Location: Flexible and negotiable

An extraordinary opportunity to lead a national peak body at a pivotal moment in Australia's seafood industry.

The Australian seafood industry is in a state of change. Markets are shifting, climate impacts are being analysed, workforce challenges are intensifying, and government is actively shaping the future of food and ocean industries. Seafood Industry Australia (SIA) has positioned itself at the heart of this transformation.

Following successful establishment and growth under the current CEO’s leadership, the Board is seeking a leader to accelerate SIA's influence and impact in the policy space. We're looking for a bold, strategic leader to steer the organisation through its next chapter, one defined by influence, innovation, and impact.

SIA is seven years into its mission as the unified voice of Australia's wild-catch, aquaculture, and post-harvest sectors. The organisation has moved beyond establishment into genuine influence. They've commissioned the Futures of Seafood study - the most comprehensive industry analysis in recent history, which will guide policy and practice for the next 30 years.

The new CEO will arrive at a moment when:

• A healthy and broad stable of projects respond to member priorities and derive revenue.
• Strategic partnerships with the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation and Blue Economy CRC are delivering world-leading research
• Climate resilience, workforce development, and safety initiatives are reshaping industry practice
• Trade relationships are being strategically developed, including with China
• A collaborative, governance-focused Board is ready to support visionary leadership

THE CHALLENGE

You'll inherit a solid foundation and immediately face the most interesting part: translating the Futures of Seafood study into tangible policy outcomes, industry transformation and market development.

You'll represent the industry's national perspective to government at federal level and state and territory governments in conjunction with state/territory counterparts. You'll navigate interests across wild-catch, aquaculture, and post-harvest sectors, maintaining unity whilst respecting genuine differences. You’ll work alongside an energetic and professional team in a flexible working environment. You'll ensure the organisation remains financially sustainable whilst investing in member value.

WHAT YOU'LL BRING

• Genuine commitment to industry representation. You've represented members, communities, or stakeholders with authenticity and skill. You understand consensus-building, and the challenge of speaking with one voice for a diverse group. 
• Strategic vision combined with delivery focus. You've led complex organisations through transformative moments. You understand how to translate strategy into outcomes. You thrive working with ambiguity and competing priorities.
• Understanding of Australian government and policy. You know how Government works. You've built relationships with Ministers and departments, and understand the intersection of politics, regulation, and industry interest. You're credible with both government and the stakeholders you represent.
• Experience in agriculture, natural resources, or seafood. You've worked in these spaces and understand the regulatory environment, the volatility, and what matters to producers. Alternatively, or additionally, you've led a membership organisation, peak body, or association through complex policy landscapes.
• Financial acumen and organisational sustainability. You've managed mixed revenue models. You know how to build sustainability without compromising mission or member value.
• Integrity. You build trust through transparency and follow through ensuring that communication both internally and externally is regular and timely and effective.

WHAT YOU'LL FIND

• A team that cares. The SIA team is small, dedicated, and collectively passionate about the industry. 
• A Board that governs well. Collaborative, engaged, and experienced. They'll challenge you; they'll also support you. 
• A membership that's invested, where members see value in what SIA does. They want the organisation to succeed. They're engaged, diverse, and willing to contribute.
• Real influence. Government listens to the SIA. When SIA speaks, the industry hears it, and government pays attention. 
• International reach. Through partnerships and trade missions, you'll represent Australian seafood to the world. You'll travel, build relationships, and position the industry on the global stage.

ABOUT YOU

• 10+ years' senior executive leadership, ideally in government affairs, peak body representation, or association leadership
• Track record of representing industries or membership organisations to government
• Understanding of Australian government processes and policy development
• Experience managing complex, multi-stakeholder projects and partnerships
• Strong financial management and organisational sustainability expertise
• Excellent communication skills, written, verbal, and public speaking
• Genuine commitment to the seafood industry or agriculture/natural resources sector
• Integrity, resilience, and collaborative leadership style

WHAT'S ON OFFER

• Full-time, permanent role
• Competitive salary commensurate with experience
• Flexible working arrangements with national reach
• Opportunity to shape the future of a vital Australian industry
• Genuine partnership with an engaged Board and committed team

Before applying, download an Information Pack by entering your details below and pressing the 'Submit' button. Please note that pack will load into your browser for you to download.

After reading the Information Pack, contact Michael Holdway, Searchlight Group with any further questions on 0400 006 513. Candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. All third party and unsolicited CV’s will be referred to Searchlight Group. 

Applications close midnight on 13th November 2025.

For a confidential discussion contact Michael Holdway at Searchlight Group: michael@searchlightgroup.com.au or 0400 006 513. 

More information: https://seafoodindustryaustralia.com.au