Current Opportunities

Currently advertised disclosable Executive
& Non-Executive Director roles

Currently advertised disclosable Executive & Non-Executive Director roles

Non-Executive Director

MLA delivers research, development & extension (RD&E) and marketing services to Australia’s cattle, sheep and goat producers and in so doing, supports the development of regional Australia. MLA is a public company limited by guarantee and has over 50,000 livestock producer members.

The MLA Board provides strategic guidance and effective oversight of the management and performance of MLA in delivering its strategy. The Board operates under mature corporate governance and risk management frameworks to ensure producer levies, government matching dollars and partner funds are invested effectively.

All candidates must have a broad understanding of, and a genuine interest in the prosperous future of the Red Meat and Livestock industry.

The successful candidates will have strong business acumen supported by strategic aptitude, financial literacy, a sound understanding of good governance and well-developed communication skills.

As a skills-based Board, candidates with experience in one of the following areas are encouraged to apply:

Board role 1 – Extensive knowledge of modern livestock supply chain systems, product integrity and value adding.
Board role 2 – Knowledge and connection across the Agri-food industry including knowledge of RDC obligations and functions.
Board role 3 – Practical experience and understanding of sustainability frameworks and improvement opportunities.

The expected time commitment will be a minimum of 50 days per year to include scheduled Board meetings, additional committee responsibilities, video conferences and travel etc. MLA is committed to providing an environment which respects and promotes equality and diversity to better reflect their sector and the industry’s key markets.

MLA welcomes and encourages all suitably qualified candidates to apply. For further information on MLA and an information pack outlining the application process, please refer to: www.mla.com.au/directorguidelines

To express your interest, email your cover letter and CV to consultant@pacificsearch.com.au quoting MLA in the subject box, and/or to schedule a confidential conversation with the advising consultant.

Closing date: Sunday 8th June 2025.

Southern Region Director

Grain growers with substantial industry knowledge and a commitment to help drive industry development are being encouraged to nominate for a position as a Southern Region director on the GrainGrowers Board.

Applications for two grower director positions open on 1 May and close on 31 May.

GrainGrowers Chair Rhys Turton said having the right board members with the necessary commitment and drive were key factors in maintaining the strength of the organisation.

“As a grower-focused organisation, we need directors who are committed to representing and taking a national approach to issues impacting the Australian grains industry.”

“I would encourage anyone with the appropriate industry background and motivation to consider putting themselves forward for one of the available positions,” Mr Turton said.

To be eligible to apply, candidates must meet the following criteria:

  • Be a member of GrainGrowers.
  • Be a resident or in the business of grain production in GrainGrowers Southern Region (south of Dubbo NSW, Victoria and Tasmania).
  • Hold a strong commitment to the further development of Australia’s grain industry.

Additional desirable skills sought by GrainGrowers include:

  • Engagement with members, the broader industry and government stakeholders.
  • Investment and risk management experience.
  • An understanding of either finance/accounting or sustainability/environmental, social, and governance (ESG).

The GrainGrowers Board consists of six grower directors – two elected from each of the three regions, Northern, Southern and Western – and two independent directors.

Further details, including the application form, are available from the GrainGrowers website.

AVBC Logo

Chief Executive Officer

Applications closed Sunday 11 May 2025.

 

  • Lead a purpose-driven org shaping veterinary standards.
  • Influence education, policy & practice across Australasia.
  • Work with expert stakeholders in a values-led environment.

The Organisation

The Australasian Veterinary Boards Council (AVBC) is seeking a contemporary leader to step into the role of Chief Executive Officer (CEO). This is a rare and rewarding opportunity to lead a respected, purpose driven organisation working at the intersection of professional standards, education and public interest in animal health and welfare.

AVBC’s work is critical to maintaining high and consistent standards in veterinary education and practice across Australia and New Zealand. The AVBC accredits veterinary schools and courses, assesses overseas trained graduates and specialists. The AVBC  provides a forum for collaboration across veterinary boards and peak bodies. With a renewed clarity of purpose and an engaged, collaborative Board, the organisation is well positioned for its next phase of development.

The Role

Reporting directly to the AVBC Council (Board of Directors), the CEO leads a small, high performing team and is responsible for the strategic and operational delivery of AVBC’s work. The CEO is responsible for driving the strategic plan, managing organisational resources, ensuring regulatory compliance and maintaining effective engagement with the wide-ranging stakeholder network, from university Deans to Government departments and international professional bodies.

Key responsibilities include:

  • Leading the implementation of AVBC’s strategic plan and delivering progress against key priorities.
  • Providing effective oversight of financial, risk and business management systems.
  • Managing a collaborative, capable and values aligned team.
  • Representing AVBC with professionalism and clarity in diverse stakeholder environments.
  • Ensuring compliance with governance and regulatory requirements.
  • Driving innovation and improvement in systems, processes and service delivery.

The Person

The successful candidate will be a proven leader with a track record of working effectively in complex stakeholder environments, ideally within regulatory, education, health or public interest sectors. With deep experience in governance, human resources, stakeholder engagement, and leading organisational strategy you will be comfortable asking the hard questions, have the emotional intelligence to engage with highly skilled professionals and the pragmatic know-how to keep a small but vital organisation running smoothly.

You are energised by purpose driven work and understand the importance of high standards, transparency and thoughtful leadership in a regulatory context. Whilst experience within the veterinary industry or holding qualifications in the field is not essential, you will have a clear appreciation of professional codes of conduct and the dynamics of working within a regulated industry.

Key selection criteria:

  • Executive level leadership with demonstrated experience and success in managing people, finances and operations.
  • Proven ability to engage with diverse stakeholders and foster collaborative relationships.
  • Strategic thinking and practical delivery. Able to translate plans into outcomes and track results.
  • Strong governance, risk and compliance acumen.
  • A values driven leadership style, with a focus on integrity, openness and wellbeing.
  • Familiarity with the role and aims of regulatory or standards-based organisations.
  • Highly developed communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to represent the organisation with clarity and credibility.

Qualifications:

  • Tertiary qualification in a relevant discipline, postgraduate qualifications in business, leadership, governance, or public policy will be highly regarded.
  • Candidates must be Australian citizens, permanent residents, or hold full valid working rights in Australia.
  • Appointment will be subject to a police and probity check.

Based in Melbourne, this role is offered as a three-year fixed-term contract, with the option of extension. Regular domestic and occasional international travel is expected.

Managing Director

Applications closed 11 April 2025.

Australia’s aquatic resources are recognised globally for their diversity and quality. The Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (FRDC) is Australia’s pre-eminent organisation for planning, funding and managing fishing and aquaculture research, development and extension. FRDC is a statutory corporation jointly funded by the Australian Government and the commercial fishing and aquaculture sectors.

FRDC strives to maximise Australia’s benefits from its aquatic resources and foster the long-term prosperity of
the fishing and aquaculture industry.

The Managing Director will be a proven senior executive who will be accountable to a deeply engaged Board.

The successful candidate will:

  • provide authentic, clear and dynamic leadership to the FRDC team
  • develop, shape and champion the organisation’s strategic plan, identifying key priorities in alignment with FRDC’s stakeholders and the Board
  • allocate research, development and innovation funding on behalf of key stakeholders to address their challenges and opportunities, in line with the R&D Plan
  • build and maintain effective relationships with government, industry groups, recreational fishers and
    Indigenous fishing interests, balancing competing priorities and providing thought leadership
  • have strong business and financial management skills

To effect the above, you will require:

  • a sound understanding of and commitment to Australian fishing and aquaculture
  • outstanding stakeholder management skills
  • a demonstrated ability to operate in a complex legal, social and regulatory environment
  • strong leadership expertise with proven capacity to build a positive, adaptable organisational culture
  • network and relationship capability across agribusiness, community and government
  • a commitment to the core cultural and organisational values of FRDC and its members

This outstanding role is based in Canberra with a domestic focus in a global setting.

To express your interest please email your CV to consultant@pacificsearch.com.au quoting FRDC in the subject box, and/or call (03) 9631 1500 for a confidential discussion.

Accounting & Finance

Independent Non-Executive Director

  • Oversee the financial performance of the organisation
  • Experienced Chair/Member of Audit & Risk
  • South East Melbourne location

The Organisation

Our client is a leading Melbourne independent school that is known for their commitment to academic excellence and innovative curriculum. This respected school has a rich history and a strong reputation for fostering a supportive and inclusive community. With a focus on holistic student development, the school offers a range of extracurricular programs and opportunities for personal growth. It is dedicated to nurturing creativity, critical thinking, and leadership skills in its students, preparing them for success in a rapidly changing world.

The Role

Our client is seeking an Independent Non-Executive Director with extensive experience in finance, accounting standards, and financial statement analysis and an empathy for education and the Independent school system. This role requires a well-trained eye for analysing management accounts and monthly finance reports to the Board. The successful candidate will also provide valuable advice on matters such as funding, debt, risk, and compliance.

The role demands a strategic thinker with a strong understanding of finance and a commitment to upholding the highest standards of corporate governance and financial integrity.

Additionally, the ideal candidate will possess the expertise to Chair the Audit, Risk & Finance Committee.

The successful candidate must demonstrate the following skills and experience:

  • Extensive experience in finance, accounting standards, and financial statement analysis,
  • Proven ability to Chair the Audit, Risk & Finance Committee,
  • Strong analytical skills for reviewing monthly finance reports,
  • Expertise in advising on funding, debt, risk, and compliance issues,
  • Chartered Accountant and/or CPA,
  • Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (GAICD) course and/or Governance Institute course (GIA),
  • Demonstrated strategic thinking and governance capabilities,
  • Commitment to upholding the highest standards of financial integrity and ethical conduct,
  • Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills,
  • Previous experience as a Non-Executive Director with a Not-for-Profit and/or Membership Organisation is highly desirable.

This is a pro-bono position, offering a unique opportunity for an experienced professional to contribute to the strategic direction of a highly regarded educational institution.

Serving as an Independent Non-Executive Director will not only allow you to apply and expand your expertise in finance, governance, and strategic planning but also to make a meaningful impact on the future of the school.

You will have the chance to work alongside a Board of distinguished and respected peers, engaging in high-level decision-making and thought leadership. This role provides a platform to give back to the community, shape the experiences and success of future generations, and enhance your professional network.

To express your interest, email your CV and a brief cover letter to consultant@pacificsearch.com.au quoting “Independent Non-Executive Director” in the subject box, and/or call (03) 9631 1500 for a confidential discussion.