Forestry Operations Manager

The Opportunity:

Step into a leadership role where your forestry expertise directly influences woodland creation, land-use planning, and long-term sustainability.

The Forestry Operations Manager will play a central role in shaping and delivering woodland creation and sustainable forest management across our client’s growing estate in England. Using strong leadership, operational planning, and stakeholder management skills, you will drive high standards of land management, regulatory compliance, and health and safety performance across all forestry activities. Based in offices in Warwickshire with a blend of office and site-based work throughout the Midlands, you will manage contractors from procurement through to delivery, lead and develop teams, and provide practical and technical input to support wider forestry and land-use objectives.  This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced forestry professional with strong knowledge of industry standards and best practices to take responsibility for a varied portfolio of projects within a highly regarded company.

The Company

A flourishing and expanding not-for-profit organisation that is actively managing and preserving a significant portfolio of land and woodland in England. The organisation is fully committed to sustainable conservation to enable natural habitats to prosper and flourish.

Role Responsibilities

* To lead and coordinate forestry operations including woodland creation, woodland management, wildlife enhancement, and tree nursery programmes, ensuring high-quality service delivery
* To oversee contractor engagement from selection and tendering through to performance review, helping ensure work is delivered safely, on schedule, within budget, and to agreed standards
* To provide forestry expertise through species planning, GIS mapping, and technical input, contributing to wider woodland and land-use strategy discussions with senior colleagues
* To line manage senior tree nursery staff while driving a collaborative, multi-site nursery operation
* To promote health, safety, and regulatory standards by implementing best practices, contributing to audits, and engaging positively in health and safety initiatives

Essential Skills

* A degree or qualification in forestry management or a related sector
* A practical knowledge and understanding of forestry principles and techniques
* Strong knowledge and understanding of UK forestry standards
* Excellent communication skills, able to relay information to a range of audiences
* Good project management skills, with experience in managing contractors and third parties successfully
* Strong leadership skills, with experience managing staff and fostering a collaborative team
* Excellent understanding of health and safety management and best practice
* Highly organised, able to manage multiple projects with tight deadlines
* Membership of ICF  (or working towards)
* Reliable and methodical, with a structured approach to work
* Proficient IT skills and the use of GIS for mapping and site data recording
* UK driving license
* The desire to work outdoors in all weather conditions

Desirable Skills

* Experience in tree nursery operations and practice

Are you interested?

If you are interested in this role and would like to know more about it, please contact Kim Marsh, or click here to view the details on Cultura Connects website.