Senior Forest Planner & Certification Manager
4 days ago
Scotland
Senior Forest Planner & Certification Manager Forestry Support – Environment & Planning Division Are you a forestry professional looking to take the next step in your career with a role that offers real influence, autonomy, and variety? We’re partnering with a leading forestry business to recruit a Senior Forest Planner & Certification Manager — a unique dual position combining operational forest planning with the management of nationally recognised certification schemes. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who is technically strong, environmentally driven, and passionate about raising standards across the sector. The Opportunity In this role, you’ll sit within the company’s Certification, Environment & Planning Team, acting as a key figure in both forest planning and compliance management. It’s a position with broad scope: from writing Long Term Forest Plans to leading UKWAS internal audits and supporting environmental improvements across the organisation. You’ll be the go‑to specialist for Forest Management and Chain of Custody certification, while also contributing to woodland creation applications, felling licences, GIS mapping, and wider operational planning. Key Responsibilities Forest Planning You will: • Prepare detailed Long Term Forest Plans and management plans, including FSC documentation., • Submit felling/thinning licences, new woodland creation applications, and grant scheme submissions., • Produce mapping, reports, compartment data, and management information using tools including GIS and portable mapping units., • Carry out forestry inspections, environmental surveys, and support operational planning., • Administer the company’s Group Certification Scheme, including admission assessments and internal audits., • Lead the internal audit programme to ensure UKWAS compliance., • Oversee the company’s Chain of Custody certification, including internal audits relating to plant passporting, plant health, UKTR/EUDR, and timber legality., • Contribute to high environmental standards within the organisation — from habitat surveys to GIS wildlife data management., • Uphold strong health and safety practices, identifying and resolving non‑conformances where necessary., • Ensure operations are compliant with internal management systems and statutory requirements. What We’re Looking For Essential • A degree or equivalent qualification in Forestry., • Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work independently., • Experience in Forest Management or Timber Harvesting., • GIS competency., • This role suits someone who is organised, confident in managing technical processes, and comfortable collaborating closely with teams including Forest Managers, Compliance, Regional Managers, and the Head of Certification, Environment & Planning. Why Apply? • A rare dual role offering both operational forestry and certification leadership., • The chance to make a genuine impact on environmental standards and corporate compliance., • Varied, meaningful work with opportunities to influence processes and mentor staff., • A collaborative, supportive team that values innovation and continuous improvement.