Location
Central London, covering the East District which spans from Norfolk down to the Kent and Sussex coast. The role includes oversight of three main Visitor Centres: Bedgebury, the Chilterns, and near Thetford.

Hours
Full Time - 37 hours per week

Salary
£48,765 - £52,557 per annum

About the Role
Join Forestry England, a passionate team dedicated to growing the nation’s forests for everyone. As Head of Recreation and Public Affairs, you will lead the development and enhancement of visitor experiences across the East District. You will be responsible for creating amazing places and experiences, supporting vital work to improve public engagement with forests, and ensuring the delivery of high-quality recreation services. This role plays a key part in adapting landscapes for the future, supporting wildlife habitats, cleaner air, and sustainable timber production. You will work closely with a team of foresters, professionals, and experts committed to making a positive difference for people and the environment.

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 STaR, our employee benefits scheme, offers discounts on supermarket shopping, hotels, clothes, electronics, insurance, holidays, gym memberships, and wellbeing apps. Free parking at Forestry England sites and free entry to National Arboretums at Westonbirt and Bedgebury are included. We are committed to lifelong learning and career development, supporting continual professional development, individual learning plans, and sponsored membership of professional bodies.

Experience
Proven leadership experience in recreation, public affairs, or a related field is essential. Experience managing multi-site operations and delivering high-quality visitor services is highly desirable.

About you
You are a motivated and passionate leader with excellent communication and influencing skills. You thrive in a dynamic environment and are committed to delivering at pace while managing quality services. You demonstrate strong behaviours in leadership, changing and improving, managing a quality service, delivering at pace, and communication and influencing.

Qualifications
Relevant professional qualifications or equivalent experience in forestry, recreation management, public affairs, or a related discipline are preferred. Commitment to continual professional development is expected.