The Australian Banana Growers’ Council (ABGC) is the national industry development organisation for the banana industry. The ABGC represents the interests of Australian banana growers on all issues crucial to the sustainability and profitability of growers.
The ABGC is a well-established and highly regarded organisation with excellent governance and a solid financial foundation. Over the years, they have formed strong partnerships with Government and industry partners to enable them to continue delivering a wide range of industry development projects at the highest standard.
The Opportunity
This is a central role in the coordination and delivery of research and development for the Australian banana industry.
Reporting to the CEO, you will be responsible for aligning R&D investment with industry priorities, ensuring projects are well coordinated and deliver practical outcomes for growers. The role works across industry, research providers, and Hort Innovation, requiring both technical credibility and the ability to engage and influence stakeholders.
You will act as the link between research and industry, interpreting technical information, testing its relevance, and ensuring it translates into outcomes that can be adopted on farm.
The position carries visibility across the industry and contributes to decision-making on key technical matters, including biosecurity, pests and diseases, and crop production.
Key responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Lead and coordinate national R&D programs aligned to industry priorities
- Develop and manage projects across a range of technical areas
- Provide technical input on key industry issues and emerging risks
- Work closely with Hort Innovation and key industry stakeholders and researchers
- Monitor project progress and maintain alignment to agreed outcomes
- Support industry adoption through clear, practical communication
- Lead a small team and manage external delivery partners
The position is Brisbane-based at an office in the Brisbane Markets commercial precinct, and involves regular engagement across Australia, including travel for industry meetings, planning sessions, and committees.
About You
You bring a solid foundation in plant science and are comfortable working at the interface of research and industry. You can engage with technical specialists, challenge assumptions, and translate complex information into something practical and usable.
You are also confident working across a range of stakeholders. You can ask direct questions, navigate different views, and keep discussions focused on outcomes.
This role suits someone who is self-directed and comfortable taking ownership. You can work out what needs to be done, prioritise it, and follow it through.
Preferred Background
- Degree in Agricultural Science or a related discipline
- Strong plant science knowledge, ideally across multiple crops
- Experience working with R&D programs, research organisations, or applied science environments
- Ability to analyse and interpret research within an industry context
- Strong communication and stakeholder engagement capability
- Exposure to extension, adoption, or industry engagement activities
Why This Role?
- National-level role with influence across an entire industry
- Opportunity to shape and drive R&D outcomes over a multi-year program
- Established organisation with strong industry and government relationships
- Longer-term project continuity within a structured environment
For a confidential discussion, contact Marcela Badim Rocha Lima or Mick Hay on 1300 380 701.
Applications via www.rimfireresources.com.au.
