Cheshire West & Chester Council invites applications for the crucial Trees and Woodland Operations and Strategy Manager position within the Mersey Forest Team. This role is instrumental in advancing our landowner engagement and support services across the Mersey Forest area, in alignment with our long-term strategic plan, to create well-wooded landscapes that benefit people, nature, and a thriving economy.

The Mersey Forest, established in 1991, is a growing network of woodlands and green spaces across Cheshire and Merseyside. Over the past three decades, more than 10 million trees have been planted, transforming the landscape and providing numerous environmental, economic, and social benefits. This initiative has been at the forefront of promoting biodiversity, community engagement, and enhancing the well-being of residents, embodying a long-term vision for urban and rural regeneration. The Trees and Woodland Operations and Strategy Manager will play a critical role in continuing this legacy, contributing to climate adaptation efforts, and showcasing the value of our natural environment to people, nature and the economy, whilst championing the role that we all must play in protecting the natural environment, nurturing a wood culture.

 Key responsibilities

• Oversee the development, execution and financial management of the annual Mersey Forest woodland establishment and Biodiversity Net Gain Programmes, developing and managing the delivery of a multi-year pipeline of projects
• Assist in formulating and implementing woodland management plans to uphold sustainable woodland management and conservation practices
• Provide expert advice to local authorities, landowners, and other stakeholders on woodland establishment, management, and conservation, fostering collaborative relationships
• Lead an annual multi-million-pound programme of Mersey Forest partnership planting schemes across the Mersey Forest area, ensuring compliance with the UK Forestry Standard and other regulatory guidelines. This includes leading and managing the woodland advisors, operations team and ecologist
• Work closely with the Mersey Forest Director and various stakeholders, including the Forestry Commission and Natural England, to ensure clarity on the scale of sites requiring regulatory approval

This position operates within a fully agile working framework, with a predominantly home-based working arrangement and an office base at Risley Moss, Warrington. The role of Trees and Woodland Operations and Strategy Manager presents a significant opportunity for a seasoned professional to contribute to one of the largest natural environment programmes in England, playing a leadership role at the local, regional and national levels.

Qualified candidates are encouraged to apply by submitting an extended CV and a cover letter that does not exceed two pages, please email this to our HR Team at hallie@solutionsforhr.co.uk The successful candidate will become an integral part of a dedicated team committed to environmental excellence and community engagement, continuing the legacy of The Mersey Forest Partnership. Professional membership of the Institute of Chartered Foresters or another relevant professional body is desirable but not essential.

For more information, contact mail@merseyforest.org.uk, including “Trees and Woodland Operations and Strategy Manager” in the subject line.