Paraway is proud to be one of Australia’s largest and most respected pastoral landowners and operators. Since their founding in 2007, they’ve grown to manage over 4.4 million hectares across Queensland, New South Wales, and Victoria, producing quality sheep, cattle and crops. They are passionate about progressive agriculture and providing safe, rewarding workplaces for their people.
The Opportunity:
Gregory Downs is a large-scale cattle breeding operation encompassing 266,425 Ha of native grazing land in North Queensland. It runs approximately 20,000 head breeder herd, ideally suited to the conditions of the Gulf Region. Gregory Downs has a good balance of black soil downs country and seasonally flooded river flats which produce good grazing through the dry season, while woodlands and low hills provide elevated grazing areas through the wet.
With 85kms of frontage to the Gregory River, Gregory Downs has an abundant permanent supply of running water in addition to the stations 65 man-made stock watering points. The homestead complex is situated along the river, providing a scenic location for station employees to live and work.
Reporting to the General Manager, the Station Manager is accountable for managing the operations of the station with the following key responsibilities:
- Overall leadership and management of the station, ensuring operational excellence, financial performance, and sustainable resource use.
- Lead, motivate, and develop the team by setting clear expectations, fostering a safe and supportive workplace, and building a culture of accountability, respect, and collaboration.
- Manage day-to-day station operations including business planning, budgeting, cost control, and capital development.
- Deliver strong financial outcomes by preparing and executing annual and quarterly work programs and ensuring timely reporting and compliance.
- Oversee staff management activities including recruitment, induction, training, and performance development, while ensuring policies, procedures, and safety standards are consistently applied.
- Build and maintain positive working relationships with station personnel, other Station Managers, regional and head office teams, contractors, suppliers, and the wider community.
- Manage livestock and natural resources to achieve production targets while safeguarding animal welfare and ensuring long-term sustainability of pastures, water, and the environment.
- Drive high standards of safety, environmental stewardship, and risk management across all operations.
- Act as an ambassador for Paraway by contributing to strategic planning, sharing knowledge with peers, and modelling behaviours aligned with company values of integrity, accountability, and sustainability.
We are keen to hear from you if you possess the following key skills, experience and attributes:
- Extensive experience in livestock, pasture and water management ideally gained in a Northern Australian livestock production system
- Knowledge of market specifications and ability to draft livestock according to these
- Sound knowledge of implementing company policies and procedures
- Ability to implement training programs and company policies
- Sound people management & leadership skills
- Mature and rational approach to problem solving
- Proven ability to plan and execute budgets and business plans
- Well organised with sound communication skills
- Computer knowledge, intermediate level skill in Microsoft Office (especially Word, Excel, and Outlook)
- Current First Aid certificate
- Current unencumbered ordinary drivers licence (heavy vehicle licence where applicable)
- Firearms licence class A and B
- Chemical Users Accreditation
- Blue Card if in QLD
This is a rare opportunity to manage a strategic station that plays a vital role in the success of Paraway’s Northern breeding operations. Steers and heifer weaners from Gregory Downs are sold to Paraway’s Queensland finishing stations.
If you’re passionate about the Northern Australian livestock industry, possess high levels of integrity, demonstrate strong leadership, and thrive on accountability and growth - we’d love to hear from you.
For a confidential discussion, contact Mick Hay on 1300 380 701. Applications via www.rimfireresources.com.au
