The Confederation of Forest Industries (Confor), the UK’s representative body for the forestry and wood processing sector is seeking an experienced and strategic leader to join its senior team as Deputy Chief Executive.
The successful candidate will play a pivotal role supporting the Chief Executive in helping the industry to grow further, representing members’ commercial interests, shaping industry strategy, and further strengthening partnerships with governments, forestry agencies and the wider sector.
This is a unique opportunity to play a leading role in shaping the future of the UK forestry and timber sector, working at the interface of industry, government and policy.
Working with the Chief Executive, you will influence key issues including timber supply and use, economic development, net zero and sustainability as part of a collaborative, mission-driven organisation.
Key Responsibilities
* Support the CEO on strategic priorities, with a strong focus on delivering high-quality member services
* Contribute to delivery of Confor’s annual business plan through effective leadership of the member facing team
* Lead engagement on industry development, including collaboration with economic development agencies
* Represent member interests with government, forestry agencies and industry bodies
* Build and maintain strategic relationships across the forestry and wood processing sector
* Act as the principal contact for members engaged in wood processing
We are looking for a high-calibre leader with strong sector knowledge and the ability to operate at senior level across a complex stakeholder landscape.
Essential Experience & Skills
* Significant leadership experience (typically 8+ years), ideally within forestry, timber or related sectors and with experience operating at executive or board level
* Strong strategic thinking and decision-making capability
* Experience leading multi-disciplinary teams and delivering organisational strategy
* Excellent communication and influencing skills, with the ability to represent the organisation credibly at senior level
* Demonstrable ability to build and sustain strategic partnerships
* Proven ability to engage effectively with government, agencies and regulatorsAn understanding of the forestry and wood processing sector, ideally including markets, policy and supply chains
This is a permanent, full-time post located in Edinburgh with the option of homeworking.
A competitive salary, plus a 10% pension contribution, is available, dependant on experience.
The closing date for applications is 17:00 on Friday 29 May 2026, with interviews taking place two to three weeks afterwards.
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