General Manager - Cunningham Cattle Co

About Cunningham Cattle Co

Founded in 2013, Cunningham Cattle Co serves as the operational core of Gunn Agri Partners and stands as one of Australia's top institutionally-owned beef enterprises. Managing over 65,000 cattle across nearly one million hectares on five Queensland properties, the company prioritizes sustainable livestock management, operational excellence, and long-term investor value. A culture emphasizing safety, integrity, accountability, continuous innovation, and community development shapes its workplace environment.

Position Overview

We seek a seasoned General Manager to provide strategic direction and oversee operational performance to ensure the ongoing prosperity of Cunningham Cattle Co. Reporting directly to the Managing Director, you will supervise a team comprising Station Managers and support staff, with responsibilities spanning operational, financial, and sustainability objectives.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Formulate and implement comprehensive business and operational plans for all stations annually.
• Enhance operational outcomes through improved productivity and profitability while upholding rigorous standards in safety, animal welfare, biosecurity, and environmental care.
• Offer leadership, mentoring, and accountability encouragement to Station Managers to foster high performance.
• Manage seasonal grazing, herd health, and infrastructure enhancements, including capital improvement projects for water, livestock handling, and facilities.
• Direct sustainability programs, encompassing natural capital and carbon initiatives, to benefit productivity and environmental conservation.
• Identify and act upon opportunities to boost operational efficiency and business results.
• Promote a culture of collaboration, continuous advancement, and operational distinction.
• Prepare, oversee, and control annual operating and capital budgets with commercial precision.
• Administer contracts such as agistment or leasing agreements, ensuring alignment with operational goals.
• Track financial and production metrics, ensuring they meet predetermined targets and plans.
• Manage capital expenditure projects, assessing budget adherence and project outcomes.
• Partner with finance teams for accurate forecasting and detailed business analytics.
• Assess and mitigate commercial risks to safeguard operational and financial interests.
• Lead and cultivate a high-caliber, geographically dispersed leadership team.
• Facilitate workforce planning, talent growth, and succession to enhance organisational capability.
• Engender a workplace culture rooted in safety and staff wellbeing.
• Ensure compliance with relevant legislation, safety protocols, biosecurity, environmental, and animal welfare regulations.
• Implement risk management and business continuity strategies.
• Foster strong relationships with suppliers, stakeholders, government bodies, local communities, and industry organizations.
• Represent the company in forums, events, and collaborative efforts with Gunn Agri Partners' leadership.
• Drive innovation by adopting advanced technologies, data analytics, and best livestock production practices.

Candidate Profile

• Experienced leader in large-scale pastoral, livestock, or agricultural enterprises, preferably within corporate or institutional settings.
• Proficient in managing budgets, capital projects, business performance, and operational execution.
• Capable of nurturing teams with strong accountability and cultivating a positive work environment.
• In-depth knowledge of beef production, grazing methods, and sustainable farming practices.
• Exceptional communication and stakeholder engagement skills with an emphasis on building trusted relationships.
• Collaborative leadership approach paired with sharp commercial insight and dedication to safety and continuous improvement.

Education

While not mandatory, tertiary qualifications in Agriculture, Agribusiness, Animal Science, or related fields are advantageous.

Why Join Us

This role offers the chance to guide a skilled team managing one of Australia’s largest beef operations, emphasizing sustainable land stewardship and dynamic commercial success. If you possess passion for leadership, operational excellence, and innovation, we encourage you to pursue this opportunity.