Senior Forest Planner & Certification Manager

Senior Forest Planner & Certification Manager

Forestry Support - Environment & Planning Division
Permanent |

Location:

TBC

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.

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.

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.
• Manage work programmes and budgets, while helping mentor colleagues.

• Administer the company's Group Certification Scheme
  , including admission assessments and internal audits.
• Lead the internal audit programme to ensure UKWAS compliance
  .
• Support and supervise external certification audits and manage corrective actions.

• Oversee the company's Chain of Custody certification
  , including internal audits relating to plant pas sporting, plant health, UKTR/EUDR, and timber legality.
• Maintain outsourcing agreements with contractors and ensure adherence to IMS procedures.

• Contribute to high environmental standards within the organisation - from habitat surveys to GIS wildlife data management.
• Support updates to environmental documentation, Toolbox Talks, and best‑practice training.

• Uphold strong health and safety practices, identifying and resolving non‑conformances where necessary.
• Ensure operations are compliant with internal management systems and statutory requirements.

• A degree or equivalent qualification in Forestry
  .
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work independently.
• Good working knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel
  .

• 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.

• 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.