Senior Forest Manager - Scottish Borders

Beach Baker Property Recruitment; Dumfries; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension scheme

Holiday entitlement

Cycle-to-work

Company vehicle

Life insurance

Job summary

Forestry Organisation in the Scottish Borders is seeking an experienced Forestry Operations Manager to lead its Dumfries-based unit, overseeing staff, projects and performance.

You will drive operational efficiency, manage finances, and maintain strong client relationships while ensuring safety, compliance, and service excellence across all operations.

Strong leadership, hands-on approach, and ability to coordinate multiple projects in varied timberland locations are essential to succeed.

Qualifications

• A minimum two-year forestry degree or equivalent qualification.
• Ideally 5 years' experience in a similar forestry or land-based management role.
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively within a team environment.
• Strong IT and digital skills, with confidence using operational and management systems.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Full responsibility for the effective management of the operating unit, including staff, contractors, and resources
• Provide clear leadership, support, and development for team members, creating a positive and engaged working environment
• Drive operational performance and contribute to the growth and long-term success of the unit
• Manage unit finances, ensuring robust cost control, accurate forecasting, and timely invoicing
• Build and maintain strong client relationships through clear communication and professional service delivery
• Ensure operational standards, safety, and company procedures are consistently met

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Communication

Adaptability

Project coordination

Education

Forestry degree or equivalent qualification

Job description

Forestry Operations Manager

Location: Scottish Borders

Overview

An established forestry organisation is seeking an experienced Forestry Operations Manager to lead its operating unit based in Dumfries. This is a key leadership role with responsibility for managing people, projects, and performance while driving operational efficiency and supporting business growth.

The successful candidate will provide strong, hands‑on leadership, ensuring that staff are supported, operations are delivered effectively, and client relationships are maintained to a high standard.

Key Responsibilities

• Full responsibility for the effective management of the operating unit, including staff, contractors, and resources


• Provide clear leadership, support, and development for team members, creating a positive and engaged working environment


• Drive operational performance and contribute to the growth and long‑term success of the unit


• Manage unit finances, ensuring robust cost control, accurate forecasting, and timely invoicing


• Build and maintain strong client relationships through clear communication and professional service delivery


• Ensure operational standards, safety, and company procedures are consistently met

Candidate Requirements

• A minimum two‑year forestry degree or equivalent qualification


• Ideally 5 years' experience in a similar forestry or land‑based management role


• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively within a team environment


• Strong IT and digital skills, with confidence using operational and management systems


• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Essential Criteria

• Ability to work outdoors in forested environments, including traversing uneven terrain and working in variable weather conditions


• Capability to manage workloads independently and meet deadlines
  
• Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel as required

The Ideal Candidate

You will be an experienced and proactive manager who embraces modern, digital approaches to forestry operations. A strong self‑starter, you will be flexible in your working approach to accommodate varied projects and locations.

Strong people skills are essential - this role requires someone who understands the pressures faced by staff and clients, and who can balance empathy with commercial and operational priorities.

Salary & Benefits

• Salary commensurate with experience and qualifications


• Salary sacrifice pension scheme


• 25 days annual leave plus 9 public holidays


• Cycle‑to‑work scheme


• Company vehicle with reasonable private‑use allowance


• Life insurance