Location
Jeskyns Community Woodland, Bexley, with regular travel across Kent and East Sussex

Hours
37 hours per week

Salary
£33,854 per annum

About the Role
Join Forestry England, a passionate team dedicated to growing the nation’s forests and creating outstanding places and experiences for everyone. As Forest Centre Manager, you will lead and manage a committed team of staff and volunteers to deliver efficient, safe, and high-quality daily operations at Jeskyns Community Woodland and other sites across Kent and East Sussex. Your role will involve managing outdoor visitor facilities, infrastructure, service contracts, activities, and events to ensure every visitor has a memorable and positive experience. You will also play a strategic role in supporting wider business goals through effective site management and strong financial oversight, managing budgets carefully and identifying opportunities to improve business performance through operational efficiencies and new income streams. This role is based within the East England Forest District, which manages over 35,000 hectares of diverse woodland spanning Norfolk to Buckinghamshire and East Sussex, providing vital habitats, sustainable timber production, and welcoming millions of visitors annually. You will be instrumental in safeguarding and enhancing these valuable outdoor assets for current and future generations.

Benefits
Forestry England contributes an average of 28.97% towards your pension through the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension Scheme. You will receive 25 days holiday per year, increasing by one day per year of service up to 30 days (pro-rated for part-time employees), plus bank holidays. Access to the STaR employee benefits scheme offers discounts on everyday shopping, holidays, gym memberships, insurance, and more. Free parking at Forestry England sites and free entry to National Arboretums at Westonbirt and Bedgebury are included. Forestry England supports lifelong learning and career development through continual professional development, individual learning plans, and sponsored membership of professional bodies.

Experience
Proven experience managing outdoor visitor facilities, infrastructure, service contracts, activities, and events. Demonstrated ability to lead and manage teams of staff and volunteers effectively. Experience in budget management and identifying opportunities for operational efficiencies and new income streams.

About you
Passionate about forestry and outdoor environments with a commitment to delivering excellent visitor experiences. Strong leadership skills with the ability to inspire and motivate a diverse team. Strategic thinker with excellent organisational and financial oversight capabilities. Willingness to travel regularly across Kent and East Sussex to meet operational needs.

Qualifications
Relevant qualifications or experience in forestry, environmental management, or related fields are desirable. Ability to communicate effectively in accurate spoken English is essential. Successful candidates will undergo a criminal record check and government baseline personnel security standard check.