Assistant Operations Manager

The Assistant Operations Manager will support the Forestart senior management team and Operations Manager in the sourcing, picking and processing of tree seed crops within the UK and Ireland. This is a new role created by expansion.
ABOUT US
As the leading UK supplier of tree and shrub seed, Forestart provides tested seed to forestry and amenity growers across the UK, Europe and the world. We supply the seed to grow the trees of tomorrow, specialising in collecting native and forestry species from sites throughout the UK and Ireland and breaking inherent seed dormancy.
JOB SPECIFICATION
Key responsibilities:
- Assist the Operations Manager and wider Forestart team under the direction of the senior management team
- Plan and action the collection of reproductive material, which includes:
o Identifying sites for collection
o Liaising with landowners to arrange permission to collect material, recording information ready for royalty payments
o Organising for the collections to take place
o Arranging resources for collection teams – including accommodation, kit and vehicles
o Supervising and taking part in collections
- Supervise and personally undertake seed processing and warehouse operations
- Supervise work in our orchards (may include collections of reproductive material, orchard maintenance, tree planting)
- Manage and direct collection and processing teams when required, including providing holiday/sickness cover for the Operations Manager
Other responsibilities:
- Embracing training and support from existing staff to ensure you gain all the skills and knowledge required to develop expertise and excel in the role
- Ensuring compliance with all health and safety requirements
- Conducting relevant risk assessments
- Operating and understanding maintenance for basic machinery
- Undertaking internal and external training courses, which may include the use of various machinery, fork lift truck driving, mobile elevated work platform use etc.
- Training new employees
- Liaising with other team members to obtain and communicate information effectively
- Occasional additional hours outside of your normal working day, including evenings and weekends as necessary
- Travel away from the main site including overnight stays. At certain times you may be working in a different location from week to week
PERSON SPECIFICATION
About you:
- You have a willingness and ability to travel within Europe, including overnight trips away
- You communicate proactively with your colleagues in the workplace to be a team player, enabling you to direct a team effectively
- You are organised and able to work on your own initiative, managing your own time effectively to run small projects
- You are able to maintain focus and awareness of multiple ongoing processes at the same time
- You have excellent numeracy and literacy skills and are confident using computer systems including email, Microsoft Office and database/stock management systems (training on our custom system will be given)
- You enjoy working with people from a wide range of backgrounds and cultures
- You can react appropriately to hazards in the workplace to ensure your personal safety and that of other people
- You are practically-minded, able to develop the skills to understand basic machinery operation and maintenance
- You have good general communication and negotiation skills, with a professional manner and the ability to build relationships with both internal and external stakeholders
- You have a flexible and positive attitude, in alignment with our work culture
- You have a passion for the outdoors and the environment
- You are capable of developing the decision-making skills needed for novel situations
Experience and qualifications required:
- Degree level qualification or relevant work experience
- You have some experience either directing, supervising or working proactively within a team
- You hold a full driving licence and are comfortable driving larger vehicles such as pickups, vans and flatbed trucks
- You have some experience of tree species identification, or an interest and are willing to learn
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
What we offer:
- 25 days holiday + bank holidays
- Training and development
- Continued Professional Development (CPD) encouraged including involvement in industry visit days
- Company pool vehicle provided for all business travel
- Accommodation and meal allowance provided for overnight stays
- Travel around the UK and Ireland with opportunities to travel in Europe
- Opportunity for progression for the right person
FOR FULL INFORMATION AND HOW TO APPLY, PLEASE VISIT OUR WEBSITE by following the 'Apply for this job' link
*Informal discussions about the role are welcomed. Please contact Sam Firkins or Emma Goddard on 01939 210638*
This role is not eligible for sponsorship.
In line with the requirements of the Asylum and Immigration Act 1996, all applicants must be eligible to live and work in the UK. As part of the recruitment process, you will be asked to provide documented evidence of eligibility. Forestart Ltd is an equal opportunities employer.