Executive Recruitment in Brisbane: Driving Growth Across Queensland’s Food Industry

Six weeks to your next FMCG executive or key management hire — our proven methodologies deliver results for food industry businesses across Brisbane.

A group of people are looking at a computer screen in an office.

Strategic Executive Search in Brisbane: Building Leadership Capability for a Growing FMCG Market

Brisbane is rapidly emerging as a key growth market for food, beverage, and agribusiness in Australia.

As Queensland’s commercial centre, it’s home to leading food manufacturers, innovative FMCG startups, and critical infrastructure that connects products to both domestic and export markets.


At ELR Executive, we partner with Brisbane-based companies to source high-performing leaders who bring energy, commercial clarity, and transformation expertise. Whether you're scaling production, entering new markets, or strengthening your operational capability, we deliver senior talent who know how to lead in high-growth, fast-paced environments. From General Managers and Site Directors to Heads of Operations, Supply Chain and R&D, our search process ensures the right fit — for both role and region.

Talk To Us Today

Work With US

Why Leading Brisbane Employers Choose ELR Executive

Queensland’s food and agribusiness sector is expanding — and Brisbane is at the centre of it all. With access to Asia-Pacific trade routes, abundant agricultural supply chains, and significant state government investment, the region is attracting talent and capital at pace. 

ELR Executive brings deep sector expertise and a Queensland-wide network to connect FMCG businesses with proven executive leaders. We understand the regional nuances — from major sites in Logan and Ipswich to fast-scaling businesses in the inner-city and outer metro corridors. Our insight into local labour markets and national talent mobility helps employers navigate hiring challenges and secure long-term leadership capability.

Talk To Us Today

Executive Recruitment Solutions for Brisbane’s Food, FMCG & Agribusiness Economy

Our Services

Leveraging our 30 years of experience in executive search and recruitment for FMCG, food and beverage manufacturing, we connect Brisbane businesses with senior leaders and executives.

Executive Search

Find the right C-suite, executive leaders, and NED who align with your FMCG business goals and vision.

Retained Recruitment

Supporting senior management and department head roles through our dedicated retained recruitment model.

Interim Executive

Fill crucial leadership gaps with experienced interim executives to ensure continuity and stability.

Executive Assessment

Our assessment services use detailed psychometric and behavioural evaluations to ensure you find the right skills and cultural fit within or outside your organisation. 

Talent Mapping 

Our talent mapping services provide you with critical insights into the market, including competitor intelligence and identification of key players. 

Driving Results Throughout Brisbane with Our Proven Search Methodology

With a 98% placement rate and a 100% stick rate, we consistently set industry benchmarks for excellence, exceeding client expectations with every recruitment assignment. Here’s how: 

A black arrow pointing up on a white background.

Swift 6-Week Turnaround

Our focused and efficient approach ensures your business quickly secures the right leadership without compromising quality.

A ribbon with the number 30 on it is on a white background.

30 Years of Industry Expertise

With decades of hands-on experience in the FMCG sector, we design tailored strategies that align perfectly with your business goals.

A black and white drawing of a u on a white background.

100% Retention Rate

We deliver high-performing leaders who seamlessly integrate into your culture, ensuring long-term success and stability.

A magnifying glass is looking at a piece of paper.

Complete Transparency

Our methodical communication keeps you fully informed, providing clarity and confidence throughout the process.

Time to Drive Results For Your Business

Why Brisbane is Attracting the Next Generation of Food Industry Leaders

Brisbane’s food and beverage ecosystem continues to expand — driven by a powerful mix of domestic demand, export opportunity, and regional supply chain integration. ELR Executive works with clients across this ecosystem to deliver leadership talent that can turn ambition into performance.

Logistics & Processing Infrastructure

Strategic Location: Industrial precincts like Wacol, Acacia Ridge, and Rocklea anchor Brisbane’s food and beverage manufacturing footprint.

Cold Chain Hub: South East Queensland supports a high concentration of chilled and frozen food distribution centres.

Export Gateway: As Queensland’s food exports to Asia grow, there’s rising demand for senior leaders in regulatory, operations, and export logistics.

Leadership Opportunities in Emerging Sectors

Brisbane is seeing rapid growth in health-driven consumer categories, including natural foods, alternative proteins, and performance nutrition — creating strong demand for innovation-focused executives.


The surge in chilled meals, meal kits, and functional beverages is also fuelling demand for product development, commercial operations, and category leadership roles.


With growing investment in ag-tech, ESG, and sustainable food systems, the region is positioning itself as a national leader in automation and circular manufacturing.

Lifestyle and Liveability

Interstate Attraction: Affordable living and a relaxed lifestyle are drawing senior talent from Sydney, Melbourne, and beyond.

Future-Focused: Major infrastructure projects tied to the 2032 Olympics enhance long-term liveability and economic opportunity.

Talent Magnet:

High-quality education, outdoor living, and cultural growth make Brisbane a compelling destination for executive relocation.

Why ELR Executive is Brisbane’s Go-To Firm for Senior Food & FMCG Talent

  • What Sets ELR Executive Apart in Queensland’s Market?

    We specialise in executive search for food, agribusiness, and manufacturing — and we know what works in Queensland.


    Our team brings 20+ years of recruitment expertise across food and beverage sectors.


    We’re fast: most of our searches are completed in 4–6 weeks.


    We’re strategic: we don’t just fill jobs — we help businesses secure long-term commercial leadership.

  • How We Overcome Brisbane’s Talent Challenges

    Brisbane’s talent market is tight — especially at senior levels. Our process is designed to uncover and engage passive, high-performing talent.


    Talent Mapping & Market Research: We know who’s available, who’s not looking — and how to bring them to the table.


    Relocation & EVP Strategy: We help Brisbane businesses attract interstate and regional candidates with compelling employer branding.


    Candidate Fit & Cultural Insight: We focus on long-term alignment, not short-term hires.

  • Which Roles & Industries We Cover in Brisbane

    We recruit executive talent across:


    Food Manufacturing & Production: High-volume processing, premium brands, chilled and ambient goods.


    Cold Chain & Logistics: Supply chain, warehousing, fleet operations, and last-mile delivery.


    Functional Nutrition & Health Food: From supplements to performance drinks and wellness snacks.


    Agribusiness & Export: Supporting Queensland’s beef, poultry, grain, and horticulture supply chains.


    Plant-Based & Alternative Proteins: A growing focus for Brisbane-based innovators and manufacturers.

  • What support does ELR Executive offer beyond recruitment?

    Our work doesn’t stop with a placement. ELR Executive supports Brisbane-based clients with a suite of ongoing services designed to strengthen business capability.


    Onboarding & Retention Strategy: Helping new executives hit the ground running and build trust early.


    Market Intelligence & Salary Trends: We provide ongoing insights into the local market, including competitor movements and salary benchmarking.


    Future-Focused Workforce Planning: From succession planning to capability audits, we help you think and plan ahead.

Partner With Us
A group of people are walking through an office with cubicles

Insights for FMCG & Food & Beverage

Discover exclusive insights from top FMCG and Food & Beverage leaders with our latest report, from industry trends and challenges to strategies that will shape the industry in the year ahead. 

Download now

Expertise Across Every Role and Sector across FMCG

Specialising in C-suite, NED, executive management, heads of department, and senior management roles tailored to various functional areas and categories.

Functional Areas


Finance


Human Resources


Marketing


Procurement


Operations


Retail Operations


Sales


Supply Chain & Logistics


Technical 


Categories


Bakery & confectionery 


Beers & spirits


Beverage manufacturing 


Dairy 


Food manufacturing 


Fruit & vegetable processing 


Health & wellness 


Meat & poultry processing


Pet Food Manufacturing


Pharmacy, vitamins & supplements


Retail operations


Wine


Case Study: Supporting Expansion with a New General Manager

Challenge

With sales declining and an urgent need to expand into new markets, a global luxury home decor manufacturer with over 100 employees required more than just a manager—they needed a visionary leader to revitalise operations and drive growth.

Our Approach

With our deep industry expertise, we conducted a targeted search, tapping into our extensive network to find a candidate who embodied the company’s values and vision. Our strategic approach ensured we presented a leader ready to drive growth and innovation.

Outcome

The selected General Manager is still with the company, playing a pivotal role in their successful expansion and ongoing growth.

Challenge

With sales declining and an urgent need to expand into new markets, a global luxury home decor manufacturer with over 100 employees required more than just a manager—they needed a visionary leader to revitalise operations and drive growth.

Our Approach

With our deep industry expertise, we conducted a targeted search, tapping into our extensive network to find a candidate who embodied the company’s values and vision. Our strategic approach ensured we presented a leader ready to drive growth and innovation.

Outcome

The selected General Manager is still with the company, playing a pivotal role in their successful expansion and ongoing growth.

From food processing recruitment to beverage manufacturing leadership, we deliver tailored solutions that connect Bundaberg businesses with leaders who drive results.