Location
Santon Downham, IP27 0TJ with an option of hybrid working. This role requires travel to other sites and overnight stays.

Hours
37 hours per week

Salary
£40,388 to £43,482 per annum

About the Role
Join Forestry England, a passionate team dedicated to growing the nation’s forests for everyone. As Operations Manager - Harvesting, you will lead the Harvesting and Marketing function to deliver safe, sustainable, and commercially successful timber harvesting, marketing, and supply operations across the East Forest District. You will provide strategic leadership for harvesting programmes, timber sales, contractor performance, and stakeholder engagement while contributing to the wider Forestry and Land Management team, Strategy, and Business Plan. This role offers the opportunity to make a positive difference for the environment and local communities by adapting landscapes for tomorrow and creating amazing places and experiences today.

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 each year of service up to 30 days (pro-rated for part-time employees), plus bank holidays. The STaR employee benefits scheme offers discounts on everyday shopping, holidays, gym memberships, insurance, and wellbeing apps. Free parking at Forestry England sites and free entry to National Arboretums at Westonbirt and Bedgebury are provided. Forestry England supports lifelong learning and career development through professional development, individual learning plans, and sponsored membership of professional bodies.

Experience
Proven experience in managing harvesting and marketing operations within forestry or a related sector is essential. Experience in contractor management, timber sales, and stakeholder engagement is highly desirable.

About you
You are a strategic leader with strong decision-making skills and the ability to manage a quality service. You embrace change and improvement, deliver results at pace, and demonstrate effective leadership. You are passionate about sustainable forestry and motivated to make a positive environmental impact. Excellent communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively across teams and with external stakeholders are important.

Qualifications
Relevant qualifications in forestry, land management, or a related discipline are preferred. Membership of professional bodies and ongoing professional development will be supported.