We are at the heart of Scotland’s response to the climate and biodiversity crises. As the Government agency responsible for forestry policy, regulation, and investment, we support woodland creation, sustainable management, and economic growth in Scotland’s forestry sector.

This is an exceptional opportunity to shape the future of forestry policy in Scotland. As Director of Policy and Practice, you will lead and influence national strategy, working closely with Scottish Ministers, the Chief Executive, senior stakeholders, and technical experts.

The role

As a key member of the Scottish Forestry Executive Team, you will provide trusted, high-level policy advice to Ministers and drive the development of policies that support Scotland’s ambitious environmental and economic objectives.

You will oversee five specialist teams (Tree Health, Forestry Sector Development, Sustainable Forest Management, Forests for People, and Economics & the Woodland Carbon Code), leading 40 skilled professionals who are at the forefront of Scotland’s forestry strategy.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Shaping national forestry policy, ensuring it supports net-zero targets, biodiversity protection, and economic development
• Representing Scotland at UK and international levels on key forestry issues
• Overseeing the implementation of Scotland’s Forestry Strategy (2019–2029) and the UK Forestry Standard
• Building strong partnerships with government, scientific advisors, industry, and stakeholders to deliver impactful policies
• Leading corporate strategy as part of the Scottish Forestry Executive Board and Strategic Advisory Group

About you

This is a senior leadership role, requiring strategic vision, political awareness, and technical expertise. You will bring:

• Proven experience in high-level policy leadership, advising senior decision-makers and working with Ministers
• Extensive knowledge of forestry, land use, or environmental policy, ideally within Scotland, the UK, or Ireland
• Strong leadership experience, managing multi-disciplinary teams and fostering an inclusive, high-performance culture
• Exceptional stakeholder management skills, with the ability to engage across sectors and influence at a national level

Desirable experience

• Extensive knowledge gained from a relevant area of policy, research or practice, for example forestry, the environment or land use, ideally within Scotland, the UK, or Ireland
• Hold a relevant Professional qualification (e.g., Chartered Forester) or a relevant undergraduate / postgraduate degree
• Experience commissioning or working with scientific research

This is an opportunity to make a lasting impact on Scotland’s forests, environment, and communities. If you are ready to take on this influential role, we’d love to hear from you.

Applications are submitted via our recruitment portal.

For full details, please review the Job Description.