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
As Forest Centre Manager, you will take a leading role in shaping outstanding visitor experiences at Jeskyns Community Woodland and across our sites in Kent and East Sussex. You will lead and manage a committed team of staff and volunteers to deliver efficient, safe and high-quality daily operations. Your experience in managing outdoor visitor facilities, infrastructure, service contracts, activities and events will be key to ensuring every visitor has a memorable, positive experience. You will also play a strategic role in supporting wider business goals through effective site management and strong financial oversight. Responsibilities include managing budgets with care 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 woodland spanning Norfolk to Buckinghamshire and East Sussex. You will help safeguard and enhance 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 offering discounts on supermarket shopping, hotel stays, clothing, mobile phones, insurance, holidays, gym memberships, household bills and wellbeing apps. Free parking at Forestry England sites and free entry to National Arboretums at Westonbirt and Bedgebury. Commitment to lifelong learning and career development through continual professional development, support for individual learning plans and sponsored membership of professional bodies.

Experience
Proven experience managing outdoor visitor facilities, infrastructure, service contracts, activities and events. Experience leading and motivating teams of staff and volunteers. Demonstrated ability to manage budgets and identify opportunities for operational efficiencies and income generation.

About you
A passionate and enthusiastic leader who enjoys working outdoors and engaging with communities. Strong strategic and operational management skills with a commitment to delivering high-quality visitor experiences. Ability to travel regularly across Kent and East Sussex to meet operational needs. Committed to safeguarding and enhancing natural environments for current and future generations.

Qualifications
Relevant qualifications or equivalent experience in forestry, environmental management, visitor services or related fields are desirable. Commitment to ongoing professional development and learning. Ability to communicate effectively in accurate spoken English as required by the role.