Operations Manager

Summary:

Regional Livestock Exchanges (RLX) is a leading agriculture organisation with core strengths of Infrastructure Management, stock handling and sales services, our operations are located throughout the eastern seaboard. This role is located at 670 South Gippsland Hwy, Koonwarra VIC, EVLX formerly (VLE).

EVLX joined the RLX portfolio in 2026, after being operated by Victorian Livestock Exchange since opening at the Leongatha site in 2006. 

Leongatha was the largest throughput saleyard in Victoria in four of the past five years, with almost a quarter of reported saleyard cattle in Victoria transacted through the site in FY25, hosting weekly Prime and Store Cattle sales along with seasonal Sheep sales.

About the role:

RLX Operating Company is seeking an experienced and motivated Operations Manager to join our team and play a key leadership role in the day-to-day operation of our Livestock Exchange facility.

Reporting directly to the Business Manager, this is a hands-on leadership position responsible for supporting the successful delivery of operational, commercial, safety, compliance, maintenance and animal welfare outcomes across the site.

This is an opportunity for an experienced rural or livestock operations professional who enjoys working with people, managing competing priorities and being actively involved in the day-to-day running of a busy livestock facility.

Responsibilities:

• Support the Business Manager in the effective management of the RLX facility and day-to-day operations.
• Lead and coordinate operational activities associated with livestock movement and sale days.
• Manage sale-day activities to ensure the safe and efficient throughput of livestock.
• Lead and support the maintenance team to ensure the facility is maintained to a high standard and preventative maintenance requirements are met.
• Drive continuous improvement across operational and maintenance activities.
• Support business performance, compliance and financial reporting.
• Assist with the management of operational and capital expenditure within approved budgets.
• Ensure animal welfare incidents are appropriately addressed, reported and recorded.
• Support compliance with WH&S requirements, legislation, licensing and relevant codes of practice.
• Contribute to quality, safety, environmental, animal welfare and biosecurity outcomes.
• Lead and manage staff, including onboarding, performance management and disciplinary processes where required.
• Conduct toolbox talks and safety meetings.
• Assist management with workplace investigations and regulatory visits.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with agents, livestock buyers, suppliers, transporters, contractors, local businesses and the wider community.
• Identify and contribute to new business opportunities and initiatives.

The role also forms an important part of our succession planning, with the successful candidate expected to develop a strong understanding of all aspects of the business and step into the Business Manager’s role when required.

About you:

We are looking for someone who is a confident leader with strong livestock and operational experience and the ability to work effectively in a diverse, multidisciplinary environment.

You will ideally have:

• Demonstrated experience leading and managing people.
• Strong commercial awareness and a drive to maximise business value.
• Excellent organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities.
• Sound knowledge and practical experience in livestock operations and animal husbandry.
• Experience working in a safety-focused and compliance-driven environment.
• The ability to develop and maintain positive relationships with a wide range of stakeholders.
• A practical, hands-on approach to problem solving and continuous improvement.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• A strong commitment to safety, integrity, responsibility and innovation.

Essential qualifications and experience

The successful applicant will have, or be willing to obtain as required:

• Current First Aid Certificate.
• Current State Driver License.
• Firearms license.
• Machinery operation qualifications.
• Humane Destruction of Animals competency.
• Low Stress Stock Handling experience/competency.
• Fire Warden Training.
• Demonstrated people leadership and management experience.

What you’ll bring

This is a role for someone who is comfortable being on the ground and involved in the operation, while also understanding the commercial and management requirements of a modern livestock facility.

You will be dealing with senior management and head office, as well as agents, buyers, suppliers, transporters, staff and the local community.

Our values

At RLX, our values underpin the way we operate:

Safety – ingrained and lived. Everyone matters. 

Integrity – in everything we do. Always do what’s right. 

Responsibility – for our ways of working and their impact. Own our decisions. 

Innovation – in ways of thinking. Think big, move forward.

Benefits:

• A supportive team environment where your opinion and voice are heard and respected.
• The chance to work in a dynamic and rewarding industry.
• Access to Employee Assistance Program
• Free Comprehensive Life Insurance
• 10c discount on Fuel (Diesel) at all IOR locations
• 30% discount from Ringers Western
• Corporate rate with JB HI-FI

Please note this role requires a Q fever vaccination or a willingness to get one.