RDO expanding local team ahead of Deere takeover

Machinery dealership RDO Equipment is looking to recruit new team members across nine branch locations around the country ahead of its official launch as the new John Deere Construction and Forestry distributor in all of Australia (except Western Australia) on May 1.

Some of the vacancies include service technicians, parts managers, sales administrators and more across its branches in Brisbane, Townsville, Cairns and Mackay in Queensland; as well as in Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Launceston.

“We have a substantial investment program over the coming years, with new facilities planned in several locations across Australia – we want to make sure our team has what they need to get the job done,” said RDO Equipment Vice President, Ryan Offutt, who is responsible for the company’s international operations.

RDO Equipment is currently the world’s largest John Deere dealer with more than 75 locations in the US and partnerships in Africa, Australia, Mexico, Russia and Ukraine.

RDO currently has a 50 per cent interest in Australian John Deere dealership, Vanderfield, as well as an investment in Vermeer Australia.

Offutt said RDO has a people-first policy and puts its committed workforce over rapid turnover and profits.

“It may not be the way the world is going, but that doesn’t deter us. We are not afraid to put people first,” Offutt said.

“We’re looking for people who want to get in on the ground floor of a growing company. We want people who really believe in what we are doing.

“We have an incredibly strong and consistent culture which includes empowering local managers so they can focus on their customers.”

The Australian sales operation will be headed by General Manager of Sales, Mark Kuhn.

“We have made a significant investment in this new partnership, and John Deere has too, particularly around parts inventory and training,” Offutt said.

“As an example, service team members will have access to some of the highest quality capstone training available from any OEM – that’s a great career opportunity for them.

“I am very optimistic about the future of our business in Australia. It’s a fantastic country, and we have a great local team with a great culture. We’re going to be off to a great start.”

RDO will be showcasing a range of John Deere construction equipment, including two new excavator models never offered before in Australia, at the upcoming National Diesel, Dirt & Turf Expo in Penrith next week.