The SunRice Group is an Australian ASX-listed branded food group, comprising multiple businesses, assets and operations across Australia, New Zealand, the Middle East, the United States, The Pacific Islands and Asia. SunRice was built by the Australian rice industry over many decades and today is one of Australia’s leading branded food exporters, with approximately 2,000 employees and operations in 11 countries.
SunRice is a great place to work, providing a real opportunity for passionate people to make a difference.
About the role
At SunRice, our story starts long before rice reaches a supermarket shelf. As an Australian-owned business with deep roots in regional communities, we work hand-in-hand with our growers to deliver quality food to customers across Australia and around the world. From paddock to plate, we're involved in every stage of the journey.
We're looking for a Farm Manager to lead the day-to-day operations of Rice Research Australia Pty Ltd (RRAPL), Australia's leading rice research farm based in the Riverina. This is a unique opportunity to combine hands-on farming leadership with innovation, research and industry impact.
You'll oversee pure seed production, irrigated cropping operations, research trials and farm infrastructure while helping shape the future of Australian rice production. Working closely with researchers, growers, industry stakeholders and the broader SunRice Agribusiness team, you'll play a critical role in advancing farming practices, improving sustainability outcomes and driving innovation across the rice industry.
This is a role for someone who enjoys being both strategic and hands-on - equally comfortable developing long-term plans and rolling up their sleeves during sowing, harvest and field operations
Key responsibilities will include:
- Leading all farm operations across pure seed production, winter cropping programs and research trial activities.
- Managing seasonal programs including sowing, irrigation, crop management and harvest operations.
- Coordinating seed production, logistics and seed cleaning programs to ensure the highest quality standards are maintained.
- Driving innovation initiatives, including precision agriculture, irrigation automation and emerging farming technologies.
- Partnering with researchers, growers and industry stakeholders to support research outcomes and technology adoption.
- Supervising and developing a small team while fostering a positive, high-performing and safety-focused culture.
- Managing contractors, equipment, maintenance programs and farm infrastructure to maximise operational efficiency.
- Supporting budgeting, forecasting and resource planning activities.
- Championing continuous improvement and identifying opportunities to enhance productivity, sustainability and farm performance.
- Ensuring compliance with WHS requirements and leading safety initiatives across the site.
About You
You're a passionate agricultural professional who thrives in a dynamic farming environment. You have a strong understanding of irrigated cropping systems and enjoy balancing operational excellence with innovation and continuous improvement.
You're a natural leader who can build strong relationships, communicate effectively with a range of stakeholders and inspire others to achieve great outcomes. Most importantly, you're excited by the opportunity to contribute to an industry-leading research farm that helps shape the future of Australian agriculture.
You will bring:
- Significant experience in farm management or leading large-scale irrigated farming operations.
- Strong knowledge of cropping systems, irrigation management and modern farming practices.
- Experience operating and managing agricultural machinery and equipment, with a current HR or HC Licence and a strong commitment to safe work practices.
- Demonstrated leadership experience, including supervising teams and managing contractors.
- Exposure to research trials, seed production or agricultural innovation programs (highly regarded).
- Experience with precision agriculture technologies and data-driven farming practices.
- Strong planning, organisational and problem-solving skills.
- Sound financial awareness, including budgeting and resource management.
- A commitment to workplace safety and continuous improvement.
- Degree qualifications in Agriculture, Agricultural Science, Agribusiness or a related discipline, or equivalent industry experience.
What’s in it for you
At SunRice Group, we believe great work starts with feeling supported, valued and inspired. When you join our team, you’ll enjoy a range of benefits designed to support your wellbeing, growth and everyday life.
- Homestead Accommodation: Enjoy subsidised rent in the on-site homestead, giving you the opportunity to immerse yourself in the local community and the unique lifestyle of the Riverina.
- Relocation Support: If you're moving for the role, we'll help make the transition easier with relocation assistance to support you as you settle into the region.
- A Role with Real Impact: Work at the heart of Australia's rice industry, leading an innovative research farm where you'll help shape the future of farming practices, sustainability and seed development
- Leave: Enjoy competitive leave benefits, including volunteer leave and the option to purchase additional leave when you need extra flexibility.
- Wellness Reimbursement: Your wellbeing matters. Twice a year, you’ll be reimbursed for fitness memberships or other health and wellbeing initiatives that help you feel your best
All correspondence will be dealt with in strict confidence.
SunRice is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. SunRice will consider qualified applicants for employment based on their merit, individual skills, qualifications and other appropriate criteria relevant to the role for which they are applying.
