Current Opportunities

Currently advertised disclosable Executive
& Non-Executive Director roles

Currently advertised disclosable Executive & Non-Executive Director roles

AVBC Logo

Chief Executive Officer

  • 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.

To arrange a confidential discussion with the advising Consultant or to request a copy of the Position Description please email your request to Pacific Search Partners: consultant@pacificsearch.com.au with ‘AVBC CEO’ in the subject line.

To express interest in this role please submit your CV and a brief cover letter via Seek.

Applications close Sunday 11 May 2025.

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.

Dairy Australia Logo

Chief Executive Officer

Applications closed 9 February 2025.

Established in 2003, Dairy Australia is the national services body dedicated to advancing the profitability and sustainability of the Australian dairy industry. Delivering across a wide range of service areas, Dairy Australia supports the management and growth of dairy farm businesses through investment in research, innovation, marketing and policy insights. Working directly with farmers, industry partners and government, Dairy Australia delivers practical tools and knowledge that help Australian dairy businesses thrive today, while securing a sustainable future for tomorrow.

Dairy Australia seeks a visionary Chief Executive Officer to lead them in strengthening the sustainability, profitability and resilience of Australia’s dairy industry. This role requires a strategic leader who can champion Dairy Australia’s core values of Farmer First, One Team, Innovative Thinking and Decisive Action.

As Chief Executive Officer, you will work in partnership with the Board to drive the strategic direction and operational success of Dairy Australia, ensuring initiatives respond to both short term industry needs and long-term sustainability. You will oversee a team of skilled professionals dedicated to providing industry wide support, from research and market insights to trade and policy development, ensuring that farmers and stakeholders receive the value and support they need.

The successful candidate will have:

  • A record of measurable success in a service-focused industry
  • Strong stakeholder management skills with an ability to influence and unite diverse interests
  • Financial expertise, including P&L oversight
  • Experience working with government, ideally within agriculture

Headquartered in Melbourne, this role requires significant domestic and international travel and is ideal for someone ready to make a meaningful impact across the dairy landscape. This is a unique role for an experienced leader with a strong commercial background, passion for agriculture and the ability to inspire and innovate.

General Manager Research, Development and Adoption

  • Outstanding senior executive role, reporting to the Managing Director
  • Research, Development and Adoption focus
  • 100% commitment to impact and outcomes for the industry
 

The Organisation

Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) is a service provider to the Australian red meat and livestock industry. MLA works in partnership with the industry and the Australian Government to deliver marketing, research and development products and services to beef, sheep, and goat producers, in addition to driving commercialisation and adoption of R&D outcomes that ultimately increase profitability and sustainability of the red meat and livestock industry.

The Role

The General Manager Research, Development & Adoption (GM RD&A) position, ideally based in either Sydney, Brisbane or Armidale, reports directly to the Managing Director and works closely with producers, research providers, government departments, and peak industry bodies.
The GM RD&A, will be primarily responsible for:

  • Vision and Investment Strategy: Develop and articulate MLA’s vision for the research and development function that encompasses a portfolio of investments delivering immediate to longer term outcomes aligned with MLA and industry strategic objectives.
  • Adoption Strategy and Execution: Lead the development of robust and innovative adoption strategies and oversee their execution to deliver on MLA’s strategic priorities, optimising the impact of R&D investments and accelerating the uptake along the value chain for the ultimate benefit of livestock producers.
  • Partnership Development: Establish bilateral and multilateral partnerships with research providers, developers and commercial organisations to secure outcomes and impacts that benefit the industry.
  • Systems for Innovation: Lead the development and implementation of systems that generate critical data on adoption barriers, customer needs, and producer innovation capacity, and drive innovative adoption strategies.
  • Investment Return Optimisation: Ensure the effective use of producer levies, government matching funds and commercial income streams to optimise the return on R&D investment for the industry.
  • Impact Enhancement: Enhance opportunities to boost the productivity, sustainability and profitability of the Australian red meat industry.

This role is a key leadership position. As a member of the Executive Team, you will contribute to overall company performance, including strategy development and execution. You will be a highly motivated team player, thrive on responsibility, exhibit fine judgment and demonstrate a strong scientific and commercial instinct.

This is an exciting opportunity for a research, development and adoption professional to deliver significant outcomes for the Australian red meat and livestock industry.

The successful candidate will be required to hold an appropriate visa/residency status for full time employment in Australia.

To arrange a confidential discussion with the advising Consultant or to request a copy of the Position Description please email your request to Pacific Search Partners: consultant@pacificsearch.com.au with ‘MLA GM RD&A’ in the subject line.

To express interest in this role please submit your CV and a brief cover letter via Seek.

Applications close: Sunday April 6, 2025

Independent Non-Executive Directors

Role 1: Chair of Audit & Risk

Role 2: Funds management and investment experience

To learn more about this role, or for a confidential discussion with the advising consultant, please call +61 3 9631 1500.

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.