team of 25-30 people.
• Manage day-to-day station operations to deliver productivity, quality and profitability.
• Oversee budgets, operating expenditure and financial performance.
• Monitor cattle welfare, herd performance and feeding programs.
• Prepare and report weekly, monthly and annual station performance metrics.
• Identify and deliver capital works and infrastructure projects.
• Ensure maintenance programs are delivered efficiently.
• Drive a culture of safety and compliance across all activities.
• Build relationships with suppliers, veterinary providers and regulators.

Skills

Leadership

Budgeting

Cattle production

Animal welfare

Operational planning

Stakeholder management

Safety compliance

Job description

Established in 1824, Australian Agricultural Company (AACo) is one of Australia’s largest integrated cattle and beef producers and is the country’s oldest continuously operating company. Today, AACo owns and operates a strategic balance of stations, feedlots and farms spanning approximately 6.5 million hectares of land across Queensland and the Northern Territory. Our people manage a large-scale Wagyu herd, producing consistently high-quality branded beef distributed to over 20 countries around the world.

We are fostering a culture that values safety, inclusion and opportunity, and are committed to integrating care for our people, animals and land into the way we do business - Reimagining Australian agriculture to share with the world - and we’d love you to join us.

The Opportunity:

We're looking for an experienced Station Manager to lead operations at Canobie Station. Set in the heart of Queensland's Gulf Country, Canobie Station is located 200km north of Cloncurry and 280km south of Normanton. Spanning a diverse mix of productive black soil plains and lighter red country, the aggregation runs a breeding herd and benefits from the permanent water of the Cloncurry River. Alongside Alcala, Wondoola and Lyrian, Canobie is a key breeding operation within AACo's northern production system.

This is an opportunity to take the reins of a large-scale cattle breeding operation and make a genuine impact. As Station Manager, you'll lead a committed team, drive operational and financial performance, and help shape the future success of the aggregation. From livestock production and infrastructure projects to people leadership and business planning, you'll have the autonomy and support to deliver outstanding results while living and working in one of Australia's most iconic pastoral regions.

About the role:

Working closely with the Regional Manager, you'll ensure production targets are achieved, operational plans are executed, and best-practice animal welfare, land stewardship and safety standards are upheld across the aggregation.

What you’ll do:

• Lead and develop a high-performing team of 25-30 people aligned to AACo's Values and Behaviours.
• Manage all day-to-day station operations to deliver productivity, quality and profitability outcomes.
• Oversee station budgets, operating expenditure and financial performance.
• Monitor cattle welfare, herd performance and feeding programs to achieve production targets.
• Prepare and report on weekly, monthly and annual station performance metrics.
• Identify and deliver capital works and infrastructure improvement projects.
• Ensure maintenance programs are delivered efficiently and in line with business requirements.
• Drive a strong culture of safety and compliance across all station activities.
• Monitor operational costs while maintaining high standards of service and production.
• Build and maintain productive relationships with suppliers, veterinary providers, regulatory bodies and local communities.

What you’ll bring:

• Strong leadership capability with a demonstrated ability to lead, coach and develop people.
• Sound financial and commercial acumen, including budgeting and performance management experience.
• Strong understanding of cattle production systems, animal welfare and pastoral operations.
• Experience delivering operational plans, capital projects and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Excellent organisational, planning and reporting skills.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management abilities.
• A commitment to safety, compliance and AACo's values-driven culture.
• The ability to balance strategic priorities with day-to-day operational requirements.
• A proactive, solutions-focused approach with a passion for achieving results.

Why AACo?

We’re a values-led organisation where curiosity, generosity and accountability guide how we work. We care deeply about our people, our animals and the land on which we live and work, and we’re proud of our legacy - one that’s rooted in history and driven by innovation.

• Tailored career development and leadership growth opportunities
• Collaborative, inclusive culture where your impact is valued
• Service recognition & employee discounts with preferred suppliers