The successful candidate will have a blended working approach between the office and home, living within the Area with regular travel required across the Area to facilitate field team support. The role can be based in Bucks Horn Oak Office GU10 4LS or Tonbridge Office TN11 9AS with some optional blended working agreement. Regular travel will be required across the Area and to attend national meetings.
Job Summary
The South East and London Area's forest and woodland cover is the highest in England, characterised by the vast majority in individual private or non-government ownership. There are significant areas of protected landscapes in which private estate forestry operates and adds value to the rural economy, coupled with some larger forests in Kent, the Chilterns and the New Forest managed by Forestry England teams for people, wildlife and timber. The Area's large geographic extent spans many of England's broadleaved woodland and tree cover types, including ancient tree and woodland natural capital. Protection and regulation of woodlands are key activities in delivering our objectives for the South East's green economy.
The government is committed under the Environment Act 2021 to significantly increasing tree cover to 16.5% in England by creating 270,000 hectares more tree cover by 2050. This means woodland creation is a delivery priority for the Area team and our partners, working with landowners and farmers. In London there are some exemplars of urban forestry practice and benefits of more trees to society. The Tree Health Resilience Strategy and Plant Biosecurity Strategy set out plans to reduce the risk of pest and disease threats, which have significantly impacted the tree landscapes in parts of the Area. Improving woodland resilience in response to climate change, bark beetle incursions from Europe, tree disease impacts on ash and larch, and deer and grey squirrel damage pressures, are all high priorities in the Area.
The Area Team, led by Peter Coles, comprises some 68 posts covering around 20 different disciplines. The Operations Manager will directly manage 5 roles, including 3 Field Managers, and lead the portion of the team which make up operational field and support roles. Woodland Officers occupy most of these as the locally based operational face of the Forestry Commission. Field teams deliver regulations and grants services in conjunction with our national Operational Delivery Team which provides transactional support to the South East and other Area teams. We also operate across Greater London boroughs where urban forestry practice and regulation is a focus. The focus for Area Team operations is at the Bucks Horn Oak and Tonbridge offices; staff also use Worthing, Bedgebury and Wendover office bases.
Job Description
The Operations Managers will act as the Areas' single point of contact on business-as-usual incentives and regulatory delivery, linking to the national Head of Operations, to consolidate and improve internal communications and operations delivery capacity. As a senior member of the Area team you will manage, support and prioritise the outcomes and deliver agreed business plan objectives. Activity will focus on the government's strategic priorities & Forestry Commission's statutory functions, and the need to play a key role in supporting organisational adaptation to change and development at the Area level. We will expect the post holders to become an expert in the theory and practice of all incentives and regulations work and to mentor, train, and support the field team on incentives and regulations, to lead on complex case work and be the main problem solver within the team in this area.
The post holders will be responsible for line managing 5 staff as well as being the Confirming Officer for the majority of the frontline field teams.
The posts report to the Area Director and as part of the senior management team will work closely with other Partnership and Expertise Managers and the Area Marketing and Communications Manager, as well as with the National Head of Operations and other FC Area Operations Managers.
*Key Work Areas:
Team
Management
and
D
evelopment:*
* Provide operations leadership, guidance and support for the Field Managers within the Area including formal line management responsibility for their own Field Managers and confirming officer support for the majority of the frontline field team.
* Support the overall work of the team to ensure the effective delivery of our vision and culture ambition and to meet our local and national Health and Safety priorities. This will include supporting appropriate blended working. Play an active role in the wider work of the team and its management, health and safety, and technical training communications. Proactively seek to support the wider work of the Forestry Commission by offering individual specialist knowledge to project working or seeking development opportunities where these can be sustained.
*Operational Delivery And Customer Service Support:*
* Lead on business-as-usual Incentives and Regulatory activity across the area including acting as the single point of contact for the Area team through effective liaison and engagement with the Head of Operations, National Operations Manager, and national incentives and regulations managers.
* Lead on Customer Services Management, managing enquiries and dealing with, all appeals, complaints and sensitive cases arising from the Area's Incentives and Regulatory activities. Providing advice and recommendations to the Area Director.
* Responsible for Incentives & Regulations Business planning and managing operational communications links with Sustainable Forest Management, Strategic Development, and Policy and Advice teams.
* Expand, Connect, Protect and Improve the Area's woodlands – Support the delivery of the Government's forestry and woodland ambitions as set out in the Business Plan through the effective use of FC resources with a specific focus on incentives and regulations.
*Integrated Working And Communications:*
* Work with Area Team colleagues to support the delivery of the Defra Environment Plan & government policies through local integrated working with partners. This will build on the established Defra group joint working as well as responding to the opportunities from the England Trees Action Plan, Local Nature Recovery Strategies, and the support from the Nature for Climate Fund and Farming and Countryside Programme.
* Lead on communicating key Incentives and Regulatory priorities and changes across the Area team, liaising closely with the other Partnership and Expertise Managers within the team. Support promotion and engagement activity across the Area working with the Area Marketing and Communications Manager, Land Use Advisers and wider Area team colleagues.
The Operations Managers will act as the Areas' single point of contact on business-as-usual incentives and regulatory delivery, linking to the national Head of Operations, to consolidate and improve internal communications and operations delivery capacity. As a senior member of the Area team you will manage, support and prioritise the outcomes and deliver agreed business plan objectives. Activity will focus on the government's strategic priorities & Forestry Commission's statutory functions, and the need to play a key role in supporting organisational adaptation to change and development at the Area level. We will expect the post holders to become an expert in the theory and practice of all incentives and regulations work and to mentor, train, and support the field team on incentives and regulations, to lead on complex case work and be the main problem solver within the team in this area.
The post holders will be responsible for line managing 5 staff as well as being the Confirming Officer for the majority of the frontline field teams.
The posts report to the Area Director and as part of the senior management team will work closely with other Partnership and Expertise Managers and the Area Marketing and Communications Manager, as well as with the National Head of Operations and other FC Area Operations Managers.
*Integrated Working And Communications:*
* Work with Area Team colleagues to support the delivery of the Defra Environment Plan & government policies through local integrated working with partners. This will build on the established Defra group joint working as well as responding to the opportunities from the England Trees Action Plan, Local Nature Recovery Strategies, and the support from the Nature for Climate Fund and Farming and Countryside Programme.
* Lead on communicating key Incentives and Regulatory priorities and changes across the Area team, liaising closely with the other Partnership and Expertise Managers within the team. Support promotion and engagement activity across the Area working with the Area Marketing and Communications Manager, Land Use Advisers and wider Area team colleagues.
Person specification
*Essential:*
* Leadership and management experience - supporting strategic direction, staff management and development, organisational change, and motivating / supporting a geographically dispersed operational team.
* Experience of stakeholder management - building strong business relationships and collaborative working to deliver mutually beneficial results.
* Proven track record of operational delivery ensuring projects and programmes are effectively managed and delivered.
* Confident interpersonal and communication skills with experience of presenting to a range of audiences, both verbally and written.
* Degree/Higher Diploma in forestry/land management/countryside management/ environment management and/or significant related experience in partnership working centred on land management / tree and forestry issues.
* Competent and effective IT user with experience of MS Office including remote working and associated communication tools (e.g., MS Teams).
*Desirable:*
* Experience of supporting integrated land/woodland management and woodland creation activity.
* Experience and knowledge of FC (or other) Incentives and Regulations work.
* Membership of a relevant professional institute (e.g., Institute of Chartered Foresters).
* Project management training and relevant qualifications.
* Evidence of having undertaken appropriate management development training and supporting CPD.
Please clearly demonstrate how the above applies to you throughout your application. Failure to do so will mean that your application is automatically sifted out.
Behaviours
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
* Delivering at Pace
* Working Together
* Making Effective Decisions
* Developing Self and Others
We only ask for evidence of these behaviours on your application form:
* Delivering at Pace
* Working Together
Alongside your salary of £47,252, Forestry Commission contributes £13,688 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.
* A Civil Service pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%.
* A range of family friendly benefits.
* An environment with flexible working options.
* Learning and development tailored to your role.
* A culture which promotes a diverse and inclusive work environment.
* A range of wellbeing benefits including discounted Civil Service Healthcare, access to an Employee Assistance Programme 24/7, Bike to Work Scheme, plus many more.
* 25 days annual leave, with 1 additional day for each years' service up to 5 years (pro rata), plus 10.5 bank holidays/privilege days (pro rata).
* Ability to buy or sell 5 days annual leave.
* 3 days volunteering per year (pro rata).
We aim to provide a great place to work, whichever location you work from. Blended working forms part of our flexible and inclusive approach to future ways of working. It is an informal arrangement which gives you the option to work some of the week from home, and some of the week from our Forestry Commission workplaces, subject to role requirements, business needs, and regular review. Informal blended working arrangements will be available as agreed with the line manager.
Selection process details
This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours, Strengths and Experience.
This is a Temporary Appointment until the 31st of March 2026 with the possibility of extension or permanency but no guarantee.
As part of the application process, you will complete the following:
* A tailored CV setting out your career history, with key responsibilities and achievements, of no more than two Please ensure you have provided reasons for any gaps within the last two years.
* A personal statement – in no more than 750 words showing how you meet the criteria of the person specification evidence and your preferred location.
* You will also be asked to provide two 250-word statements relating to the Behaviour being assessed Delivering at Pace and Working Together.
Further details around what this will entail are listed on the application form.
Should a large number of applications be received, the initial sift may be conducted using a lead behaviour. This will be Delivering at Pace. Applicants will be expected to demonstrate the essential role requirements within the application behaviour responses.
Applications will be sifted week commencing 6th October. This date is subject to change.
Interviews will be held in person on the 21st and 22nd of October at our Wendover Office. This date is subject to change. At Interview stage you will be assessed on Behaviours, Strengths and Experience.
Further information will be available for candidates invited to interview.
Further Information
A reserve list may be held for a period of 12 months from which further appointments can be made.
Any move to Forestry from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax Free Childcare; for further information visit the Childcare Choices website.
If successful and transferring from another Government Department a criminal record check may be carried out.
In order to process applications without delay, we will be sending a Criminal Record Check to Disclosure and Barring Service on your behalf.
However, we recognise in exceptional circumstances some candidates will want to send their completed forms direct. If you will be doing this, please advise Government Recruitment Service of your intention by emailing Pre- stating the job reference number in the subject heading.
New entrants are expected to join on the minimum of the pay band.
Applicants who are successful at interview will be, as part of pre-employment screening, subject to a check on the Internal Fraud Database (IFD). This check will provide information about employees who have been dismissed for fraud or dishonesty offences. This check also applies to employees who resign or otherwise leave before being dismissed for fraud or dishonesty had their employment continued. Any applicant's details held on the IFD will be refused employment.
A candidate is not eligible to apply for a role within the Civil Service if the application is made within a 5 year period following a dismissal for carrying out internal fraud against government.
We aim to provide a great place to work, whichever location you work from. Blended working forms part of our flexible and inclusive approach to future ways of working. It is an informal arrangement which gives you the option to work some of the week from home, and some of the week from our Forestry Commission workplaces, subject to role requirements, office availability, business needs, and regular review. Informal blended working arrangements will be available as agreed with the line manager.
The duties of this post require the applicant to have a full current driving licence that enables them to drive in the UK. However, the Forestry Commission is willing to consider any proposals put forward by applicants that would allow them to do the job by any other means.
Successful candidates if using their own private vehicle for business travel will need to comply with the Forestry Commission travel policy on CO2 emissions (115g maximum CO2/km from April 2022).
This role is full-time only. Applicants who wish to work an alternative pattern are welcome to apply however your preferred working pattern may not be available and you should discuss this with the vacancy holder before applying.
Where a role has been identified as one which falls under the scope of the Public Sector English Language Requirements, within Part 7 of the Immigration Act 2016, it is essential that applicants should have the ability to converse at ease with members of the public and provide advice in accurate spoken English. Applicants will be assessed in the selection process in accordance with the requirements.
Any move to Forestry Commission from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility at here.
Existing Civil Servants (excluding Forestry Commission employees) and applicants from accredited NDPBs are eligible to apply, and will only be considered on a loan basis (Civil Servants) or secondment (accredited NDPBs). Prior agreement to be released on a loan basis must be obtained before commencing the application process. In the case of Civil Servants, the terms of the loan will be agreed between the home and host department and the Civil Servant.
Existing Forestry Commission, Forestry England and Forest Research employees are eligible to apply for this Fixed Term Appointment and will only be considered if there is written confirmation from their line manager and HR that their current role will be temporarily backfilled or held open before commencing the application process.
Reasonable Adjustment
If a person with disabilities is put at a substantial disadvantage compared to a non-disabled person, we have a duty to make reasonable changes to our processes.
If you need a change to be made so that you can make your application, you should:
Contact Government Recruitment Service via as soon as possible before the closing date to discuss your needs.
Complete the 'Assistance required' section in the 'Additional requirements' page of your application form to tell us what changes or help you might need further on in the recruitment process. For instance, you may need wheelchair access at interview, or if you're deaf, a Language Service Professional.
If you are experiencing accessibility problems with any attachments on this advert, please contact the email address in the 'Contact point for applicants' section.
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours, Strengths and Experience.
Security
Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.
People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.
Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.
People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.
Nationality requirements
This Job Is Broadly Open To The Following Groups:
* UK nationals
* nationals of the Republic of Ireland
* nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
* nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window)
* nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
* individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
* Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service
Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window)
Working for the Civil Service
The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.
We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).
The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.
The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.
The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.
We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).
The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.
The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.
Diversity and Inclusion
The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window).
This vacancy is part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans (opens in a new window) initiative.
The Civil Service welcomes applications from people who have recently left prison or have an unspent conviction. Read more about prison leaver recruitment (opens in new window).
Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.
Contact point for applicants
Job Contact :
* Name : FS Recruitment
* Email :
Recruitment team
* Email :
Further information
Our recruitment process is underpinned by the principle of appointment on the basis of fair and open competition and appointment on merit, as outlined in the Civil Service Commissioners' Recruitment Principles.If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with these principles and you wish to make a complaint, you should in the first instance contact FCE by email: If you are not satisfied with the response you receive, you can contact the Civil Service Commission, which regulates all Civil Service recruitment.