Timber Operations Leader — Strategy, Supply & Excellence

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 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