Farm Development Manager

Tasmanian Berries is looking for a driven Farm Development Manager to lead the

design, planning, and delivery of all major infrastructure projects across our farms.

This is a hands-on role with big-picture impact. This is a senior leadership position

responsible for managing large-scale farm development initiatives from concept

through to commissioning. You’ll work closely with internal teams, contractors, and

suppliers.

Responsibilities:

The Farm Development Manager plays a strategic leadership role in overseeing the

planning, design, and delivery of all major agricultural infrastructure and

development projects across our operations. The role involves analysing agricultural

systems, providing expert technical advice on soil, water, and crop management,

and implementing sustainable practices to optimise productivity and profitability. It

combines hands-on project execution with high-level stakeholder engagement,

adoption of innovative technologies, and strategic business planning. The successful

candidate will lead expansion and continuous improvement initiatives in alignment

with the business’s commitment to quality, safety, environmental compliance, and

industry best practice.

Key Tasks and Responsibilities:

 Analyse and evaluate current agricultural operations to identify opportunities

for improved productivity, sustainability, and profitability.

 Investigate soil, plant, and water conditions and provide technical

recommendations on crop selection, soil management, irrigation design, and

pest/disease control.

 Plan, scope, and lead farm development projects, including infrastructure

such as protected cropping systems, irrigation, drainage, roads, and utilities.

 Prepare budgets, cost estimates, resource schedules, and risk management

plans, ensuring projects are delivered on time and within budget.

 Research, assess, and implement new agricultural technologies, digital

monitoring systems, and automation solutions to enhance operational

efficiency.

 Commission and oversee the readiness of new growing areas, ensuring

compliance with plant health, yield quality, and production efficiency targets.

 Ensure all operations meet WHS, environmental, and regulatory compliance

requirements, including industry certifications (Freshcare, HARPS, SEDEX).

 Source and coordinate contractors, equipment, and materials, ensuring

quality workmanship and adherence to specifications.

 Build and maintain effective relationships with internal teams, suppliers,

contractors, and industry bodies to support project success.

 Monitor crop performance, prepare technical and financial reports, and

provide data-driven advice to management on ROI and future improvements.

Ideal skills & attributes

Skills

 Demonstrated ability to lead and deliver complex farm infrastructure projects

from concept through to commissioning.

 Strong project management skills, including scheduling (e.g. Gantt

charts),budgeting, contractor coordination, and risk mitigation.

 Proficient in using digital tools for planning, reporting, and project tracking

(e.g. MS Project, Trello, Excel, or similar platforms).

 Sound understanding of modern agricultural technology, including digital

monitoring systems and automation in protected cropping.

 Excellent communication skills, with the ability to clearly report project status,

issues, and outcomes to stakeholders at all levels.

Experience

 Minimum 5 years in a senior role managing farm developments or capital

works projects in the horticulture/agriculture sector.

 Proven track record managing infrastructure such as irrigation systems,

protected cropping facilities, roads, drainage, and utilities.

 Experience using IT systems for planning, documentation, asset tracking, or

compliance reporting.

 Leading cross-functional teams including internal staff and external

contractors across multiple active project sites.

Qualifications

 Tertiary qualification in Horticulture, Agriculture, Agricultural Engineering, or

similar.

 Current Australian driver’s licence.