Chief Operating Officer - #1797258
Forestry Commission
Date: 1 day ago
City: London
Contract type: Full time
Work schedule: Full day
East Midlands (England), East of England, London (region), North East England, North West England, South East England, South West England, West Midlands (England), Yorkshire and the Humber
Job Summary
At the Forestry Commission, we are united by a shared vision - to help tackle some of society's biggest challenges through thriving forests, woods and trees.
Forest Services is the part of the Forestry Commission delivering regulation, incentives and advice to support woodland creation and management across England. Our work directly supports Government priorities around climate change, biodiversity, plant health, rural growth and more - and we do it by working closely with landowners, delivery partners, and wider stakeholders.
We are now looking for an exceptional individual to join us as Chief Operating Officer of Forest Services.
Location: Any Forestry Commission office with regular presence in Bristol and London and travel nationwide
Job Description
This is a vital leadership role, offering the opportunity to influence and deliver across our entire national and regional operational portfolio. You will play a central part in shaping and implementing high-profile programmes including grant schemes, regulatory frameworks and plant health interventions that have real-world impact on our environment and communities. With management responsibility for around 500 staff and oversight of significant public funds, the COO is a cornerstone of our Executive Team.
You will bring vision and clarity to a broad and complex portfolio, ensuring consistent, high-quality service delivery while nurturing a culture of innovation, integrity and collaboration. Your leadership will be key to helping us navigate change, manage risk and build capability for the future - all while delivering to the highest standards across our frontline services.
We are looking for an experienced senior leader, capable of operating in a large, multi-disciplinary organisation. You will have a proven track record of leading complex operations and navigating high-stakes policy landscapes. You'll be a skilled communicator and strategic thinker, with strong judgement, and the ability to inspire and develop others. Your ability to manage performance, drive forward change and build lasting partnerships will be key to success in this role.
If you are ready to make a tangible difference through strategic leadership of England's woodland and forestry services, we want to hear from you.
This is a vital leadership role, offering the opportunity to influence and deliver across our entire national and regional operational portfolio. You will play a central part in shaping and implementing high-profile programmes including grant schemes, regulatory frameworks and plant health interventions that have real-world impact on our environment and communities. With management responsibility for around 500 staff and oversight of significant public funds, the COO is a cornerstone of our Executive Team.
You will bring vision and clarity to a broad and complex portfolio, ensuring consistent, high-quality service delivery while nurturing a culture of innovation, integrity and collaboration. Your leadership will be key to helping us navigate change, manage risk and build capability for the future - all while delivering to the highest standards across our frontline services.
We are looking for an experienced senior leader, capable of operating in a large, multi-disciplinary organisation. You will have a proven track record of leading complex operations and navigating high-stakes policy landscapes. You'll be a skilled communicator and strategic thinker, with strong judgement, and the ability to inspire and develop others. Your ability to manage performance, drive forward change and build lasting partnerships will be key to success in this role.
If you are ready to make a tangible difference through strategic leadership of England's woodland and forestry services, we want to hear from you.
Person specification
Essential
Selection process details
To apply for this post, please send your tailored CV and a cover letter no longer than two pages by email, highlighting in the subject heading ‘Chief Operating Officer’, to [email protected]
If you would like a confidential, informal discussion about the role then please contact LHH on +44 (0) 141 220 6460 or send an email to the above-mentioned address.
Forestry Commission is committed to equality of opportunity and to no discrimination on the grounds of race, religion or belief, age, sex, marital or civil partnership status, disability, sexual orientation, transgender status, pregnancy or maternity.
Should you require any modifications or wish to speak with a member of our team to discuss any particular circumstances, please email the above address.
For more information, please see the attached candidate pack.
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
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
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
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: [email protected]. If you are not satisfied with the response you receive, you can contact the Civil Service Commission, which regulates all Civil Service recruitment.
Job Summary
At the Forestry Commission, we are united by a shared vision - to help tackle some of society's biggest challenges through thriving forests, woods and trees.
Forest Services is the part of the Forestry Commission delivering regulation, incentives and advice to support woodland creation and management across England. Our work directly supports Government priorities around climate change, biodiversity, plant health, rural growth and more - and we do it by working closely with landowners, delivery partners, and wider stakeholders.
We are now looking for an exceptional individual to join us as Chief Operating Officer of Forest Services.
Location: Any Forestry Commission office with regular presence in Bristol and London and travel nationwide
Job Description
This is a vital leadership role, offering the opportunity to influence and deliver across our entire national and regional operational portfolio. You will play a central part in shaping and implementing high-profile programmes including grant schemes, regulatory frameworks and plant health interventions that have real-world impact on our environment and communities. With management responsibility for around 500 staff and oversight of significant public funds, the COO is a cornerstone of our Executive Team.
You will bring vision and clarity to a broad and complex portfolio, ensuring consistent, high-quality service delivery while nurturing a culture of innovation, integrity and collaboration. Your leadership will be key to helping us navigate change, manage risk and build capability for the future - all while delivering to the highest standards across our frontline services.
We are looking for an experienced senior leader, capable of operating in a large, multi-disciplinary organisation. You will have a proven track record of leading complex operations and navigating high-stakes policy landscapes. You'll be a skilled communicator and strategic thinker, with strong judgement, and the ability to inspire and develop others. Your ability to manage performance, drive forward change and build lasting partnerships will be key to success in this role.
If you are ready to make a tangible difference through strategic leadership of England's woodland and forestry services, we want to hear from you.
This is a vital leadership role, offering the opportunity to influence and deliver across our entire national and regional operational portfolio. You will play a central part in shaping and implementing high-profile programmes including grant schemes, regulatory frameworks and plant health interventions that have real-world impact on our environment and communities. With management responsibility for around 500 staff and oversight of significant public funds, the COO is a cornerstone of our Executive Team.
You will bring vision and clarity to a broad and complex portfolio, ensuring consistent, high-quality service delivery while nurturing a culture of innovation, integrity and collaboration. Your leadership will be key to helping us navigate change, manage risk and build capability for the future - all while delivering to the highest standards across our frontline services.
We are looking for an experienced senior leader, capable of operating in a large, multi-disciplinary organisation. You will have a proven track record of leading complex operations and navigating high-stakes policy landscapes. You'll be a skilled communicator and strategic thinker, with strong judgement, and the ability to inspire and develop others. Your ability to manage performance, drive forward change and build lasting partnerships will be key to success in this role.
If you are ready to make a tangible difference through strategic leadership of England's woodland and forestry services, we want to hear from you.
Person specification
Essential
- Proven senior leadership experience in a complex, multi-disciplinary organisation, providing clear vision and direction
- Excellent people management skills and strong experience of successfully leading a diverse, multi-disciplinary, geographically dispersed and high performing team to achieve ambitious targets.
- Experience of leading innovation and complex organisational change, including navigating governance and bringing stakeholders together to ensure successful adoption
- Excellent strategic thinking, planning, and decision-making skills, including strong judgement combined with the confidence to take appropriate risks and exploit opportunities, and the ability to make timely decisions with incomplete information
- Experience of reacting promptly and tactically to issues, as well as making long-term strategic plans for your business unit and wider organisation
- Strong Business management experience including budgetary, forecasting and analytical skills
- A proven track record of actively building and maintaining relationships and influence across a complex stakeholder landscape, including where their needs are in conflict
- Excellent influencing and communication skills, with experience of briefing senior officials verbally and in writing to achieve the right outcomes, and of securing your team’s buy-in to strategic changes
- Strong delegation and reporting skills, combined with the ability to balance sound governance and procedure (including escalation) with the need to maintain portfolio ownership
- Strong understanding of forestry policy, grants administration, regulatory frameworks, and plant health.
- Awareness of Civil Service financial procedure and good practice (e.g., through an understanding of Managing Public Money)
- Demonstration of a leader’s commitment towards continuing professional development
- 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).
Selection process details
To apply for this post, please send your tailored CV and a cover letter no longer than two pages by email, highlighting in the subject heading ‘Chief Operating Officer’, to [email protected]
If you would like a confidential, informal discussion about the role then please contact LHH on +44 (0) 141 220 6460 or send an email to the above-mentioned address.
Forestry Commission is committed to equality of opportunity and to no discrimination on the grounds of race, religion or belief, age, sex, marital or civil partnership status, disability, sexual orientation, transgender status, pregnancy or maternity.
Should you require any modifications or wish to speak with a member of our team to discuss any particular circumstances, please email the above address.
For more information, please see the attached candidate pack.
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
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
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 : LHH
- Email : [email protected]
- Telephone : +44 (0) 141 220 6460
- Email : [email protected]
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: [email protected]. If you are not satisfied with the response you receive, you can contact the Civil Service Commission, which regulates all Civil Service recruitment.
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