Timber Operations Leader: Strategy & Efficiency

Topjobseeker.Com; Mbombela (Nelspruit); On-site; ZAR 1,800,000 - 2,600,000; Full time

Job summary

TWK Agri in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga, invites applications for Head: Timber Operations. The role leads forestry, processing and manufacturing, driving efficiency, profitability and sustainable growth across the timber value chain. Requires extensive multi-site leadership, strategic planning, budgeting, and stakeholder engagement, with strong SHEQ and compliance knowledge.

Travel between sites is expected. The role reports to executive leadership and demands a high-performance culture, technical

Qualifications

• Matric/Grade 12 is required.
• Relevant degree in forestry, wood science, engineering, agriculture, or related field.
• Postgraduate qualification is advantageous.
• Minimum 10 years’ experience in forestry, timber ops or related environments.
• Minimum 8 years in senior operational leadership with multi-site responsibility.
• Strong knowledge of forestry operations and timber supply management.
• Proven financial management, budgeting and cost control.
• SHEQ, environmental and compliance knowledge.
• Travel between sites as required.

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 for uninterrupted processing.
• Lead integration of forestry and manufacturing to maximise performance.
• Monitor production volumes, yield, product quality and asset utilisation.
• Manage budgets, capex and resource allocation across operations.
• Drive cost optimisation and asset reliability, including maintenance planning.
• Ensure SHEQ, environmental and regulatory compliance.
• Lead and develop senior management teams; foster high-performance culture.
• Build relationships with suppliers, customers, regulators and stakeholders.
• Participate in strategic planning and reporting to executives.

Skills

Forestry operations

Timber supply management

Manufacturing processes

Operational leadership

Budgeting & finance

SHEQ & compliance

ERP systems

Data analysis

Stakeholder management

Travel readiness

Education

Matric / Grade 12

Relevant Degree in Forestry, Wood Science, Engineering, Agriculture, Operations Management, Business Management, or related field

Postgraduate qualification in Business Management, Forestry, Engineering, Operations, or related discipline (advantageous)

Tools

ERP systems

Job description

TWK Agri in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga, invites applications for Head: Timber Operations. The role leads forestry, processing and manufacturing, driving efficiency, profitability and sustainable growth across the timber value chain. Requires extensive multi-site leadership, strategic planning, budgeting, and stakeholder engagement, with strong SHEQ and compliance knowledge.

Travel between sites is expected. The role reports to executive leadership and demands a high-performance culture, technical