COO & MD (CEO & General Management)
Full time
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A key Executive Leadership role in one of Australia's largest, most diverse and inclusive agribusiness companies. About the role The new position of Chief Operating Officer (COO) has been created at Stahmann Webster with the purpose of providing experienced leadership across the various horticultural farming and processing operations of the business.
Stahmann Webster (SW) operates one of the largest diversified permanent cropping businesses in Australia. The Company farms macadamias, avocados and mangos in Bundaberg, pecans at Moree, and almonds and walnuts in the Riverina. Post-harvest processing and packing, including value-adding activities, are carried out at our facilities in Bundaberg, Toowoomba and Leeton. Finished product is sold and distributed to wholesale and retail markets domestically and globally.
Reporting to the managing director, the COO will be responsible for leading the horticultural farming teams for all commodities to optimise production within the annual operating plan and budget. Critical to value maximisation is the seamless integration of post-harvest handling and processing and the optimisation of processing activities for which the COO will also be responsible, as well as close coordination with the sales and distribution function.
The COO will provide strategic leadership in respect of the design and implementation of capital projects to support growth and process improvement at SW, including initiatives to enhance safety and sustainability that are critical to our corporate mission.
Responsibilities Lead and support the horticultural farming teams in all commodities from the development of annual operating plans and budgets to the careful execution of farming plans in order to nurture crops through to harvest. Oversee the harvest of crops and post-harvest management to ensure optimal quality and efficient delivery to storage and processing facilities. Exercise overall responsibility for factory processing, working with the General Manager Operations and the various site managers to ensure safe, efficient and high-quality outcomes. Manage Stahmann Webster's extensive water portfolio. Plan and oversee capital projects for the orchards, post-harvest handling and downstream processing and packing to support growth and process improvement. Work in close collaboration with the Stahmann Webster Science and Sustainability team to pursue important research projects and support faming and processing operations through technical advice and service. Provide strong leadership in relation to safety and a culture of continuous improvement across all operations. Manage external relationships to promote the interests of Stahmann Webster with suppliers, government bodies and the communities within which we operate. Represent the business with the highest levels of professionalism at conferences and other events as may be required from time to time. Provide coaching and professional development to staff to support a culture of personal growth and career progression. Uphold the values SW both internally and externally. To be successful in this role you will need: This role will suit a senior professional with substantial experience in building and leading large, high performing teams within the primary industry and food manufacturing sectors. Sound farming knowledge, strong financial literacy and business acumen are essential. Availability and willingness to travel regularly between sites throughout eastern Australia. A team player with a growth mindset and a desire to join a committed executive team. Experience with permanent crops. Experience with lean manufacturing. Understanding of horticultural commodity markets. About us At Stahmann Webster, we pride ourselves on being farm-to-table producers of world class pecans, walnuts, macadamias, and almonds. With a history stretching back almost 200 years, we are one of Australia's oldest companies and a pioneer of the tree nut industry in this country.
Our diverse team of dedicated people have been the driving force behind our success. As industry leaders, we take pride in our past and draw on a depth of experience, while continuing to develop our team and hone our techniques. Research, innovation, and technology aid and challenge us to find exciting and environmentally sustainable horticultural and production practices.
We are focused on attracting outstanding industry professionals to our business and to building strong relationships within the community to identify and nurture future talent. Our commitment to safety, to our people and to our community lies at the heart of our values.
Stahmann Webster runs farming and processing operations and administration offices in Queensland (Bundaberg and Toowoomba) and NSW (Moree and the Riverina) and employs up to 300 people nationally with a diverse range of skills and backgrounds.
Values-based organisation At Stahmann Webster our values lie at the heart of all of our decisions.
Growth mindset – we continually challenge ourselves to improve what we do and how we do it. Empowerment – we take ownership, and we hold ourselves and others to account with honesty and strength of character. Resilience – we learn, grow and move forward in the face of adversity or challenge. Connection – we make the time to connect with each other and our communities. Humble – we aim to create great impact while staying down-to-earth and true to our values. What can I earn as a Chief Operating Officer#J-18808-Ljbffr