Head Of Forestry Operations

Longleat is seeking an experienced and data driven Head of Forestry Operations to join our team and help us continue our tradition of hiring engaged and productive employees.
Longleat Estate spans 3,600 hectares of diverse landscapes, including woodland, parkland, and agricultural fields. Our forestry department, with over four decades of experience, leads the way in continuous cover forestry in the UK. We proudly process and retail more than 2000 tonnes of sustainable wood annually through our firewood shop.
Reporting to the Estate Director, you'll lead the Forestry Business, overseeing woodland management, arboriculture, and firewood production, leading a team to meet targets safely and efficiently. You'll ensure compliance with health and safety regulations, drive profitability in the firewood business, and strategize departmental development.
You will have responsibility for all forestry activities across the estate, balancing commercial interests with habitat creation and conservation.
Key duties will include:
Manage and coordinate all aspects of the production process ensuring optimal efficiency and productivity.
Develop and implement production plans and schedules to meet customer demands and achieve production targets.
Manages all customer communication, sales, inventory, retail design, delivery scheduling and logistic.
With the Head Forester, prepare, implement, and evaluate operational plans to ensure that the Longleat Forest achieves the aims and objectives set out in its strategic plan.
To lead the department in the successful delivery of all aspects of the forestry including overseeing the woodland management team and the firewood and retail operation.
About you
A proven track record with at least 5 years’ experience of delivering on strategic and operational objectives and targets as well as preparation of financial reports and delivery of KPIs
Proven experience as an Operations Manager or similar within a manufacturing or timber production sawmill environment
Experience of working in a process driven operations environment.
Experience of retail.
You will have experience with wood working, as well as firewood, agricultural and forestry machinery and vehicles.
You will have delivered safe working practices and hold a relevant H&S qualification (IOSH, NEBOSH etc)
A little about us
At Longleat we offer a day out like no other, our guests are invited to step into the Thynn family home where they will find the finest example of Elizabethan Architecture. They are also immersed into the wild side, where they can visit over 120 species of animals by car, foot, train, bus, and boat.
With a core business of around 1 million guests every year, we are passionate about providing unforgettable experiences that bring family and friends together to create memories that will last a lifetime.
Our values
At Longleat, we believe in engaging and inspiring our employees, putting people first, taking accountability, continuously improving, and acting with integrity. We invite everyone who works with us to subscribe to these values, as they truly set us apart as a place to work.
Why join the Longleat team?
In this unique work environment, you will be surrounded by historic landscapes and listed buildings, all whilst listening to our lions roar and wolves howl. You will even have the opportunity to visit our adorable Koalas and cheeky meerkats on your day off.
You will receive a competitive salary, in addition to a range of attractive benefits that include;
29 days holiday inclusive of bank holidays, rising to 31 days at 5 years’ service.
Unlimited free entry to Longleat for our employees
Complimentary tickets to Longleat and Cheddar Gorge and Caves, 18 per annum pro rata
50% off Annual passes for Friends and Family
Discounts on food and beverages and retail merchandise
20% off VIP Experiences, 10% off Accommodation
Discretionary bonus scheme
Employee Assistant Programme
Employer contributory pension scheme
Life assurance scheme
Perks at work
Range of flexible working schemes
Your contract
You will be on a permanent contract working 40 hours per week, 5 days out of 7, including weekends, evenings and bank holidays as required. The earliest start time is 7.30am, and the latest finish time is 4.30pm, varying in accordance with opening times.
Location: On Site - Longleat (Warminster, Wiltshire, BA12 7NW)
Sounds great! How do I apply?
If you are interested in this role, please apply online. We reserve the right to close this advertisement early if enough suitable applicants are received.
Keyword: HeadOfFO