Harvesting Operations Supervisor

Location: Beattock, South Scotland

Reporting to: Harvesting – Operations Manager

Job Type: Full Time/Permanent

Hours: 40 hours per week

About the Role

We are looking for an experienced and motivated Harvesting – Operations Supervisor to join our team and oversee the day-to-day operations of timber harvesting sites across South Scotland. This is an operational role for someone with a good understanding of UK timber harvesting who can confidently supervise site activities, promote a strong health and safety culture, and ensure harvesting operations meet environmental and regulatory requirements. You will work closely with the Harvesting – Operations Manager and Production Planner to ensure sites operate safely and efficiently.

Key Responsibilities

• Supervise the day-to-day operations of timber harvesting sites.
• Monitor machine performance and operational efficiencies.
• Ensure health, safety and environmental requirements are maintained across all sites.
• Identify site constraints and adapt working methods where required.
• Maintain clear and transparent communication with the Production Planner.
• Monitor consumable stock levels and arrange restocking when necessary.
• Assist with machine maintenance requirements and identify maintenance needs.
• Support forecasting and planning of the work programme and live contract completion dates.
• Maintain accurate roadside and stump stock inventories.
• Complete and maintain documented site visit records.
• Promote safe working practices and contribute to a positive health and safety culture.
• Work flexibly to meet changing business and operational demands.
• Travel between sites as required, with travel requirements varying according to business needs.

Essential Requirements

• Diploma in Forestry or a related discipline.
• Good knowledge of UK timber harvesting operations and associated requirements.
• Previous operational experience.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Good record-keeping and computer skills.
• Strong problem-solving and organisational abilities.
• Full UK driving licence.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• Ability to work to deadlines and deliver against operational targets.
• Ability to work under pressure and adapt to changing circumstances and weather conditions.

What We're Looking For

We are looking for an organised and practical individual with experience in timber harvesting or a related forestry environment. You will be confident working with operators, contractors and colleagues at all levels, with a strong commitment to health, safety, environmental compliance and operational performance. The role requires someone who is comfortable working outdoors, travelling between harvesting sites and adapting to changing priorities, with strong communication, sound judgement, problem-solving and relationship-building skills.

Who we are:

BSW Group is the largest timber and forestry business in the UK, with operating divisions spanning the whole supply chain, from tree nurseries and woodland management to sawmilling and pallets. We market 35 million saplings annually through the country’s leading commercial tree nursery, have planted a billion trees through Tilhill Forestry, supply sustainable timber products to an array of industries as BSW Timber, and manufacture millions of pallets a year as Scott Pallets. We work to keep industry moving and aim to be the most technically advanced timber business in the country. BSW operates as a collection of experts – an interconnected circle, where everyone and everything works together, allowing the business to constantly innovate as our people thrive. With an ethos to use everything and waste nothing, we leverage technology and cutting-edge practices to supply the diverse demands of the UK, helping to build sustainable worlds.

Apply

If you have the operational experience and the knowledge required to supervise timber harvesting sites safely and effectively, we would be pleased to hear from you.