CEO – Southern Queensland Natural Resources Management Ltd T/A Southern Queensland Landscapes

Southern Queensland Landscapes coordinate, connect, and engage with land managers, community groups, First Nations people and others to learn from each other and work collaboratively to ensure flourishing landscapes and healthy communities. 

The organisation aims to assist communities to be united by sustainable practices, enabled by science and technology and supported by First Nations’ knowledge to improve all life.  

There is a clear focus on delivering sustainable environmental outcomes to improve the lives of people in regional community now and for the future. 

As part of their ongoing operation, education is a critical element, providing information, education and conducting research on the natural environment or a significant aspect of the natural environment to aid in flourishing landscapes & healthy communities is core to the business focus of Southern Queensland Natural Resources Management Ltd. 

OUR PURPOSE 

To improve the lives of people in regional communities now and for the future.

OUR VISION 

Communities united by sustainable practices, enabled by science and technology, and supported by First Nations’ knowledge, to improve all life.

OUR MISSION 

Connecting and supporting communities to take care of landscapes. 

Organisational Chart

Southern Queensland Landscapes (SQL) is a member based, natural resource management organisation supporting a diverse geographical region that extends west from Toowoomba. It was established in 2018 from the merger of three important natural resource organisations in the region. These separate entities had been in existence for the previous 18 years prior to the merger. 

SQL works closely with local land managers, community leaders and industry professionals to enhance natural resources management efforts to balance productivity and environmental health in the region and further afield. 

SQL achieves outcomes for regional communities through essential projects, evidence-based resources, connecting people, and creating valuable networks.

With the previous CEO standing down in May 2024 the organisation has been working on their strategic direction and identifying the skillset they need for the new CEO to take the organisation forward. 

With a strong values proposition, evolving reputation, and passionate team, the organisation is looking to build on their financial viability and long-term sustainability moving forward. 

With an existing membership there is opportunity for further development, growth and engagement of members. This growth will be realised through improved membership structure and more formalised methods of communication and engagement. Corporate partnerships are also an area of development within the membership group. 

Stakeholder engagement is critical to the success of the organisation with Local, State & Federal Government actively seeking counsel from the organisation. 

Moving forward the organisation is strongly focused on brand awareness and developing market. This is achieved by raising awareness of what the membership offers Government and Corporate. And these corporate partnerships where they can affect impact are widespread across multiple sectors including mining, infrastructure, construction, agriculture and Government to name a few. 

Advocacy also forms a large part of the strategic focus for the board. As with all membership organisations, advocacy for members through considered and deliberate representation by ensuring studies, white papers and policy development are impactful is essential. 

A distributed membership across Queensland presents its own unique challenges in developing culture and a sense of team. Maintaining a cohesive and engaged team will be ongoing for this CEO. Being visible and in regular contact with membership across the state will require this CEO to undertake substantial travel. 

This travel will also involve advocacy and ongoing relationship development with partners and Government stakeholders. 

The merging of three organisations does not come without challengers and cultural change. There is still a need to recognise the origin of membership and ensure the voices are heard appropriately across the organisation whilst slowly moving to a position of a single united membership with one voice. 

As with all mergers there are also legacy issues that do arise and need to be resolved. With a cohesive and united board these are being addressed and tabled as they are uncovered but will need the drive and leadership of an experienced CEO with merger expertise. 

Identifying and developing new and existing revenue streams is ongoing. Partnerships with business and industry are a strong focus for the board.  

To achieve the growth and sustainability the board are aiming for, this CEO will need to take the organisation through a change process. This process will constitute a full operational review, possible rebrand of “Southern Queensland Landscapes” to better align the purpose of the organisation and remove market confusion.  

They will need to develop and modernise the membership offering and values proposition and update and align corporate services to meet the challengers and expected growth for this developing organisation. 

There is a lot to be done to build on the success this organisation has had to date. These successes include significant partnerships with other environmental agencies and Bio security initiatives.  

The CEO is responsible for leading the organisation to execute the approved strategic plan, identifying strategic opportunities that support the organisation’s purpose and vision and will ensure long-term organisational sustainability, representing SQL at industry and government forums, and demonstrating values-based leadership to support and develop the SQL team to achieve success. 

This CEO needs to bring a commercial business mindset to the role with a thorough understanding of environmental sustainability and a passion for leading discussion around environmental impact. A strong decision maker attuned to the needs of the business and understanding of its membership, you can lead with respect, empowering the team that supports you to grow and develop their capabilities. 

With a continuing environment of change, following the merger, constant review of services, policies, procedures and governance, this CEO is happy to lead effective change and has a demonstrated ability in leading change through open communication and engagement. 

An immersive position – you are happy to roll your sleeves up and work hard to understand the mechanics of the organisation. Through this immersion you will be able to contribute to the strategic direction and planned execution of agreed priorities for the organisation from an informed position.  

And as a doer you just get things done! A hands-on role, among other things, developing and preparing policy and procedures in consultation with key stakeholders is something you enjoy, as well as being the spokesperson and advocate for membership. 

Essential for this role is the need to be visible in the business, regular contact with all stakeholders and teams to support and develop relationships and trust is critical to the success of this position. 

With a solid understanding of the industry, you are adept at reviewing data and analysing trends to help inform improvement and opportunities for the business. 

Experienced working with a board you can and have articulated growth and growth opportunities at this level. You can identify membership opportunities and potential partnerships. 

Happy to develop the big picture you are also skilled at transitioning strategy into implementation and understand the practical steps needed to put this in place. You are practical by nature and approach. 

Firm but fair, you are professionally mature and competent at having robust and respectful conversations, embracing decisions that are made in the best interest of the organisation. 

With a high EQ you understand team dynamics and value culture having promoted positive culture in previous roles. Your people skills are honed to develop strong partnerships and robust, collaborative relationships. Your understanding of the membership ecosystem is at your core. 

An endearing nature, you will cultivate positive relationships developing trust and influence. Bringing an inquisitive nature to the position you actively engage with all stakeholders to see where you can add value and support. 

You are well researched and bring a curious mindset to identify opportunities that add value to the organisation. As an evidenced based decision maker your detailed analysis of opportunities equips you well to present at Board level, valuing the level of accountability invested in you. 

• Experience in a CEO or Senior Management role with demonstrated capability to deliver on strategic and operational requirements. 
• Tertiary qualifications, post-graduate qualifications or training in Business Management, 
• Natural Resource Management, Environment, Science, Economics, or related discipline. 
• Experience and demonstrated capability in leading a similar sized organisation or operation that includes operational management, financial management, project management, and stakeholder engagement. 
• Experience in developing and implementing initiatives to drive business performance. 
• Experience and capability to deliver the strategic and operational requirements defined in this position description. 
• Ability and willingness to travel regularly across the region to engage with staff and stakeholders, attend meetings, and undertake site visits. 
• Experience developing sustainability & responsiveness within an organisation, ensuring the organisation is lean, agile and able to respond to the changing needs of regional communities. 
• Advocacy experience, driving impact by influencing innovation and positive change in environmental practices and impact as a recognised and respected industry leader. 
• Demonstrated experience across the Governance and compliance of an organisation with an understanding of Risk frameworks and safety management. 
• Change and business transformation experienced leader 

Position Description

• Previous post merger management 
• Membership development 
• AICD Credentials highly desirable 
• Govt committee experience  

• Strong drive & passion aligned to organisational purpose. 
• Highly collaborative 
• Critical thinking 
• Spokesperson 
• Excellent communication & relationships management skills 
• A solution-focused, flexible can-do approach 
• Excellent decision-making capabilities 
• Thrives in a dynamic and fast paced environment. 
• Purposeful with strong attention to detail 
• Membership org essential 

When submitting your application, ensure your application includes: 

• An up-to-date resume (in Word format) 

• A covering letter (in Word format) outlining your interest and expertise relevant to the role 

Submit your application quoting reference number MCCESL to apply@windsor-group.com.au. For more information please contact Mike Conroy on 07 3211 0001. Your application will be acknowledged by email within one business day. 

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