Established in 1914, Holstein Australia is the country’s largest dairy cattle breed association and a recognised leader in registration, classification and genetic improvement services. Its Herdbook and Appendix contain records for more than two million animals, supported by around 40,000 new registrations and 30,000 classifications each year.
Representing approximately 900 members, Holstein Australia helps dairy producers improve profitability through world-class information, services and community.
The Opportunity
Reporting to the Chair and Board, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) will take full responsibility for the day-to-day leadership and management of Holstein Australia. This is a visible, hands-on executive role with a clear mandate.
Working collaboratively with the Board, the CEO will shape strategy, vision and operational plans while leading a small, committed team. Externally, the successful person will be an accessible and credible representative for members, dairy producers, breed organisations, commercial partners and the broader agricultural sector.
Key Priorities
- Lead all operational matters and create clear accountability across the organisation
- Partner with the Board to develop and implement strategy, policy and measurable and achievable operational plans
- Improve financial resilience, diversify of revenue and reduce reliance on volatile live-export income
- Increase member engagement, service utilisation and confidence through stronger communication
- Build organisational capability, support the team and address current resourcing priorities
- Represent Holstein Australia at member activities, industry events and stakeholder forums
- Manage change associated with structural, regulatory and market developments, including the potential merger
- Maintain effective governance, budgeting, risk management and Board reporting
You will be a credible and energetic senior leader who combines strategic judgement with the willingness to stay close to operations, members and industry. Commercially minded and relationship-driven, you will be confident and have experience working with a Board.
You may already be an experienced CEO, or a senior general manager or executive ready to step into your first chief executive role. Direct dairy experience will be highly regarded but is not essential; applications are encouraged from adjacent agricultural, livestock, genetics, member-based or industry organisations where you have built stakeholder trust and delivered commercial and organisational change.
- Senior leadership experience with responsibility for organisational performance
- Strong commercial and financial acumen, including budgeting, performance analysis, reporting and revenue development
- Experience working with a Board and a sound understanding of governance
- Proven stakeholder engagement, communication and representation capability ideally in a member based organisation
- Success leading people, change and organisational improvement
- A practical, collaborative and accountable leadership style
- Willingness to travel nationally and maintain a strong presence with members and industry
For a confidential discussion, please contact Ryan Hoiberg or David Jackson at Rimfire Resources on 1300 380 701 . To apply, submit your resume and a brief cover letter outlining your relevant leadership, commercial and stakeholder experience.
Rimfire Resources specialises in agribusiness recruitment and is managing this executive search on behalf of Holstein Australia. All applications and enquiries will be treated in strict confidence.
