Location
Bellingham, Northumberland with regular travel throughout the North District and occasional travel nationally.

Hours
Full Time

Salary
£73,970 to £81,434 plus attractive benefits

About the Role
This is a unique opportunity to lead an iconic part of the Forestry England estate in the North of England. Forestry England cares for more land and trees than any other organisation in England, managing everything from small woodlands on the fringes of towns and cities to vast areas such as the ancient New Forest. The North England Forest District is the largest in England, covering 61,000 hectares of forest and 25,000 hectares of open land across Cumbria, County Durham, Gateshead, Lancashire and Northumberland. Annual timber production is nationally important, exceeding 550,000m3, with a current planting programme of over three million trees per annum. The District includes some of England’s most remote and beautiful landscapes, contributing significantly to the regional economy as well as health and wellbeing agendas across the north of England. It encompasses 45 Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) and plays a major role in nationally significant biodiversity projects. The estate also includes an extensive built and agricultural non-woodland estate.

The North England Director is responsible for implementing Forestry England’s strategy across the District, preparing long-term management plans, business plans, and capital investment programmes. The role covers all aspects of programme delivery including forest planning, timber production and regeneration, wildlife and environmental land management, recreation, and commercial visitor services. Leading a team of approximately 140 dedicated and professional staff, the post-holder will build productive strategic relationships with a wide variety of stakeholders and think creatively and innovatively to explore new opportunities and partnerships. The aim is to increase the commercial and natural capital value of the estate and improve its financial sustainability.

This is an exciting opportunity to make a real difference to one of England’s most valuable natural resources, delivering economic, health, wellbeing, and environmental benefits to the nation.

Experience
Proven track record of senior leadership within the land-based sector or related fields. Demonstrable ability to lead and inspire large teams and deliver strategic objectives. Experience in managing complex programmes involving forest planning, timber production, environmental land management, and commercial services is highly desirable.

About you
Motivational and enthusiastic leader with strong commercial acumen. Able to develop strategy and translate it into deliverable objectives. Skilled in building and maintaining productive relationships with a wide range of stakeholders. High levels of political sensitivity and understanding are essential. Confident and credible communicator committed to improving outcomes within the District and beyond.

Qualifications
Relevant qualifications in forestry, land management, business, or related disciplines are advantageous but not explicitly stated. The emphasis is on skills, experience, and leadership capability.