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- Tasks: Lead the development and delivery of a multi-million-pound tree planting programme.
- Company: Join the award-winning White Rose Forest, recognised for its community impact in Yorkshire.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, career development, and a supportive team environment with great perks.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in nature recovery while working on exciting projects with passionate professionals.
- Qualifications: Experience in forestry and land management, plus strong communication and project management skills required.
- Other info: Work from home with travel across North and West Yorkshire; flexible working policies available.
The predicted salary is between 49764 - 51802 £ per year.
Location: Working from home with meetings in West and North Yorkshire.
Contract type: Permanent
Salary: £49,764 - £51,802
Hours: Full time, 37 hours per week
Reports to: White Rose Forest Programme Director
Responsible for: To lead on the development and delivery of the annual multi-million pound White Rose Forest Planting Programme across North and West Yorkshire.
A rare opportunity has come up to join the award-winning White Rose Forest team as Programme Manager. Following an internal promotion, the White Rose Forest is looking to recruit a new Programme Manager to lead on the development and delivery of its annual multi-million-pound WRF planting programme across North and West Yorkshire. This is a senior management role within the core White Rose Forest team that requires considerable knowledge and experience in the forestry and land management sector.
The White Rose Forest (WRF) is the Community Forest for North and West Yorkshire and was voted Community Forest of the Year in 2024, in recognition of our leading role within England's Community Forests network. At our heart we are a partnership, working closely with local, regional and national Government, as well as our National Parks, local businesses, landowners and community organisations in Yorkshire to plant trees where they are needed the most. All our projects are designed to benefit nature recovery and our communities.
2025 is an important year for the WRF as we set out our ambitious plans and targets for woodland establishment and management in North and West Yorkshire over the next 25 years and publish our new 5-year Action Plan.
Kirklees Council is the employer for this position in its role as accountable body for the WRF partnership, with primary responsibility for:
- Identifying, securing and managing strategic levels of funding
- Providing the managerial structures and accounting support to create and deliver regional programmes of tree planting, woodland creation and management.
The Postholder, under the direction of a Programme Director, will be working with a small team of committed professionals in the WRF team to support delivery of the WRF 5-year Action Plan and longer-term strategic ambitions.
The White Rose Forest is looking for a Programme Manager with the experience and ability to:
- Oversee the production and delivery of the annual WRF tree planting programme ensuring it complies with the UK Forestry Standard and other regulatory approvals
- Represent Kirklees Council and the WRF partnership in the negotiation of funding agreements with approved landowners and oversee the administration of this funding
- Operationally manage other landowner engagement WRF Project Managers within the WRF core team and support team development
- Work closely with the core team, WRF partners and stakeholders, to ensure the successful operation and ongoing development of the WRF Delivery Pathway
- Work with WRF partners, the WRF Programme Management Group and working parties as required to support the development of the WRF Partnership and delivery of strategic plans and targets.
Recognised technical expertise and experience in forestry and land management is required for this role, as well as a detailed knowledge of the regulatory environment that impacts woodland creation plans. Excellent communication, project management and senior stakeholder management skills are crucial, as well as the ability to work independently and collaboratively to manage complex, high value projects, contracts and budgets.
The Programme Manager, as with all members of the central WRF team, will work from home without an office base. Travel by car across North and West Yorkshire will be required as part of this role and it is essential that applicants hold a full and valid driving licence.
What can we offer?
- Hybrid working between home, site visits and meeting venues.
- Career development, through learning and development, coaching, mentoring and on the job experience.
- Potential career progression within the team and the wider forestry/environment sector.
- A friendly and supportive team environment
- A range of family friendly policies, including flexible working
- Paid mileage and/or public transport for site visits and travel to meetings.
- Excellent contributory pension scheme.
- Access to benefits e.g. employee healthcare, high street discounts.
Our people are the White Rose Forest's biggest strengths, and we ensure inclusion is at the heart of our policies, processes and practices. We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applicants from all sections of the community.
If you have any questions about this role please contact Iwan Downey on iwan.downey@kirklees.gov.uk.
For more information about the White Rose Forest visit www.whiteroseforest.org
Please read the Job Profile for more information on this opportunity.
Guy Thompson is the manager for this role, please contact them on 01484 221000 for an informal discussion, or if you need any more information.
We know there’s a wealth of talent among people who have a disability and we encourage applications from people with all differing abilities. So, if you need any support completing an application form, or any other format for the application or Job Description please contact the Recruitment Team for help by email: jobs@kirklees.gov.uk or phone: 01484 221000 and ask for ‘Recruitment’.
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable adults and children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
Closing date: 06 July 2025, 11:55 PM
White Rose Forest Programme Manager employer: Kirklees Council
Contact Detail:
Kirklees Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land White Rose Forest Programme Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the White Rose Forest's mission and recent projects. Understanding their goals and achievements will help you align your experience with their needs during discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the forestry and land management sector. Attend relevant events or webinars to connect with potential colleagues and stakeholders, which can give you insights into the role and the organisation.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your project management experience in detail. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully managed complex projects, particularly in environmental or community-focused settings.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the regulatory environment surrounding woodland creation in the UK. Being knowledgeable about the UK Forestry Standard and other regulations will demonstrate your expertise and readiness for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace White Rose Forest Programme Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the responsibilities and requirements of the White Rose Forest Programme Manager position. Highlight key skills such as project management, stakeholder engagement, and knowledge of forestry and land management.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to reflect relevant experience and skills that align with the job description. Emphasise your achievements in managing complex projects, securing funding, and working collaboratively with various stakeholders.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for forestry and land management. Use specific examples from your past experiences to demonstrate how you meet the qualifications and can contribute to the White Rose Forest's goals.
Proofread and Edit: Before submitting your application, carefully proofread your documents for any spelling or grammatical errors. Ensure that your writing is clear and professional, as this reflects your attention to detail and communication skills.
How to prepare for a job interview at Kirklees Council
✨Know Your Forestry Facts
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of forestry and land management. Understand the UK Forestry Standard and be ready to discuss how it applies to the White Rose Forest's planting programme.
✨Showcase Your Project Management Skills
Prepare examples of past projects you've managed, especially those involving complex budgets and stakeholder engagement. Highlight your ability to work independently and collaboratively.
✨Understand the Role of Partnerships
Familiarise yourself with the key partners involved in the White Rose Forest initiative. Be prepared to discuss how you would engage with local businesses, government bodies, and community organisations.
✨Demonstrate Communication Skills
Since excellent communication is crucial for this role, practice articulating your thoughts clearly. Prepare to discuss how you would negotiate funding agreements and manage relationships with landowners.
