The Role:
• This is a key role in the South West region Operation team which works with Site Managers and the Rainforest Project team based in Devon to support and deliver the management of the Trust’s temperate rainforest sites, principally in Dartmoor and South Devon.
• The work will include carrying out on-site inspections and surveys, organising and supervising a variety of contracts, overseeing the work of volunteers and communicating with the public. The area has a lot of active harvesting, so a working knowledge of timber mensuration is desirable for the role.
• You will be responsible with planning, implementing, monitoring the financial management of budgeted woodland management programmes using contractors, agents and volunteers.
• The work will include carrying out on-site inspections and surveys, organising and supervising a variety of contracts, overseeing the work of volunteers and communicating with the public.
• Actively monitor and review the woodland management plans including woodland Condition Assessments, PAWS assessments, compartment record/species checks and site surveys throughout the South West.
• You will be responsible for optimising the engagement opportunities for visitors, local community and volunteers across the key sites to support with events such as community tree planting.
• You will be responsible for developing relationships with internal and external stakeholders to maximise income and grant aid potential to support ongoing projects and programmes.
• This role is based in Devon and will require the successful candidate to travel around the South West region.
The Candidate:
• Experience of land-based management in the forestry and conservation sector, managing and supervising contracts and contractors on site.
• Qualified to HND/degree level in forestry, land management or other related field would be desirable.
• Understanding of project management and the ability to coordinate multiple workstreams and ongoing contracts at one time and to budget. You’ll have a positive approach and be able to prioritise, manage your own time and meet targets to tight deadlines.
• Experience in carrying out on-site inspections and surveys, frequently conducting woodland condition assessments, PAWS assessments and record/species checks.
• You’ll have a collaborative approach, with the ability to work with multiple teams, building relationships with both internal and external stakeholders effectively.
• Ability to engage with visitors, local communities and volunteer manage to support with events across the South West region sites.
• Knowledge of Health and Safety protocols, FSC and FISCA policies and procedures with the ability to supervise and manage adherence to these on a daily basis.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbally being able to liaise with contractors, site managers and wider members of the team and support those around you.
• This role does require regular travel around the South West region. A full driving licence is required. A company car is provided with this role.
Our Organisational Nature enables us to better understand what it means to be part of the Woodland Trust, empowering us to make an impact, every day. We want you to be able to role model our values; ‘Grow Together’, ‘Focus’, ‘Explore’ and ‘Make it Count’ to ensure each of us plays our part in helping to protect, restore and create our woods and trees.
Benefits & Wellbeing: Joining our team means you'll be a big part of tackling environmental and climate issues. We take good care of our employees, offering support and training opportunities. We also offer:
• Enhanced Employer Pension
• Life Assurance
• Flexible & Hybrid Working Options
• Generous Annual Leave
• Enhanced Parental Pay
• Employee Assistance Programme
Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion: The Woodland Trust embraces diversity and inclusion. We want our team to reflect the UK's diverse community. We support people from all backgrounds to apply, especially those who are under-represented.
Application Advice: Even if you don't meet every requirement of the role, we would encourage you to apply. Your enthusiasm for the environment and our core values-Grow Together, Explore, Focus and Make it Count-are what matter most. We also keep our candidates’ personal details hidden from the hiring managers, so they do not see your CV until shortlisting is completed. Make sure that your Personal Statement clearly shows your experience and passion for the role.
Acceptable Use Policy - Artificial Intelligence (AI)
We understand that candidates may choose to use AI tools to support their job applications-for example, to help structure or edit written responses. We welcome the use of AI in this way, particularly where it helps improve accessibility, such as for neurodivergent applicants. However, we ask that any information submitted reflects your own experience, skills and understanding. During interviews, candidates are expected to respond independently without the use of AI tools.
Apply Now: If you're ready to make a difference and grow with us, send in your application today. We might close the job opening early if we get a lot of applications, so it's a good idea to apply soon. We look forward to hearing from you and working together to make a positive impact on our planet.
First Stage Interviews will be held via Microsoft Teams.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Are you an experienced operational leader with a passion for high-quality delivery, environmental impact and business growth? Adonis Blue Environmental Consultants (ABEC) — the consultancy arm of Kent Wildlife Trust Group (KWTG) — is seeking a dynamic Chief Programme Officer (CPO) to drive excellence, innovation and sustainable growth across both ABEC and wider group operations.
About us:
ABEC is a wholly owned but legally distinct subsidiary of the Kent Wildlife Trust Group. As a mission-aligned consultancy, ABEC delivers high-quality environmental and nature-based services that support KWTG’s strategic conservation goals.
Kent Wildlife Trust is the county’s leading conservation charity with more than 31,000 members and over 1000 registered volunteers. We manage and protect over 9000 acres of land across more than 90 different sites and nature reserves, alongside 2 visitor centres. But we can’t save nature alone. So, we work closely with local communities, businesses, organisations and individuals to protect and restore wildlife and wild spaces and create a wilder Kent for the benefit of people and the planet.
This role requires strategic agility, impartiality and a commitment to delivering exceptional outcomes for two values-aligned organisations.
What you'll be doing:
ABEC – Strategic & operational leadership
- Lead the delivery of ABEC’s Business Plan, working closely with the Managing Director.
- Drive new business and market development, identifying emerging opportunities in consultancy and nature markets.
- Optimise project management systems (including SCORO) to lift efficiency, productivity and financial insight.
- Oversee contract delivery to ensure projects are completed on time, within scope and to the highest quality.
- Monitor and report on organisational performance indicators, business plan progress and risk management.
- Lead integration of digital systems (SCORO, COREO, CRM, mapping, Natural Capital platforms).
- Align resources, processes and capacity to ensure successful delivery of contracted work.
- Build and maintain strong strategic client relationships.
- Line manage and develop your team, embedding a high-performance culture and clear KPIs.
KWT Group – Cross-organisational impact
- Work with the Chief Operating Officer to ensure financial quality, strategic alignment and delivery assurance for ABEC’s income-generating activity.
- Support or lead on group-wide projects (ensuring no conflict of interest with ABEC delivery).
- Help deliver income targets, including Nature-Based Solutions.
- Audit and review systems and processes across the Group to improve efficiency, integration and return on investment.
- Support group-wide resource planning and operational effectiveness.
- Foster positive working relationships and champion KWTG’s culture and values.
What we need you to bring:
- Senior experience in software optimisation, project delivery or operations — ideally in environmental consultancy or a related field.
- Proven commercial acumen and experience developing new business opportunities.
- Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret, analyse and present data clearly.
- Expertise in project management methodologies, resource planning and operational reporting.
- Ability to manage complex programmes in fast-paced environments.
- Commitment to sustainability, ecological principles and the Trust’s mission.
- Experience leading high-performing teams and building collaborative, positive cultures.
- Confidence engaging with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders.
What we will offer in return:
We offer exceptional enhanced benefits. Recognising the wellbeing pressures related to the climate and nature crises we face as a society, we provide flexible work options, wellbeing initiatives, and professional development opportunities. Whatever stage of your career you’re at, our comprehensive benefits package at Kent Wildlife Trust can be a key factor in your choice to join us.
Next steps:
If you're ready to join our team and help us create a Wilder Kent, simply click "Apply now" to apply via our website. Here you can find out more about the role and complete the online application form. Be sure to include your personal statement in the space provided and upload your CV, and take a moment to review the guidance notes for helpful tips.
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.
We are unable to recruit anyone who does not have a legal right to work in the UK. Unfortunately, we cannot provide visa sponsorship.
Kent Wildlife Trust believes that everyone has a responsibility to safeguard children, young people, and adults at risk; we are committed to ensuring their safety and wellbeing is at the heart of our engagement with people. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment. The successful candidate will be subject to references, Disclosure and Barring Service checks along with other relevant employment checks as appropriate to the role.
The Kent Wildlife Trust Group is Wild About Inclusion. To us, this means inspiring, empowering and engaging people from all backgrounds, cultures, identities and abilities, to change the natural world for the better. It also means cultivating inclusive workspaces that are free from discrimination, where differences are celebrated, everyone can be themselves and flourish, just like nature!
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