DataGene is an independent, industry-owned organisation responsible for driving genetic gain and herd improvement in the Australian dairy industry with their key activities being research, development and extension.
DataGene performs many pre-competitive herd improvement operations, including genetic services, software development, herd testing, herd recording and data systems as well as providing software and strategy services to deliver solutions for Australian and international customers across dairy and agriculture.
The Position:
The Head of Innovation and Business Development is an exciting new opportunity, created to lead the evolution of DataGene’s genetics and breeding technologies and farm data services strategy, with a strong focus on growth, industry value, and business impact.
The role leads DataGene’s customer-facing innovation, business development, and industry adoption activities, and is accountable for translating industry needs, partnership opportunities and emerging ideas into commercially and strategically viable products and services that deliver value to Australian dairy farm businesses.
A key part of the role is to build strong relationships across member organisations, dairy producers, intermediary partners, and industry stakeholders to drive measurable uptake and impact of DataGene products and services on-farm, and to contribute to farm profitability and broader industry sustainability and competitiveness.
A core responsibility is to assess strategic and commercial opportunities, and to develop and execute a clear business development strategy that leverages intermediary networks — including member organisations, veterinarians, farm consultants, and industry advisors — to drive adoption at scale.
The Person:
To be successful in this demanding but highly rewarding role, you will possess the following key skills and background:
Essential:
- Demonstrated experience in business development including identifying and progressing growth opportunities, partnerships and/or new product offerings through indirect channels
- Strong commercial acumen and proven experience developing business cases and assessing strategic fit, value and feasibility of new opportunities
- Demonstrated leadership experience with the ability to build and develop capability in others
- Demonstrated ability to build credibility and influence with senior external stakeholders and represent an organisation effectively in industry settings
- Experience in developing, delivering or selling data-driven or technology-enabled products and services
- Experience translating customer and market insight into product requirements and priorities
- Strong understanding of how to drive adoption, customer value and measurable uptake beyond stakeholder engagement alone
- Ability to operate at both strategic and operational levels in a player-coach capacity
- Strong knowledge of the dairy value chain (producer through to processor and retail)
- Established dairy industry relationships
- Experience working with veterinarians, consultants, advisors or agricultural intermediaries
- Experience building or leading product management functions
If you have a genuine passion for business development, ideally with exposure to the Australian Dairy, then in the first instance, please call Mick Hay on 1300 380 701 for an initial discussion or further information. Applications via www.rimfireresources.com.au
