Business Development & Account Manager

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Business Development & Account Manager – PALM Scheme

Reports To

General Manager

Direct Reports

• Welfare Officer

• Farm Operation Supervisors

Location

Mareeba, QLD

Employment Type

Full-Time

Position Purpose

The Business Development & Account Manager is responsible for driving the growth and profitability of ABC Labour through the acquisition of new host employer clients, expansion of existing client relationships, and effective management of PALM Scheme workforce operations.

This role combines strategic business development with account management and operational oversight to ensure ABC Labour continues to grow its workforce placements while maintaining exceptional worker welfare outcomes and compliance with PALM Scheme requirements.

The position is responsible for leading the Welfare Officer and Farm Supervisors while developing long-term partnerships with employers across horticulture, agriculture, and other approved PALM Scheme industries.

Key Responsibilities

Business Development

New Client Acquisition

• Identify and secure new host employer opportunities.

• Develop and implement business development strategies to grow ABC Labour's market share.

• Conduct prospecting activities including cold calling, networking, referrals, and industry engagement.

• Attend industry events, conferences, and networking opportunities.

• Prepare and deliver presentations, proposals, and workforce solutions to prospective clients.

• Negotiate commercial agreements and service arrangements.

• Build a strong pipeline of future labour opportunities.

 Account Management

Client Relationship Management

• Act as the primary contact for key host employer accounts.

• Conduct regular client visits and workforce planning meetings.

• Maintain strong relationships with business owners, farm managers, HR teams, and operational leaders.

• Manage service delivery and workforce performance expectations.

• Resolve client concerns quickly and professionally.

• Ensure high levels of client satisfaction and retention.

Workforce Planning

• Forecast workforce requirements with host employers.

• Coordinate recruitment requirements and mobilisation schedules.

• Develop workforce solutions to meet seasonal and long-term labour demands.

• Assist clients with PALM Scheme workforce planning and compliance obligations.

Operational Management

• Oversee PALM Scheme workforce operations.

• Monitor worker placements and workforce utilisation.

• Coordinate worker arrivals, transfers, and departures.

• Ensure accommodation and transport arrangements meet operational requirements.

• Support the successful mobilisation and retention of workers.

• Monitor workforce performance and attendance.

 Welfare and Compliance Oversight

• Provide leadership and support to the Welfare Officer.

• Ensure worker welfare obligations are met.

• Monitor worker wellbeing and accommodation standards.

• Assist in resolving worker grievances and welfare concerns.

• Ensure PALM Scheme compliance requirements are maintained.

• Support audit and reporting requirements.

• Promote positive worker engagement and community integration.

 Leadership and Team Management

• Lead, mentor, and support direct reports.

• Foster a positive, accountable, and high-performing team culture.

• Support ongoing staff development and training.

 Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Business Development

• New client acquisition targets achieved.

• Increase in PALM workforce placements.

Account Management

• Client retention rate.

• Client satisfaction outcomes.

• Growth within existing accounts.

• Workforce fulfilment rates.

Operational Performance

• Worker retention rates.

• Successful worker mobilisation outcomes.

• Workforce utilisation levels.

• Accommodation and transport compliance.

Compliance

• PALM Scheme compliance maintained.

• Successful audit outcomes.

• Timely reporting obligations completed.

Leadership

• Team performance and engagement.

• Staff retention.

• Achievement of departmental objectives.

 Skills and Experience

Essential

• Proven business development or sales experience.

• Strong relationship management and networking skills.

• Demonstrated ability to generate new business opportunities.

• Experience managing client accounts.

• Strong negotiation and presentation skills.

• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement abilities.

• Ability to lead and manage staff.

• Strong organisational and problem-solving skills.

Desirable

• Experience in labour hire, recruitment, workforce management, agriculture, horticulture, or related industries.

• Knowledge of the PALM Scheme.

• Understanding of employment and workplace legislation.

• Experience working with culturally diverse workforces.

• Existing industry networks within regional Victoria and surrounding regions.

 Qualifications

Essential

• Current Driver Licence.

• National Police Check. (or ability to achieve)

Desirable

• Diploma or Degree in Business, Sales, Management, Human Resources, Agriculture, or related discipline.

 Benefits

• Competitive salary package.

• Fully maintained company vehicle.

• Mobile phone and laptop.

• Professional development opportunities.

• Opportunity to play a key role in the growth of a leading PALM Scheme Approved Employer.

 Success in this Role

Success will be measured by your ability to grow ABC Labour's client base, increase workforce placements, retain existing clients, maintain compliance standards, and lead a high-performing team that delivers outstanding outcomes for both host employers and PALM Scheme workers.