Trees and Woodland Operations and Strategy Manager

Cheshire West and Chester Council is seeking a Trees and Woodland Operations and Strategy Manager for the Mersey Forest Team, based in Warrington, UK. The role involves managing woodland establishment and biodiversity programs, offering expert advice, and leading significant planting schemes to enhance landscapes and support climate adaptation. This position operates in a flexible environment, primarily working from home with an office base at Risley Moss.
• Position: Trees and Woodland Operations and Strategy Manager
• Grade: 12 Salary: £52,287 - £60,831 (pay award pending)**
• Location: Risley Moss, Birchwood, Warrington, WA3 6QX

Cheshire West & Chester Council invites applications for the Trees and Woodland Operations and Strategy Manager position within the Mersey Forest Team. This vital role focuses on enhancing landowner engagement and support services to develop well-wooded landscapes that benefit people, nature, and the economy. Established in 1991, the Mersey Forest is a growing network of woodlands across Cheshire and Merseyside. Over the past three decades, over 10 million trees have been planted, enhancing biodiversity and community well-being.

The Trees and Woodland Operations and Strategy Manager will help continue this legacy and contribute to climate adaptation efforts. Key Responsibilities: - Manage the development and financial oversight of the Mersey Forest woodland establishment and Biodiversity Net Gain programmes. - Implement woodland management plans for sustainable practices. - Offer expert advice on woodland management to local authorities and stakeholders. - Lead multi-million-pound Mersey Forest planting schemes, ensuring compliance with UK Forestry standards. - Collaborate with the Mersey Forest Director and stakeholders for regulatory approvals. This role operates in a flexible work environment, primarily from home with an office base at Risley Moss.

Qualified candidates are encouraged to apply with an extended CV and a two-page cover letter.

For more information, contact mail@merseyforest.org.uk with “Trees and Woodland Operations and Strategy Manager” in the subject line.
• Closing Date:* 20th June 2025

www.merseyforest.org.uk

https://merseyforest.org.uk/our-plan/

Trees and Woodland Operations and Strategy Manager
Grade 12 - £52,287 - £60,831 (pay award pending)
Risley Moss, Birchwood, Warrington, WA3 6QX is the office location.

Trees and Woodland Operations and Strategy Manager– The Mersey Forest team, employed by Cheshire West & Chester Council

Cheshire West & Chester Council invites applications for the crucial Trees and Woodland Operations and Strategy Manager position within the Mersey Forest Team. This role is instrumental in advancing our landowner engagement and support services across the Mersey Forest area, in alignment with our long-term strategic plan, to create well-wooded landscapes that benefit people, nature, and a thriving economy.

The Mersey Forest, established in 1991, is a growing network of woodlands and green spaces across Cheshire and Merseyside. Over the past three decades, more than 10 million trees have been planted, transforming the landscape and providing numerous environmental, economic, and social benefits. This initiative has been at the forefront of promoting biodiversity, community engagement, and enhancing the well-being of residents, embodying a long-term vision for urban and rural regeneration. The Trees and Woodland Operations and Strategy Manager will play a critical role in continuing this legacy, contributing to climate adaptation efforts, and showcasing the value of our natural environment to people, nature and the economy, whilst championing the role that we all must play in protecting the natural environment, nurturing a wood culture.

Key Responsibilities:
• Oversee the development, execution and financial management of the annual Mersey Forest woodland establishment and Biodiversity Net Gain Programmes, developing and managing the delivery of a multi-year pipeline of projects

• Assist in formulating and implementing woodland management plans to uphold sustainable woodland management and conservation practices.

• Provide expert advice to local authorities, landowners, and other stakeholders on woodland establishment, management, and conservation, fostering collaborative relationships.

• Lead an annual multi-million-pound programme of Mersey Forest partnership planting schemes across the Mersey Forest area, ensuring compliance with the UK Forestry Standard and other regulatory guidelines. This includes leading and managing the woodland advisors, operations team and ecologist.

• Work closely with the Mersey Forest Director and various stakeholders, including the Forestry Commission and Natural England, to ensure clarity on the scale of sites requiring regulatory approval.

This position operates within a fully agile working framework, with a predominantly home-based working arrangement and an office base at Risley Moss, Warrington. The role of Trees and Woodland Operations and Strategy Manager presents a significant opportunity for a seasoned professional to contribute to one of the largest natural environment programmes in England, playing a leadership role at the local, regional and national levels.

Qualified candidates are encouraged to apply by submitting an extended CV and a cover letter that does not exceed two pages. They will become an integral part of a dedicated team committed to environmental excellence and community engagement, continuing the legacy of The Mersey Forest Partnership.

For more information, contact mail@merseyforest.org.uk, including “Trees and Woodland Operations and Strategy Manager” in the subject line.

Closing Date 20th June 2025

www.merseyforest.org.uk

https://merseyforest.org.uk/our-plan/