Assistant Forest Managers and Forest Managers (Full time)

English Woodlands Forestry Ltd; City Of London; Hybrid; GBP 28,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A forestry management company in the South East is seeking Assistant Forest Managers and Forest Managers to oversee woodland management and play a key role in the team. The Assistant role welcomes all applicants, providing growth potential towards managerial responsibilities. Strong communication skills and a UK driving license are essential. Excellent benefits include a company pension and funded training.

Benefits

Company pension

25 days’ holiday plus bank holidays

Profit-related bonus after one year

Company uniform and boot allowance

Funded training and professional fees

Qualifications

• Knowledge of UK Forestry Standard required.
• Experience in contract management and timber sales preferred.
• Strong budgeting and financial management skills.

Responsibilities

• Oversee woodland management for allocated estates.
• Prepare budgets and financial statements.
• Conduct silvicultural assessments and reporting.
• Engage stakeholders and maintain accurate records.

Skills

Practical/commercial forestry operations experience

Knowledge of lowland silviculture and the UK Forestry Standard

Budgeting and financial management capability

Proven client communication skills

GIS proficiency (ArcGIS preferable)

Understanding of forestry grants, regulations and industry standards

Full UK driving licence

Education

Relevant academic qualifications (e.g., forestry or land management)

Job description

We are recruiting Assistant Forest Managers and Forest Managers to deliver high-quality woodland management across the South East and to play an integral role in our small, professional team. We welcome all eligible applicants and invest in staff development. Prior forestry experience is not required for the Assistant role.

Salary

• Assistant Forest Manager: £28,000 - £35,000 (commensurate with experience)
• Forest Manager: £35,000 - £45,000 + company car (commensurate with experience)

Location & Working Pattern

Based in and around West Sussex/Surrey/North Hampshire, with travel across the South East. Roles are primarily home and site based, with some team meetings at our Petworth (West Sussex) office.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee or support woodland management and creation for allocated estates and projects.
• Prepare budgets, quotations, invoices and financial statements.
• Undertake silvicultural assessments, surveys and reporting.
• Set up and supervise operations, including timber harvesting, marketing and contract management.
• Meet all grant obligations and deadlines; prepare felling licences, grant applications, management plans and GIS maps; submit claims on time.
• Maintain proactive client liaison through meetings and regular updates.
• Engage stakeholders, including statutory consultees, as required.
• Keep accurate records (licences, plans, budgets, RAMS, H&S, EPS surveys).
• Maintain internal administrative and financial records; be accountable for time, margins, debtors and cashflow.
• Contribute to team development (training needs, knowledge exchange, business improvement).
• Build and maintain a reliable contractor network.
• Represent the company at industry events and in media where appropriate.

(Assistant Forest Manager will focus on supporting delivery and developing toward Forest Manager responsibilities over time.)

Core Skills

• Practical/commercial forestry operations experience, including contract management and timber sales.
• Knowledge of lowland silviculture and the UK Forestry Standard.
• Budgeting and financial management capability.
• Proven client communication skills.
• GIS proficiency (ArcGIS preferable).
• Understanding of forestry grants, regulations and industry standards.
• Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel.
• Relevant academic qualifications (e.g., forestry or land management) desirable.

Benefits

• Company pension
• 25 days’ holiday (plus bank holidays)
• Profit-related bonus (after one year)
• Company uniform and boot allowance
• Funded training and professional fees

How to Apply

Send your CV and a one-page covering statement outlining your suitability and motivation to Laura Henderson: [e-mail]. For further information, please contact Laura via the same email.

Note

These positions have no fixed closing date and are expected to remain advertised until Christmas 2025 or until filled. Once recruitment is complete, the advertisements will be removed. Please apply at your earliest convenience.