Chief Operating Officer

Robert Half Executive Search has been exclusively retained to find a Chief Operating Officer (COO) for this PE backed nationally recognised horticultural company at a pivotal stage of growth and transformation.Reporting directly to the CEO and Board, this newly created role provides strategic and operational leadership across all facets of the business. The COO will ensure operational excellence, financial discipline, and sustainable performance, guiding the organisation through continued innovation and scale.The RoleAs a key member of the executive management team, the COO will be responsible for overseeing the company’s day-to-day operational and administrative functions. You will be responsible for:StrategyPartner with the CEO and executive team to deliver the company’s strategic and long-term goals.Translate strategy into actionable operational plans and measurable outcomes.Drive growth, innovation, efficiency, and cost reduction, including labour optimisation.Lead ESG initiatives towards achieving net zero seedling production.Health, Safety, Environment & QualityChampion a safe, healthy, and environmentally responsible workplace.Ensure compliance with all certifications, regulations, and quality standards.Investigate incidents and implement corrective and preventative actions.Operational ManagementOversee daily operations across all departments to meet financial and performance targets.Plan and manage workforce requirements and operational resources.Implement process improvements and automation to enhance efficiency and quality.Financial ManagementWork with the CFO on budgets, forecasts, and operational performance.Analyse results to improve profitability and ensure efficient asset and procurement management.Governance, Risk & ComplianceEnsure operations comply with all legal, regulatory, and ethical standards.Identify and mitigate business and operational risks.Organisational CultureFoster a positive, safe, and high-performance culture.Promote integrity, accountability, and continuous improvement across the organisation.Your ProfileYou are a strategic and commercially astute executive with:A minimum of 5 years’ senior leadership experience, including at least 3 years in a complex operational or general management capacity.Proven success in driving profitability, efficiency, and organisational capability within agriculture, horticulture, or light manufacturing sectors.Deep expertise in operational governance, financial management, and business transformation.A collaborative and values-based leadership approach that builds strong teams and stakeholder confidence.Tertiary qualifications in business, engineering, or related disciplines; an MBA or equivalent postgraduate qualification will be highly regarded.This appointment offers the scope to shape the next phase of growth for this dynamic, purpose-driven enterprise, blending commercial rigour, innovation, and sustainability in one of Australia’s leading horticultural operations.Your application will be assessed within 3-5 working days. Please note only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.Learn more about our recruitment services: https://www.roberthalf.com.au/contact-usPLEASE NOTE THAT ONLY APPLICANTS WITH FULL WORKING RIGHTS IN AUSTRALIA WILL BE CONSIDERED