Regional Manager, Forestry Commission Scotland (Moray)

Are you a motivating and inspiring leader? Can you enable and empower people to reach their full potential? Have you got what it takes to lead and develop a regional team in Scotland?

Forest Enterprise Scotland (FES) has recently undergone an organisational re-design programme and are moving towards a regional structure across Scotland for both Land Management and Community & Visitor Services. We are looking for leaders who are innovative, creative, and adaptable to change and who are reflective of the diverse communities across Scotland that we serve. We are an organisation that delivers on the ground, and we want to maintain a close connection between local teams, local forests and local stakeholders. Therefore, we want to hear from aspiring or current leaders who are up to the challenge of shaping the future of forestry in Scotland.

Background Information

Forest Enterprise Scotland is an agency of the Forestry Commission and is responsible for managing the National Forest Estate on behalf of the Scottish Ministers. The devolution of forestry will result in Forest Enterprise Scotland transitioning into Forestry and Land Scotland, a new executive agency of the Scottish Government, in 2019.

There are five Regions in the new Land Management structure and two of the Regional Manager positions are vacant. Each of these posts will report to the Head of Land Management. Each post holder will line manage two Planning Managers, a Delivery Manager, a Visitor Services Manager, a Business Manager (finance, fleet and buildings) and an Area Land Agent.

As each region of Scotland is unique, so too are the programmes that the Regional Manager will be responsible for overseeing and sustaining. They will include reviewing and developing Land Management plans across the region in a collaborative and progressive way; overseeing our woodland creation, harvesting and restocking programmes; ensuring effective deer management and delivery of environmental and recreation programmes; working with key partners and local communities.

There will be five regional areas:

Region 1 – North Highland & Inverness, Ross and Skye

Region 2 – Moray and Aberdeenshire & Tay

Region 3 – Lochaber & West Argyll

Region 4 – Cowal and Trossachs & Scottish Lowlands

Region 5 – Dumfries and Borders & Galloway

Travel across and outside of the Region will be required, however the work location of each role will be flexible and can be discussed during the application process and agreed prior to appointment with the Head of Land Management. We’re also happy to ‘Talk Flexible’ and will consider applications from candidates who wish to apply for part-time or flexible working arrangements.

Purpose of the Job

To lead, develop and empower the regional team to effectively manage the National Forest Estate with their region, through sustainable delivery of national programmes, to achieve objectives set out by Forest Enterprise Scotland (FES) and Scottish Government (SG). The Regional Manager will enable integration of all activities on the National Forest Estate within the region, working collaboratively with Estates Development and Community & Visitor Services teams, as well as other national team leads. The post holder will also have responsibility for effectively managing the regional budget. He or she will represent their region on the Operational Board for the Agency as well as a wider corporate role and build, manage and maintain effective relations with key stakeholders. The Regional Manager will also be responsible for setting appropriate standards in leadership, development and health & safety of all staff.

Key Work Areas

Leading, managing and developing the regional team in an open and inclusive way in order to inspire and motivate staff to deliver strategic results. Enable collaboration across functions such as Land Management, Visitor Services and Estate Development.

Operations Board – be an effective member of this new Board, supporting the management and continued development of the new Forestry and Land Scotland agency. Effectively translate and deliver Scottish Government and FES policy and strategy in a regional context.

Lead on the development and co-ordination of the region’s Business Plan, exploring innovative and cost-effective approaches.

Programme delivery and Financial management – as the regional budget holder, be accountable for delivery of agreed programmes, ensuring that budgets and programmes are controlled and monitored and are compliant with legislation and agreed procedures.

Promote a ‘Safety First’ culture, delivering enhanced safety and environmental standards. Be accountable for the health, safety and wellbeing of regional staff, leading by example and motivating others to ensure that standards are maintained, often in challenging environments.

Representation and customer care– ensuring that customer’s needs are met by adopting a proactive approach to all relevant stakeholders through regular contract reviews, monitoring of handling of complaints and regular contact with key neighbours (many of whom have regional or national influence) and local politicians (MPs, MSPs and Councillors).

Lead FES contact for key regional stakeholders, such as Local Authorities (Heads of Departments), SNH and SEPA Regional Managers. Develop strong partnerships with community bodies or NGOs to add value for FES and SG.

Project work – contributing to, or leading, national projects as required e.g. Senior Responsible Officer for Vacant and Derelict Land Regeneration Project, Chair National Health Safety and Wellbeing Committee, lead strategic review of contract management.

The Regional Manager role is an exciting opportunity and we are looking for candidates who, with the support of bespoke training and coaching, have the potential to develop their skills and experience.

For more information and to apply, click here