Strategic Lead: Deer & Woodland Management

Smartsearch Recruitment Ltd; Wrexham; Remote; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC) is seeking a Head of Deer and Woodland Management to drive its UK strategy for sustainable deer and mammal management across the countryside.

You will lead strategic policy, partnerships with land managers and government, and oversee deer management programmes, with a focus on evidence-based practice and high professional standards to support land restoration and nature recovery across the UK.

Qualifications

• Experience and strong understanding of sustainable deer management and its relationship with woodland management, biodiversity, nature recovery and land management.
• Experience and understanding of deer management policy, legislation, regulation and the wider political and stakeholder environment.
• Experience and understanding of the principles of deer population management, habitat impacts, management planning, monitoring and data collection.
• Experience or transferable skills in developing and implementing strategy.
• Experience or transferable skills in translating strategic objectives into practical programmes of work and measurable outcomes.
• Experience of managing budgets, resources and competing priorities.
• Experience of leading or coordinating multi-disciplinary teams and working effectively across organisational boundaries.
• Experience or transferable skills that demonstrate an ability to influence policy, regulation or decision‑making in a contested or politically sensitive environment.
• Experience of building effective relationships with government, statutory agencies, NGOs, land managers and other external stakeholders.
• Experience of using evidence to develop policy, strategy

Responsibilities

• Lead BASC's strategic approach to deer management and align with wider objectives.
• Define and promote sustainable deer management through evidence, data, monitoring and best practices.
• Develop practical capability and high standards in deer management via guidance and training.
• Lead policy and advocacy on deer management, influencing government and regulators.
• Build strategic partnerships with land managers, government and researchers.
• Support members with authoritative information, advice and opportunities.
• Coordinate deer-related schemes and oversee head-measuring and other schemes.
• Work with partners to strengthen the role of venison within deer management.
• Ensure delivery of the deer strategy through priorities, plans and resources.

Skills

Deer management

Strategic leadership

Policy influence

Stakeholder engagement

Budget management

Cross-functional collaboration

Land management

Job description

The British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC) is seeking a Head of Deer and Woodland Management to drive its UK strategy for sustainable deer and mammal management across the countryside.

You will lead strategic policy, partnerships with land managers and government, and oversee deer management programmes, with a focus on evidence-based practice and high professional standards to support land restoration and nature recovery across the UK.