Chief Operating Officer - Agricultural Research - Coastal Mid-North WA

Working closely with the Managing Director, you will initially immerse yourself in the operational detail of the business before progressively assuming responsibility for its people, projects, clients and daily commercial operations.

The Opportunity

You will oversee the coordination of field trials - from protocol interpretation and site planning through to seeding, spraying, assessment and harvest - while ensuring teams, equipment and resources are effectively deployed.

As your understanding of the business develops, you will take greater ownership of client relationships, project scoping, proposals, costing, quoting, recruitment, financial performance and operational strategy.

Key Responsibilities

Lead the planning and delivery of plant-breeding and crop-protection research programs

Coordinate trial sites, seasonal schedules, personnel, equipment, inputs and project dependencies

Translate research protocols into accurate, timely and commercially sound field execution

Lead and develop operational and research teams through clear delegation, coaching and accountability

Coordinate Crop Circle’s WHS program and reinforce a strong safety culture

Build trusted client relationships and progressively lead project scoping, proposals, costing and quoting

Monitor project scope, margins, delivery standards and client satisfaction

Oversee procurement, equipment readiness, operational records, traceability and quality controls

Improve workflows, scheduling, resource utilisation and operational capacity

Support budgeting, strategic planning, workforce development and succession

Protect research integrity, confidentiality and the company’s professional reputation

About You

You will be a calm and practical leader who understands the realities of delivering high-quality agricultural work within tight seasonal windows.

You will ideally bring:

Leadership experience within agricultural research, field trials, agronomy, crop protection, plant breeding or a closely related operation

Strong seasonal planning, delegation and operational problem-solving capabilities

The ability to lead people effectively during demanding periods

Sound commercial judgement and an understanding of project scope, costs and margins

Strong client communication and relationship-management skills

A genuine commitment to safety, research quality, confidentiality and accountability

A relevant tertiary qualification and experience with research protocols, proposals, contracts, trial equipment, data systems, budgeting or strategic planning will be highly regarded.

A Genuine Leadership Progression

This appointment offers a clearly defined three-year pathway:

Year 1: Build operational knowledge, develop internal and client relationships, and assume ownership of selected projects and accounts

Year 2: Lead seasonal workflow, team operations, recruitment, proposals and most client relationships

Year 3: Take responsibility for the company’s daily operational, people, logistical and routine commercial leadership

Why Consider This Opportunity?

Join an established agricultural research business in a key executive role.

Work across plant breeding, crop protection and field research programs.

Influence operational systems, team capability and future business growth.

Build toward genuine responsibility for day-to-day business leadership.

Develop long-term relationships with clients and industry partners.

Secure a position with a transparent executive progression pathway.

How Will You Be Rewarded?

For your efforts you will be rewarded with a healthy salary package that includes cash component, annual incentive & equity accumulation scheme option, 12% super, company vehicle, phone and laptop.

If you would like more information on this role or have any other questions, please make contact with Josh for a confidential conversation.

0416 142 130

josh.peters@nationalagrisolutions.com.au

Location:

Southern Australia

Work Type:

Full Time

Date Posted:

25 July 2026

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