Business Unit Manager – Farming (Backgrounding Aggregations)

About the role

Harvest Road is looking for an experienced Business Unit Manager – Farming to lead operations across New Norcia (8,032 ha) and Koojan Downs (11,050 ha), two of Western Australia's largest backgrounding properties north of Perth. The manager leads all farming activity across both properties, working alongside the Backgrounding team, and focuses on cropping, pasture and fodder production rather than cattle management. The role sits within a vertically integrated beef business (Harvey Beef, Leeuwin Coast) and involves pasture improvement, soil health initiatives and capital projects.

Key responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day operations across cropping, pasture, irrigation and infrastructure, leading a team of 2 farm overseers and 3 machinery operators to meet production and safety targets.
• Develop and deliver annual farm plans, budgets and seasonal programs, working with agronomists on soil health, water systems and technology adoption.
• Manage a team of 2 farm overseers and 3 machinery operators, including workforce planning, performance management and employee development.
• Own the operational and financial performance of the farming business unit, including budgeting, forecasting, cost control and capital expenditure planning.
• Monitor and report on productivity, pasture/crop performance and operational costs.
• Manage the cropping program (oats, barley, wheat, vetch and pivot-irrigated sorghum) and chemical withholding periods to support fodder supply to the Backgrounding and feedlot operations.
• Work with the Backgrounding team on fodder supply, land condition and shared management decisions.
• Identify and deliver capital projects and promote precision agriculture, digital farm management systems and sustainable land management.

Required profile

• Proven leadership experience in farming operations management (cropping, livestock or mixed farming).
• Tertiary qualification in Agriculture, Agribusiness or similar; ChemCert or equivalent is an advantage.
• Current driver's licence; HR/MC licence is a bonus.
• Visa sponsorship (subclass 482) considered for the right candidate; the role is not suitable for working holiday visa holders.

Required skills

• Solid knowledge of agronomy, chemical use and weed management.
• Competence with farm technology, GPS systems and digital record-keeping.
• Ability to manage budgets, production targets and operational schedules.

What we offer

• Circa $150k base salary and a performance-based bonus.
• A new dual-cab Toyota Land Cruiser and a 5-bedroom on-farm family home currently under renovation.
• Genuine ownership of farm strategy and land development.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Applications are made through Agrecruit, quoting the reference J3742.