Senior Woodland Manager

Background

Red Rock Forestry Ltd has been managing woodlands since 1997, working both in the private sector and also providing consultancy services to the Forestry Commission.

Woods4sale Ltd has been providing a marketing service, specialising in small woodlands, for over 20 years. The business emerged from our forestry management company as a service we offered to our management clients. Since then it has grown into a standalone national business.

We are a small family owned business with a core team of foresters and office staff based in Chester but cover the whole of the UK. We pride ourselves on our high quality of work, commitment to being one of the leading woodland sales agents with a long track record of superb customer service.

Job Description

Our main office is in Chester, it is expected that the manager will work from the office on at least 2 days a week, the remaining 3 days are remote working or site working. The operational area will be throughout England and Wales, but more frequently in Wales, the West Country, Eastern and Northern England. This role will involve a significant amount of travelling.

We are actively involved in woodland sales and acquisitions and the Manager will play a lead role in woodland valuations. Within our owned woodlands we frequently carry out the full range of forest management activities, including harvesting, establishment and roading. The Manager will be expected to plan and contract manage these activities as well as take a leadership role as a senior manager within the team and provide a supportive role to colleagues.

Woodland sales will make up a significant part of the Managers workload. Preparation of sales particulars is a fundamental role and this involves GPS surveying, GIS mapping, writing particulars and photography as well as client management.

The new manager is expected to manage their own portfolio of clients and sales with minimal direction but with the support of the office team. It is also expected as a senior manager to be available to support and help other colleagues as and when necessary in whatever capacity that is required.

There is a strong portfolio of work waiting for the new manager to take responsibility for but it is also expected that they seek out new opportunities for forest management and sales as part of their role within the businesses. 

Key Responsibilities:

• Liaise with clients for whom we are providing an agency sales service
• Assess woodlands for acquisition and sales
• Woodland valuations
• Write acquisition reports
• Survey properties using GPS devices
• Create digital maps on GIS software
• Write sales particulars
• Manage the sales process through to its legal conclusion
• Plan and supervise forest management operations
• Supervise woodland maintenance subcontractors
• Support colleagues with large projects and operations where required
• Monitor the legal conveyancing process, providing support to vendors, purchasers and solicitors
• Monitor the woodland market and price trends
• Take a lead role in developing the woodland sales business 

Personal Specification 

Qualifications

A forestry, woodland management or rural resource degree (or similar) is a necessity. 

Skills and Competencies

• Good communication skills and excellent written English are essential to the position.
• Good IT skills and competency in Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook.
• Experience in GIS mapping and GPS survey techniques.
• A thorough understanding of the rural environment.
• The ability to manage site health and safety.
• Experience of woodland skills and management operations.
• Sales background beneficial 

Personal Qualities

• Drive, tenacity and self-sufficiency to operate in a semi-autonomous role
• A high energy level and enthusiasm
• Ability to work well in a team of professionals
• Commercial intelligence with strong numeric skills
• An enthusiasm for the countryside and forestry 

To Apply

To apply for this role, please send your CV and covering letter to Lisa Knowles at lisa@redrockforestry.co.uk 

Closing date is Friday 19^th July, with interviews expected to take place within the two weeks following.

Location:                            40% Office based, 60% remote 

Remuneration:                £45-55K dependent on experience, plus bonus 

Pension:                            The Manager will be eligible to join our company pension scheme 

Car:                                     A company car will be provided, or a car allowance should the Manager prefer to provide their own vehicle 

Holidays:                           20 Days Annual Holiday plus Bank Holidays 

Working hours:                40 hours per week, Monday to Friday, but more if required by the job.