Why join the Forestry Commission?

Are you passionate about forestry and its role in creating a better future for England? The Forestry Commission is looking for an Area Director to lead the Yorkshire and North East England Area team within Forest Services Delivery. This role offers the opportunity to oversee the operational delivery of grants and regulations, achieve woodland outcomes through partnership working, and be a regional leader advocating sustainable and resilient stewardship of the growing tree and woodland resources.

About the role

As the Area Director, you will lead and champion a team of passionate, committed, and expert colleagues to deliver our aims for woodland expansion, protection, and management. Your team’s work will help connect more people to the vision in the Forestry Commission’s strategy: tackling some of society’s biggest challenges with thriving trees, woods, and forests. You will also make your mark through your senior leadership contribution across the Forestry Commission, working alongside colleagues in Forestry England and Forest Research.

Key responsibilities

• Lead and inspire the Yorkshire and North East England Area team to be part of an outstanding organisation
• Oversee the operational delivery of grants and regulations, ensuring the full range of expertise in the Area team delivers effectively
• Promote our flagship England Woodland Creation Offer and other funding opportunities to drive woodland establishment and management
• Direct and influence Area partnerships and strategic relationships, including with Defra group partners, major landowners and forestry businesses
• Manage and develop the activity of the Yorkshire and the Humber and North East Forestry and Woodlands Advisory Committees
• Contribute to the wider work of the Forestry Commission and its key national projects

Person specification

Essential:

• A professional qualification, or extensive relevant experience, in forestry, land-based enterprise, or environmental management
• Proven track record in team management and delivering successful business plan and leadership outcomes
• Relevant experience for planning, communication, and delivery of forestry and woodland priorities at a regional level
• Experience in leading business improvement changes while maintaining delivery performance
• Excellent leadership, interpersonal, and presentational skills
• Proven track record in building credible external stakeholder relationships
• Business management experience, including budgetary, forecasting, and analytical skills

Desirable:

• Forestry qualification with membership of the Institute of Chartered Foresters
• Commitment to continuing professional development
• Incident management and control experience

Why Work with Us?

Our staff engagement levels are consistently well above average, and staff turnover is well below the Civil Service average. We value our people, look after them, and will look after you. If you are passionate about forestry and want to play a key part in leading and realising our ambitions for the Yorkshire and the Humber and North East England regions, we want to hear from you. Join us for the challenge and make a difference!