Chief Executive Officer l Irrigear l Mornington Peninsula

Location: VIC OtherSalary:

A rare opportunity on the Mornington Peninsula to lead a small, dynamic co-operative with a national presence in the agribusiness and irrigation sector. Lead a small team and make practical improvements that benefit independent member businesses. Build member value and strong supplier partnerships through positive clear influence. Combine hands‑on commercial leadership with a Mornington Peninsula base.

- Mornington Peninsula, Victoria
- National member‑owned co‑operative
- Agribusiness sector

The Opportunity

Irrigear Stores Co-operative Limited supports a national network of approximately 80 independently owned irrigation and water sites. Its member‑owned model combines local independence with collective purchasing strength, supplier partnerships, national marketing, and practical business support.

With a small central team based in Mornington, Irrigear offers an opportunity to make a visible contribution to member businesses across Australia. This planned leadership succession calls for a practical leader who can strengthen everyday delivery, build relationships and help the group achieve greater consistency.

The anticipated commencement is April or May 2027, supporting a planned transition for the outgoing CEO.

The Role

Reporting to the Board through the Chair, you will strengthen member value and supplier partnerships, contribute practical strategic input and deliver the Board's agreed plans. Your focus will be incremental improvement, reliable group services, clear communication and effective follow-through.





Members own and manage their businesses independently. You will gain engagement through trust, consultation and a clear demonstration of value. Within the small internal team, you will set priorities, clarify responsibilities, and support people to deliver member value and network leadership. Listen to member needs, build agreement, and encourage voluntary uptake of beneficial group practices.

Member value and network leadership

Listen to member needs, build agreement, and encourage voluntary uptake of beneficial group practices.

Supplier partnerships

Lead relationships and negotiations, deliver mutual value and follow through on agreed commercial commitments.

Strategy

Contribute practical insights and translate Board‑agreed priorities into achievable plans and incremental improvements.

People, commercial performance and governance

Lead a small team, oversee finances and controls, support the brand and provide clear Board reporting.

About You

You will be an experienced CEO, General Manager or operational leader with relevant experience in a small to medium multi‑site organisation and a record of leading a small internal team. You will enjoy staying close to the work, solving practical problems, and achieving progress through people.





- A record of strengthening member or customer value and achieving incremental improvements across multiple sites.
- Strong supplier relationship and negotiation skills, alongside the ability to influence independent owners without formal authority.
- Positive, explicit communication, patient relationship‑building, and confidence in constructive conversations.
- Strong financial literacy and commercial judgement, including interpretation of accounts, budgets, cash flow, and investment decisions.
- Hands‑on team leadership: setting realistic priorities, delegating clearly, coaching, and maintaining accountability.
- Experience working with a Board, providing useful reports and operating within agreed governance and risk frameworks.

Experience in a co‑operative or member‑owned organisation will be valued. Relevant backgrounds may also include agribusiness, buying groups, independent retail networks, wholesale, distribution or franchise environments. Candidates should demonstrate how their multi‑site experience transfers to a member network where participation is gained through influence. Irrigation knowledge is useful, but the ability to understand member needs and deliver practical improvements is central.

Location and package

The role is based in Mornington and includes national travel to members, suppliers, meetings and events. An executive package comprising base salary, superannuation, a vehicle and a performance incentive will be negotiated with the successful candidate.

We welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds and leadership experience.

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📌 Chief Executive Officer l Irrigear l Mornington Peninsula (Melbourne)
🏢 Galvin Rowley
📍 Melbourne