The Company
The Australian Macadamia Society (AMS) is the peak industry body representing macadamia growers, handlers, processors, and supply chain partners. The Australian macadamia industry spans from the Mid North Coast of NSW to the Atherton Tablelands in far north Queensland, with over 46,000ha of planted orchards. Production is forecast to rise significantly over the next 5-10 years, with global demand for Australian macadamias continuing to expand.
AMS delivers advocacy, marketing, research, and industry development programs to support members, levy payers, and the broader industry. Working closely with Hort Innovation, AMS ensures levy-funded programs are targeted, efficient, and aligned with industry priorities. AMS commits to increase member value, diversify revenue, and position the industry for sustainable growth and long-term competitiveness.
The Opportunity
Reporting to a supportive chair and engaged Board, the CEO will be the key voice to influence and support Australia’s macadamia industry by driving advocacy, supporting levy payers and members, and maintaining strong supply chain relationships.
The CEO will oversee all operational and strategic activity, with a focus on:
- Advocacy and policy engagement at local, national and industry levels
- Strengthening relationships with growers, handlers, processors, industry and Hort Innovation.
- Enhancing member value, retention, and recruitment.
- Commercial strategy, revenue diversification, and financial sustainability.
- Communications, marketing, and industry development programs.
- Leadership of staff, culture, delegation, and capability development.
This role is about vision and action. Through a commercial lens you will create opportunities, solve problems, and participate in strategic decisions that affect the entire macadamia industry and supply chain.
About You
You are a visible and empathetic leader of people with a history of influencing team performance while delivering commercial results and growth targets.
A strategic thinker with exceptional stakeholder skills, you will maintain a long-term industry vision and understand the dynamics of horticulture, agriculture, and ideally, fresh food supply chains, including export.
If you possess the following background, experience and attributes we are keen to hear from you:
- Experience leading and developing a high-performance team culture of accountability, collaboration, and innovation, ideally with exposure to managing a geographically diverse workforce.
- Astute commercial acumen including revenue growth, business development, and financial management.
- Exceptional engagement and communication skills to manage complex stakeholder environments including growers, corporates, government, and industry bodies.
- Highly developed written and verbal communication skills able to communicate complex matters across all levels of stakeholders.
- Credible advocacy experience influencing government and related bodies.
- Experience delivering long-term industry outcomes ideally in a member-based organisation.
- Experience working closely with a Board.
- Ability to travel both domestically & internationally.
Why this role?
The Australian macadamia industry has an exceptional reputation and global recognition and is well positioned for significant growth. The new CEO will have a genuine opportunity to work with the team and industry to leverage this opportunity.
If you are a strategic, commercially minded leader with a passion for agriculture and the ability to engage confidently across growers, corporates, and government, we are keen to hear from you.
For a confidential discussion or to learn more, contact David Jackson
or Marcela Badim Rocha Lima
on 1300 380 701
. Applications via www.rimfireresources.com.au.
