Forestry Operations Manager

Placements24; Mtubatuba Local Municipality; Sur place; ZAR 900 000 - 1 600 000; Plein temps

Avantages offerts par ce poste

Competitive salary

Bonuses

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Company vehicle

Fuel allowance

Professional development

Accommodation assistance

Résumé du poste

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Forestry Operations Manager to oversee operations in and around Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal. You will lead silviculture, harvesting, and reforestation efforts while ensuring safety, regulatory compliance, and budget discipline.

You will manage a diverse team of foresters and field staff, monitor forest health and biodiversity, and align resource use with sustainability goals. This role drives operational excellence in a challenging, rewarding environment.

Qualifications

• Degree in Forestry, Forest Management, or related field from a recognized university.
• Minimum 7 years progressive forest management experience, with at least 3 years in supervision.
• Comprehensive knowledge of sustainable forestry principles, silviculture, inventory, and harvesting techniques.
• Experience with environmental regulations, land use planning and conservation practices in forestry.
• Proven ability to manage budgets, P&L, and operational resources effectively.
• Strong leadership, team management, and communication skills.
• Proficiency in forestry software and GIS applications.
• Experience with forest certification schemes (e.g., FSC, PEFC) desirable.
• Understanding of KwaZulu-Natal forestry industry dynamics and capacity to work in remote locations.

Responsabilités

• Develop and implement annual and long-term forest management plans for silviculture, harvesting, and reforestation.
• Oversee all field operations, ensuring efficiency, safety, and regulatory compliance.
• Manage budgets for forest operations, including resource allocation and financial reporting.
• Supervise and lead foresters, supervisors, and field staff with performance management.
• Monitor forest health, biodiversity and environmental impact, implementing mitigation strategies.
• Ensure compliance with forestry laws, permits and certification standards (FSC/PEFC).
• Manage relationships with contractors, suppliers and stakeholders including government agencies and communities.
• Implement harvesting plans, ensuring sustainable yield and efficient timber extraction.
• Oversee maintenance and utilization of forestry equipment and machinery.
• Contribute to strategic planning for forest resource utilization and conservation.

Connaissances

Leadership

Budgeting

Strategic planning

Communication

GIS

Forestry software

Formation

Degree in Forestry, Forest Management, or a related field

Outils

GIS applications

Description du poste

About the Role

Our client, a significant player in the forestry and timber industry, is seeking an experienced Forestry Operations Manager to oversee their operations in and around Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal . This leadership role involves managing all aspects of sustainable forest management, including planting, harvesting, resource allocation, and environmental compliance. The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership skills, a deep understanding of forestry science, and a proven ability to manage large-scale operations efficiently and safely. You will be responsible for developing operational plans, managing budgets, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards, and fostering positive relationships with local communities and stakeholders. This position is critical to ensuring the long-term health and productivity of the company's forest assets. We are looking for a motivated and results-oriented professional who can lead a team, implement best practices, and drive operational excellence in a challenging yet rewarding environment. Your expertise will be vital in maintaining the ecological integrity of the forests while meeting commercial objectives and contributing to the regional economy through responsible resource management.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement annual and long-term operational plans for forest management, including silviculture, harvesting, and reforestation.
• Oversee all field operations, ensuring efficiency, safety, and compliance with environmental regulations and company policies.
• Manage budgets for forest operations, including resource allocation, cost control, and financial reporting.
• Supervise and lead a team of foresters, supervisors, and field staff, providing guidance and performance management.
• Monitor forest health, biodiversity, and environmental impact, implementing mitigation strategies as needed.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant forestry laws, permits, and certification standards (e.g., FSC).
• Manage relationships with contractors, suppliers, and external stakeholders, including government agencies and local communities.
• Implement and monitor harvesting plans, ensuring sustainable yield and efficient timber extraction.
• Oversee the maintenance and utilization of forestry equipment and machinery.
• Contribute to strategic planning for forest resource utilization and conservation.

Requirements

• Degree in Forestry, Forest Management, or a related field from a recognized university.
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in forest management and operations, with at least 3 years in a supervisory or management role.
• Comprehensive knowledge of sustainable forestry principles, silviculture, forest inventory, and harvesting techniques.
• Experience with environmental regulations, land use planning, and conservation practices in forestry.
• Proven ability to manage budgets, P&L, and operational resources effectively.
• Strong leadership, team management, and communication skills.
• Proficiency in forestry software and GIS applications.
• Experience working with relevant forest certification schemes (e.g., FSC, PEFC) is highly desirable.
• Understanding of the forestry industry dynamics in KwaZulu-Natal .
• Valid driver's license and ability to work in remote field locations.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package based on experience and qualifications.
• Performance-based incentives and bonuses.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund.
• Company vehicle and fuel allowance.
• Opportunities for professional development and advancement within the company.
• Significant role in sustainable resource management and conservation efforts.
• Accommodation assistance may be available for relocation.