Head: Timber Operations

TWK Agri; Mpumalanga; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,900,000; Full time

Job summary

TWK Agri in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga, seeks an experienced leader to head Timber Operations across forestry, processing and manufacturing, guiding strategic direction and operational performance. The role demands extensive multi-site timber experience, strong financial acumen and a focus on SHEQ compliance and stakeholder engagement.

You will drive continuous improvement, optimise timber supply, and ensure long-term value creation for the Timber Division through effective leadership and

Qualifications

• Matric/Grade 12 or equivalent.
• Relevant degree in forestry, wood science, engineering, agriculture, operations or business management.
• Postgraduate qualification advantageous.
• Minimum 10 years' forestry/timber/operational experience.
• Minimum eight years' senior operational leadership with multi-site responsibility.
• Proven multi-site management and large teams.
• Strong knowledge of SHEQ, compliance and forestry certification.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic and operational leadership across forestry, harvesting, timber processing, manufacturing.
• Develop and implement operational strategies aligned to divisional objectives.
• Drive efficiency, profitability and sustainable growth across the timber value chain.
• Oversee timber supply planning to ensure sustainable, uninterrupted supply.
• Lead integration and optimization of forestry and manufacturing operations.
• Monitor production volumes, yield, quality and asset utilisation.
• Manage budgets, CAPEX and resource allocation.
• Drive cost optimization and asset reliability; oversee maintenance.
• Ensure SHEQ, environmental, legal and certification compliance.
• Lead risk management and business continuity planning.
• Develop senior teams and foster high-performance culture.
• Engage with suppliers, customers, regulators and stakeholders.
• Drive continuous improvement and sustainability initiatives.
• Participate in strategic planning and business development for Timber Division.
• Prepare operational, financial and strategic reports for leadership.

Skills

Strategic Leadership

Operational Excellence

Timber Industry Knowledge

Budgeting & Financial Management

HSE/SHEQ Compliance

Stakeholder Engagement

ERP Systems

Multi-site Oversight

Education

Matric / Grade 12

Degree in Forestry / Wood Science / Engineering / Agriculture / Operations Management / Business Management

Postgraduate qualification advantageous

Tools

ERP systems

Job description

TWK Agri has the following vacancy available: Head: Timber Operations within the Timber division at Nelspruit, Mpumalanga.

Job Summary

This role involves providing strategic and operational leadership across TWK Agri's timber operations, including forestry, timber processing, manufacturing and associated operational activities. The incumbent will lead operational performance, profitability, timber supply optimisation, SHEQ compliance, stakeholder engagement and continuous improvement initiatives across the value chain, ensuring sustainable growth, operational excellence and long-term value creation across the timber business.

Responsibilities and Duties

• Provide strategic and operational leadership across forestry, harvesting, timber processing, manufacturing and related timber operations
• Develop and implement operational strategies aligned to divisional and organisational objectives
• Drive operational efficiency, productivity, profitability and sustainable business growth across the timber value chain
• Oversee timber supply planning to ensure sustainable and uninterrupted supply to processing operations
• Lead the integration and optimisation of forestry and manufacturing operations to maximise operational performanceMonitor and improve production volumes, timber recovery and yield, product quality, unit costs and asset utilisation across the relevant operations
• Manage operational budgets, capital expenditure programmes and resource allocation across operations
• Drive operational improvement, cost optimisation and asset reliability, including preventative maintenance planning and the reduction of unplanned downtime
• Ensure compliance with all SHEQ, environmental, legal and certification requirements
• Oversee operational risk management and business continuity planning, including mitigation of timber supply disruptions, fire risks, equipment failures and logistics interruptions
• Lead, mentor and develop senior management teams to foster a high-performance culture
• Build and maintain relationships with suppliers, customers, contractors, regulators and industry stakeholders
• Drive continuous improvement, innovation and sustainability initiatives across operations
• Participate in strategic planning and business development initiatives for the Timber Division
• Prepare and present operational, financial and strategic reports to executive leadership
• Represent the company in industry forums, professional associations and stakeholder engagements

Qualifications and Skills

• Matric / Grade 12
• Relevant Degree in Forestry, Wood Science, Engineering, Agriculture, Operations Management, Business Management, or a related field
• Postgraduate qualification in Business Management, Forestry, Engineering, Operations, or a related discipline (advantageous)
• Minimum 10 years' experience within forestry, timber manufacturing, timber processing, or related operational environments
• Minimum eight years’ experience in senior operational leadership, with demonstrated responsibility for multi-site operations, financial performance and management teams
• Proven experience managing multi-site operations and large operational teams
• Strong knowledge of forestry operations, timber supply management, manufacturing processes, and operational planning
• Demonstrated experience in financial management, budgeting, cost control, and business performance management
• Sound knowledge of SHEQ, environmental, risk, and compliance requirements applicable to forestry and manufacturing operations
• Knowledge of relevant forestry certification, timber traceability and chain-of-custody requirements applicable to the operations
• Experience in strategic planning, change management, and business improvement initiatives
• Strong commercial acumen and the ability to translate operational performance into business results
• Excellent leadership, stakeholder engagement, and relationship management skills
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, with experience using ERP systems, operational reporting and data analysis to improve business performance
• Willingness to travel extensively between operational sites

Take the next step in your career with TWK Agri, a trusted leader in agriculture and beyond.

*The company can expire job adverts at any time at their own discretion.

**TWK Agri supports the principles of Employment Equity and reserves the right to prioritise candidates in line with our Employment Equity targets.