In this episode of Humans of Agriculture, Oli Le Lievre sits down with Lennie Grace of Action Steel to explore the journey of a family-owned business that has grown from a small shed-building operation into a focused agricultural business serving livestock and cropping enterprises.

Lennie shares how he and his brother Vince grew up around the business, spending weekends at the factory and school holidays visiting farms with their father, Martin, who started Action Steel in 2001. Those early experiences, from seeing rotary dairies and shearing sheds to witnessing the importance of customer relationships, helped shape Lennie’s passion for agriculture and ultimately his decision to join the family business.

A major part of the conversation is the decision Action Steel made to focus exclusively on agriculture. At the time, around half of the business was commercial and industrial work, so walking away from that work felt like a significant risk. Lennie explains why the family chose to go narrower and deeper into agriculture, how that allowed the business to build its expertise and expand geographically, and why relationships, trust and word of mouth have remained so important. The discussion also covers one of the practical constraints to growth: building a network of subcontract installation crews across the East Coast.

The conversation then turns to people and culture. Lennie talks about the complementary roles of the three family directors, the importance of vulnerability-based trust and the shift from a family-run operation where everyone simply did what needed doing, to a business that increasingly relies on specialists in areas such as operations, marketing and finance. He also explains Action Steel’s approach to transparency, including sharing financial statements with staff and linking a portion of profit above its annual target to the team.

There is also a practical overview of the Sales Coordinator opportunity at Action Steel. Lennie explains why the role has been created, what the person will actually do, the importance of curiosity, organisation and a genuine interest in agriculture, and how the role could develop into a Building Consultant position over time. For anyone interested in how a growing regional agribusiness creates structure without losing its family-owned culture, there is plenty to take from this conversation.

Listen to the full conversation with Lennie Grace to hear how Action Steel has grown, why focus has been central to that journey, and what comes next for the business.

To learn more about Action Steel and the Sales Coordinator opportunity, visit the Humans of Agriculture careers page.

The role is live now, and we'd love to hear from people who are ready to advance their career in sales with an ambitious Australian-owned and operated business in Victoria. 

Key insights from the conversation:

• How growing up around a family business gave Lennie and his brother an early connection to agriculture and its people.
• Why Action Steel chose to walk away from commercial and industrial work and focus deeply on agriculture.
• What has focusing on livestock and cropping enterprises enabled the business to do, geographically and operationally?
• The role of subcontractor relationships in removing one of the biggest constraints to Action Steel’s growth.
• How the family has shifted from doing everything themselves to bringing specialists into the business as it has grown.
• The importance of vulnerability-based trust, humility and knowing when someone else is better placed to make a decision.
• How financial transparency and sharing profits above the annual target can change how employees think about the business.
• What Action Steel is looking for in its Sales Coordinator role and the potential pathway into a Building Consultant position.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Action Steel and family business
01:27 How Action Steel started
02:01 Growing up in the family business
03:33 Why Action Steel chose agriculture
04:53 The importance of focus
06:21 Building a network for growth
08:18 Team, culture and specialist skills
10:03 The Sales Coordinator opportunity
12:43 Understanding the role and customer experience
18:26 Transparency, incentives and the future of Action Steel

Oli recently sat down with Josh Tepper, CEO, and Michael Webb, COO and co-founders of Ornata Technologies, to explore how the business is making autonomous farming a practical reality and why they're looking for an Area Sales Manager to help drive the next stage of growth across Victoria and Southern New South Wales.

Ornata has developed a remote operations platform that allows farmers to operate the machinery they already own without someone physically sitting in the cab. Following successful commercial deployments and growing demand from customers, the team is expanding and looking for someone who can build trusted relationships with farmers, demonstrate the technology in the field, and help bring a new generation of autonomy into Australian agriculture.

In this episode, Oli, Josh and Michael discuss:

• How Ornata has evolved from its first commercial customers to a growing customer base across Victoria.
• Why Ornata's approach to autonomy keeps experienced operators involved while making autonomous machinery practical for farmers.
• How the technology helps address labour shortages without requiring farmers to replace their existing machinery.
• What the Area Sales Manager role involves and why it is focused on building long-term customer relationships rather than simply making sales.
• Why understanding farming systems and earning trust are more important than having a deep technical background.
• How customer referrals and strong relationships are helping grow the business across regional communities.
• What it is like working in a fast-growing Australian agtech startup.
• The culture, responsibility and ownership that comes with joining an early-stage business.
• What success could look like after the first 12 months in the role.
• Why joining Ornata today offers the opportunity to help shape the future of autonomous farming in Australia.

Interested in learning more? We have a full job description and additional information available on our Careers page:
https://humansofagriculture.com/careers/job-board/area-sales-manager-vic-southern-nsw-amm0

Or connect with Zoe Burgess for a confidential conversation about the opportunity available with Ornata Technologies.

Oli recently sat down with Warakirri Cropping Regional Manager for Western Australia, Tony Murfit, to explore the Farm Operations Manager opportunity at Mawarra and what makes it such an important role within the business.

Located near Merredin, Mawarra is a large-scale broadacre cropping operation with more than 24,000 hectares of arable land. Warakirri Cropping is looking for someone who can work closely with Farm Manager Andrew Martin, lead the team from the front, and help keep paddock operations moving across a large and complex aggregation.

In this episode, Oli and Tony discuss:

• Tony’s connection to Mawarra and how the farm has evolved since Warakirri purchased it in 2011
• How soil improvement, machinery and changing farming systems have transformed the property
• What the Farm Operations Manager role involves day to day
• The importance of planning, logistics and timeliness across an 80-kilometre operation
• Why trust, communication and team leadership matter as much as technical farming knowledge
• The type of person Warakirri is looking for and why attitude and willingness to learn are so important
• What success could look like in the first 12 months
• The support available across the wider Warakirri Cropping business
• Why the role offers a potential pathway towards becoming a Farm Manager
• What Merredin and the surrounding region offer individuals and families looking to relocate

Interested in learning more? We have a full job description and additional information available on our Careers page:
https://humansofagriculture.com/careers/job-board/farm-operations-manager-x191

Or connect with Zoe Burgess for a confidential conversation about the opportunities available with Warakirri Cropping.

Oli recently sat down with Sprout Ag Senior Agribusiness Manager, Oscar McLean, alongside Humans of Agriculture Talent Specialist, Zoe Burgess, to explore career opportunities with one of Australia's fastest-growing agribusiness advisory firms.

With multiple Agribusiness Manager positions available across regional Australia, SproutAg is looking for ambitious people who want to work alongside farming businesses, solve complex financial challenges, and build long-term careers in a rapidly expanding company.

In this episode, Oli, Zoe and Oscar discuss:

• Oscar's career journey from Marcus Oldham to banking and into SproutAg
• Why independent agribusiness finance and advisory is one of agriculture's fastest-growing sectors
• What an Agribusiness Manager does day-to-day
• The type of people SproutAg is looking to recruit
• Why attitude, curiosity and a willingness to learn matter more than having every technical skill
• Career pathways and progression opportunities as SproutAg continues to expand across Australia
• Why now is an exciting time to join the business, including its recent acquisition and ambitious growth plans
• What makes Tamworth and regional Australia great places to build a career and lifestyle

Interested in learning more? We have a full job description and additional information available on our Careers page: https://humansofagriculture.com/careers/job-board/agribusiness-manager-70hq

Or connect with Zoe Burgess for a confidential conversation about the opportunities available with SproutAg.

We're on the hunt for an extraordinary human to help take Humans of Agriculture into an exciting new chapter.

🌱 Your Opportunity

We’re looking for a Partnerships Manager to join our small, dynamic team.

🌾 Humans of Agriculture is a purpose-led media company dedicated to building the next generation of Australian agriculture by using storytelling to connect, inform, and inspire. 

Our new Partnerships Manager will play a pivotal role in growing our impact by developing and managing commercial partnerships. You’ll be the person who turns opportunities into outcomes; building relationships, creating value for new and existing partners, and driving revenue that allows us to continue championing agricultural stories.

This role is about connection. You’ll work with businesses, industry organisations, and brands to show them how storytelling and community can help them achieve their goals, while supporting our mission to empower the people shaping agriculture’s future.

🙌 About You

• Proven experience in partnerships, business development, or sales
• A natural connector with strong relationship-building skills
• Excellent communicator, written and verbal, with the ability to craft compelling proposals and pitches
• Commercially minded and confident managing budgets, contracts, and targets
• Curious, proactive, and passionate about purpose-driven work
• Knowledge of agriculture is a bonus, but not essential, more important is a willingness to dive in and learn

🌟 What We Offer

• A chance to make a real impact in a purpose-driven organisation
• A dynamic, creative environment in a small, close-knit team
• A base at The Commons in Cremorne, Melbourne (with flexibility for the right candidate)
• Competitive salary package, plus opportunities for professional growth
• The chance to meet and work alongside some of the most inspiring people across Australian agriculture

📍 Role Details

• Location: Cremorne, Melbourne (flexible for the right candidate)
• Position Type: Full-time
• Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience

Chapters

00:00 The Need for a Partnerships Manager

04:53 Skills and Experience Required

09:34 Long-Term Vision and Growth

14:30 Recruitment Process and Flexibility

Find out more about the Humans of Agriculture community, hear Oli walk through the ins and out of the role and other details of this incredible job opportunity on LinkedIn or email [email protected]

When sussing out a potential new job, wouldn't it be handy if you could interview the interviewer.

That's why we created the Careers In Ag podcast, and we're keen to hear more about a job that's caught our attention.

MaxCare is on the look out for a new Regional Sales Manager.

MaxCare is not just a business, it's a family... a unique ecosystem that nurtures hunger, persistence, initiative and a growth mindset.

We chat with Maxum Foods General Manager Tom Newton to learn more about the Regional Sales Manager vacancy.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Tom Newton and MaxCare
02:42 Passion for Agriculture and Youth Engagement
05:33 Understanding MaxCare's Business Model
08:35 Team Dynamics and Company Culture
11:14 Hiring Philosophy and Candidate Characteristics
13:48 Future Vision for MaxCare and Industry Impact
16:23 Final Thoughts and apply now

Find out more on our website.

This is a full-time sales position based regionally in southeast Australia.

Find the full position description below and get in touch with Cam Abrahams to apply!
[email protected]

They're building something truly special at MaxCare and if you think you're up for this role, they'd love to hear from you.

Read about Tom's more than 15 years with Maxum Foods!

Don’t forget to checkout the MaxCare Animal App.

Oli recently sat down with Tom Newsome, Managing Director at Outcross Agri-services to find out about their latest job opportunities.

The team at Outcross are on the lookout for several staff to join their business in locations across New South Wales and Victoria. 

In the chat, Oli and Tom discuss:

• The current livestock industry
• A bit about Tom and his career
• How Outcross has evolved since its inception in 2008
• Outcross' focus on providing opportunities and career pathways for young people
• What type of people they are looking for in the roles they have available
• The positions available 

From their job advertisement:
We have great options for career progression for quality stock people who want to work with precision livestock management systems.

This is an exciting opportunity to develop your livestock, IT and management skills, and step into a market leading business and grow with it.

It also provides scope to travel, and be a part of a dynamic agricultural community.
Check out some of our current opportunities:
Trainee Sales Manager - Western Victoria
Sales Manager - Dubbo

To find out more, please contact: Mark Buttenshaw 0427 866 638, or email your resume to [email protected].

Oli recently sat down with Ben Dwyer, Chief Operating Officer - Agribusiness at Harvest Road Group to find out about their latest job opportunities.

The team are on the lookout for several staff to join their business, but today we are chatting about the Station Manager Role at Minderoo Station.

In the chat, Oli and Ben discuss:

• Their integrated Cattle and Beef supply chain
• What the businesses goals are
• The agribusiness strategy and how the Station Manager role will support the business in achieving their goals and objectives
• A bit about the team members, the properties, and the job inclusions

From their job advertisement:

Minderoo Station is not just a location; it's an experience. Encompassing four pastoral leases across 760,000 hectares, boasting diverse landscapes ranging from the rugged Pilbara mesa ranges to the tranquil riverfront stretching 180 kilometres and the captivating Exmouth Gulf coastline. Established in 1878 by the pioneering Forrest Family, Minderoo stands as the foundation of Harvest Road. Over the past decade, the herd has flourished, now home to an impressive line of composite cattle. The homestead is conveniently located just 30 minutes from the Onslow airport.

We are seeking a leader who has an established reputation and is looking to etch their mark on Australia's Northern Pastoral industry. Your commitment to animal welfare and adept stock handling is paramount. Your leadership, by example, champions health, safety, and wellbeing. Infuse a spirited horse culture and seamlessly harmonise daily operations with the grand vision. Your financial acumen and strategic prowess shape the future, while your innovative spirit fuels business productivity. A penchant for community engagement and exceptional communication skills seamlessly weave you into our diverse tapestry.

Your role at Minderoo is pivotal – a testament to your expertise. Our remuneration package respectful to your remarkable contributions. A modern, inviting home awaits, currently undergoing a splendid renovation in 2023. Positioned at the crossroads of Western Australia's natural wonders, including Ningaloo and Karijini National Park, your downtime will be just as fulfilling as your workdays. Your imprint on Western Australia's largest vertically integrated beef business awaits.

You can learn more about Harvest Road Group by visiting our dedicated Harvest Road Group Careers In Ag page and learn more about this role by going to  STATION MANAGER, Harvest Road Pastoral, Minderoo Station.

The team at Kenny's Creek are on the lookout for an Assistant Manager / Overseer 

Contact Kenny's Creek directly for this role.
From their job advertisement
We are seeking an enthusiastic and hard-working individual for an Assistant Manager or Overseer role with Kenny's Creek at Hillgrove in Boorowa, NSW.  Hillgrove Pastoral manages two other properties in the Boorowa area – Burrowa Hills and Breakfast Creek.

Hillgrove is a mixed farm with a focus on our Kenny's Creek Angus stud and PrimeLine ewe flock. To support the livestock we run a grazing crop and pasture program. 

The farm is approximately 1,300Ha. Each year we run an extensive artificial insemination program utilising leading genetics in the Angus breed.

The Assistant Manager/ Overseer will work with our team to improve the farm infrastructure and across all aspects of livestock management.
Hillgrove has an excellent house 10km from Boorowa on the Murringo Road. The house is situated next to a large dam with great fishing.

The successful applicant will be reliable, highly motivated, energetic and will possess a good work ethic and a keen interest in the agricultural industry.  They will demonstrate good communication and time management skills. They must be able to work independently and able to lead team members and contractors. They should also have animal husbandry skills and low stress stock handling skills. Support is
available for professional development and training opportunities.  The position reports to the farm manager of Hillgrove and Burrowa Hills. The successful applicant will have primary responsibility for the Hillgrove livestock and farm and will be part of a broader team working across both farms.

The role:

• Assisting the farm manager in running a quality mixed farm enterprise
• Overseeing livestock health and performance
• Working in the Angus stud - calving/ AI and joining program/ bull preparation and sale/ data recording/ monitoring health and treatments
• Working with PrimeLine sheep flock
• Assisting with pasture and cropping management
• Working in a team on capital expenditure projects
• Assisting in overseeing the farm and related activities
• Ensuring Work Health and Safety and Quality Assurance procedures are adhered to at all times
• Where required, working with teams on our other farms.

Birchip Cropping Group are looking for Two (2) Graduate Research Agronomists and a Senior Researcher Role.

In this episode with sit down with Yolanda Plowman to hear more about Birchip Cropping Group (BCG), her career and the opportunities for new team members to join their team.

Find the Roles on Seek HERE.

About Yolanda
Dr Yolanda Plowman joined BCG as the Senior Research Manager in February 2023. Originally from Brisbane where she completed her undergraduate studies in biological sciences and mathematics, Yolanda completed her PhD in soil microbiology associated with wheat roots at The University of Sydney. Her research took her to regional areas of New South Wales, Victoria, and Western Australia. Throughout her PhD, Yolanda undertook a number of teaching positions at The University of Sydney in microbiology, cellular biology, and food security subjects, and also proudly lead the Joint Academic Microbiology Seminars (JAMS) community in Sydney from 2017 to 2022.