Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority (QRIDA) is a specialist provider of government grants, loans, advisory support and farm debt services to rural and regional Queensland, and provider of loan and grant services to the whole of Queensland to support disaster recovery, or specific government programs.

As the Queensland Government’s experts in rural finance for over 30 years, we manage a range of programs to support the development of a more productive and sustainable rural and regional sector in Queensland, including:

• Helping primary producers make a start in agriculture, improve sustainability and profitability, recover from drought, natural disaster and other challenges

• Helping Queensland primary producers, small businesses and not for profit organisations recover form natural disasters and other business interruptions

• Helping Queensland businesses through Government industry adjustment schemes.

Our vision is that through the relationships we nurture, the insights we share, the programs we deliver and the services we provide, that Queensland is not only better equipped to withstand and recover quickly from any difficulties we face and importantly contributes to the Government’s priorities of providing a better lifestyle through a stronger economy and a plan for Queensland’s future.

There are five values that comprise the QRIDA Way - these underpin our culture:

Our people

Passionate about helping Queenslanders, QRIDA is dedicated to supporting primary producers, businesses and non-profit organisations through financial assistance.

Whether it’s one of our dedicated Regional Area Managers supporting you through your First Start or Sustainability Loan application, or our Farm Debt Restructure Office or drought programs helping you through the tough times, our team is here to support yours. Delivering expert financial support, disaster recovery assistance and local knowledge, QRIDA is dedicated to supporting Queensland enterprises grow, adapt and get back on track. 

QRIDA has a network of Regional Area Managers (RAMs) across Queensland, with offices based in Brisbane, Bundaberg, Emerald (with regular visits to Longreach), Hughenden ((with an office in Cloncurry), Innisfail, Kingaroy, Mackay, Rockhampton, Roma, Toowoomba, and Townsville. Available for on-farm visits, our RAMs are there every step of the way, supporting primary producers to achieve their goals by providing local knowledge and expertise on QRIDA’s range of financial support programs.

Our staff are passionate about their work and are proud to provide services that make a true difference to Queenslanders across a breadth of industries and regions. Our people are experienced and have a wealth of knowledge and skills extending across policy, marketing, grant and loan administration, corporate finance and business.

Service commitment 

QRIDA is committed to delivering programs and services to the highest service standards. To ensure our service levels are maintained and improved, we actively engage and work to strengthen our relationships with clients, industry, government partners and the community.

Position Purpose

You are responsible for contributing to the strategic direction and overall success of QRIDA (a client, customer, and stakeholder focused organisation), as a member of the Executive Leadership Team (ELT) and leader of the Program Strategy and Delivery (the Division). This includes being a key advisor to the QRIDA Board, while supporting the Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

You are a key leader in shaping QRIDA’s financial program strategy and are responsible for the delivery of these programs. These programs include financial assistance programs in rural and regional Queensland; disaster assistance (resulting from floods, drought or cyclones) and most recently, small business loans. Service expectations (from clients, customers and stakeholders) associated with customer experience; speed of delivery - underpinned by effective governance – have significantly increased. In addition, climate change has and will continue to influence the policy agenda in which this role operates.

You will have the opportunity to shape, influence and make a positive difference due to the ambiguity, uncertainty and complexity of the changing environment in which QRIDA now operates. You will therefore use your critical thinking, complex problem-solving skills and strategic astuteness combined with your expertise in leading change while securing and managing a significant loan portfolio (within the Queensland Government’s risk appetite). The changes will be underpinned by effective and efficient systems, processes and procedures.

You will collaborate and leverage off the diversity and expertise of the ELT to achieve QRIDA’s vision. You will navigate QRIDA’s context by engaging ministerial and senior departmental and staff from other government agencies; industry allies; and financial lending institutions. This includes understanding the context and circumstances which informs your negotiation and influence approach and the desired outcome.

This strategic, operational and at times, tactical role provides you with the opportunity to not only demonstrate your exceptional credit management skills but also your leadership skills with your remote workforce. Sharing and communicating the vision while developing and empowering your team will bring significant personal satisfaction.

This role makes a genuine difference to the people of Queensland by providing targeted financial assistance to enhance productivity, economic viability and sustainability. You will be able to demonstrate your understanding and empathy of rural and regional customers and the uniqueness of small business.

Key Responsibilities

In this role each day is different, however some of the key activities that you will be accountable for include:

• Contribute to the strategic success of QRIDA as an active member of the ELT – through a strategic, enterprise-wide focus and collaborative interactions.

• Provide strategic leadership and high-level advice, particularly as the principal authority of agriculture and small business financial lending, (including the preparation of submissions and reports) to the CEO, QRIDA Board, ministers and director generals in the development and implementation of strategies for achieving success in financial program delivery.

• Lead the delivery of the implementation of program strategy concept; design; establishing systems and processes [including decision making]; administration and evaluation – including both the proactive programs (that occur year after year); the reactive programs (resulting from disasters/pandemics and events).

• Lead the continued transformation of the Division to leverage innovation off technologies (including automating processes) while differentiating services from market competitors, enhancing the client experience, ensuring effective governance and managing policy, organisational and financial risks (e.g. fraud and bad debt).

• Effectively leading and managing the Division including governance, planning, resourcing, budget management, employee development and multiskilling and well-being, succession planning, knowledge sharing and streamlining and improving processes and practices.

Skills, Abilities and Knowledge

In addition to the attributes and skills listed in the previous section, it would be valuable to have some, or all, of the following:

• Extensive knowledge of commercial banking practice, lending securities and finance/loan processes (including best practice loan and grant management principles and processes).

• Highly developed leadership skills (including success in leading change) [refer below].

• Skills in understanding and interpreting financial reports; managing operational expenditure and revenue budgets.

• Highly developed written and verbal communication skills.

• Knowledge of the machinery of government (and how to navigate the political and bureaucratic environment).

Requirements

QRIDA are committed to inclusive and diverse practices, including recruitment and selection which ensures people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, people with disability, women, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have equal opportunity to apply and participate.

Candidates who represent diverse backgrounds are encouraged to submit an application.

To be considered, please provide the following information in your online application, for the assessment of your suitability:

• A short (no more than two pages) statement focusing on how you align with the core accountabilities outlined in the role statement below.

• Your current CV highlighting your relevant experience, qualifications, and achievements.

If you need assistance with your application please reach out to us.

Download Candidate Pack

Applications close Tuesday 4th November 2025