The Company:
As Australia’s trusted leader in rice breeding, Rice Breeding Australia (RBA) delivers high performing varieties designed for the future of farming.
The organisation exists to drive sustainable, profitable and resilient rice production by supporting farmers through innovation, adaptation and future-focused agricultural research. It operates collaboratively across the industry to efficiently develop high quality rice varieties tailored to local farming needs.
A not-for-profit agricultural research organisation, RBA was established in 2022 as an industry joint venture between AgriFutures Australia, Ricegrowers’ Association of Australia and SunRice Group.
A key driver of RBA’s creation was recognition that future water scarcity will negatively impact Australian rice production, requiring transformative change to deliver urgent water productivity gains the industry needs.
The Position:
Reporting to and working closely with the Board, the Chief Executive Officer is responsible for the overall strategy and management of Rice Breeding Australia Ltd.
The role is required to provide strong and clear leadership to RBA and its people internally and to RBA’s stakeholders externally. This includes strategy development and implementation; oversight of corporate governance, compliance, financial and human resources management; and directing communications, industry and stakeholder engagement.
As CEO, you will play a key role in continuing the transformation of the Australian rice industry towards a profitable and sustainable production system for the long-term, delivering urgent water productivity gains through innovation in plant genetics.
The Person:
RBA is seeking to appoint an agri-business executive with the skills and experience to build momentum and continue to drive necessary industry outcomes.
With the progress that has been achieved since 2022, which has established the right people, processes and capacity to deliver on organisational objectives, the RBA Board is open to considering a part time appointment.
We are keen to hear from you if you possess the following:
- A background in Australian agribusiness, ideally including exposure to the rice industry, gained in an existing senior management position or as a strong next-step candidate
- Experience in the oversight/leadership and strategic direction of an R&D focussed business or business unit
- Ability to understand, relate to, and connect with important stakeholders in the agribusiness environment including growers, industry organisations, government, and the broader research community
- Highly developed stakeholder engagement and communication skills with the ability to identify, build and maintain formal and informal networks
- Understanding and experience of managing financial and non-financial risks
- Ability to manage conflict and at times, deliver difficult messages with the ability to work autonomously, be outcome focussed, self-confident and resilient in nature
- Strong business acumen with sound financial skills as well as an understanding of contemporary corporate governance
- Ideally possess a basic understanding of the principles and practices of field crop variety breeding and commercialisation
This opportunity will suit an experienced candidate who has experience at senior management level looking to make a real difference to industry or a candidate looking to step up in their career into their first CEO position.
This is a rare opportunity to make a significant contribution to Australia’s rice industry and enhance the profitability and sustainability of Australian Rice Growers. If you feel you have what it takes to deliver real value to industry, then please phone Mick Hay or Katrina Conlon on 1300 380 701 or apply via www.rimfireresources.com.au
