Plant Health Operations Team Manager

National, any FC Office will be considered, subject to availability. Job SummaryThis is an exciting opportunity to lead the Plant Health Operations Team within Forest Services, part of the Forestry Commission. You will play a key role in protecting England’s trees and woodlands from pests and diseases, leading a team of experts to deliver operational excellence and strategic impact across England and Great Britain. Job DescriptionAbout Forest Services and the Plant Health Forestry TeamForest Services are the Government’s forestry experts.

We support the forestry sector and landowners to protect, improve, and expand England’s woodlands through regulation, incentives, and expert advice. Within Forest Services, the Plant Health Forestry (PHF) Team delivers technical policy advice, operational activities (border and inland), and the Forest Reproductive Materials (FRM) programme. Our work ensures that the UK’s treescape is protected from pests and diseases, and that we are prepared to respond to emerging threats. The PHF Team operates with both England and GB-wide responsibilities: England:

Inland surveillance, outbreak management, biosecurity promotion, and regulatory implementation, working with Defra and the Devolved Administrations as part of the UK Plant Health Service. GB-wide: Statutory functions (including border inspections) and technical advice and support on plant health. About The RoleYou will lead the strategic, tactical, and financial deployment of the Plant Health Operations Team with passion, support, and commitment to ensure an effective response to plant health threats. You will champion the work of a team of around 34 dedicated professionals, including plant health officers/ inspectors and specialists.

Your leadership will ensure that risks from pests and diseases are effectively managed and that our woodlands are protected in line with the Tree Health Resilience Strategy, the GB Plant Biosecurity Strategy, and cross-border functions. You will provide clear direction, manage change, and ensure the team’s expertise is fully utilised—particularly during outbreaks and incidents. You will also contribute to senior leadership across the Forestry Commission and collaborate with the UK Plant Health Service, including Defra, APHA, and the Devolved Administrations.

Key Responsibilities People, Partnerships, and Resource ManagementLead and manage a team of ~34 staff, including direct line management of ~2 members of staff. Manage and develop individual and team performance and business capabilities. Provide clear direction and foster a culture of continuous improvement and wellbeing. Ensure compliance with Health, Safety & Wellbeing procedures. Build strong relationships across the Forestry Commission, Defra, Devolved Administrations, and external stakeholders. Manage budgets and contribute to business planning and reporting, including reviewing priorities in response to changing issues. Operational DeliveryOversee monitoring and control programmes for priority pests and diseases (e. g. Ips typographus, oak processionary moth).

Ensure delivery of statutory functions, including Statutory Plant Health Notices, movement authorisation processes, and demarcated area requirements. Lead or support outbreak responses; act as Deputy Incident Controller when required. Work with policy colleagues to support effective development and implementation of new policy and legislation. Collaborate on cross-border plant health functions and regulatory implementation. Support internal and external communications, this may include handling media activity in close association with FC and Defra communications teams. Strategic DevelopmentSupport the strategic development of the operational team, including effective change management. Leading development and innovation in the team to facilitate effective delivery.

This may include system and process improvement, including digital transformation. Support implementation of the Plant Biosecurity and Tree Health Resilience strategies. Work closely with other teams in FS and wider FC to support and facilitate the delivery of PH strategic priorities, including identification of opportunities for collaboration. Build and maintain strategic partnerships with key stakeholders. Maintain a strong collaborative relationship with the UK Plant Health Service, working in partnership with Defra, Devolved Administrations and APHA, by providing and demonstrating a strong and corporate senior leadership contribution.

About The RoleYou will lead the strategic, tactical, and financial deployment of the Plant Health Operations Team with passion, support, and commitment to ensure an effective response to plant health threats. You will champion the work of a team of around 34 dedicated professionals, including plant health officers/ inspectors and specialists. Your leadership will ensure that risks from pests and diseases are effectively managed and that our woodlands are protected in line with the Tree Health Resilience Strategy, the GB Plant Biosecurity Strategy, and cross-border functions.

You will provide clear direction, manage change, and ensure the team’s expertise is fully utilised—particularly during outbreaks and incidents. You will also contribute to senior leadership across the Forestry Commission and collaborate with the UK Plant Health Service, including Defra, APHA, and the Devolved Administrations. Key Responsibilities People, Partnerships, and Resource ManagementLead and manage a team of ~34 staff, including direct line management of ~2 members of staff. Manage and develop individual and team performance and business capabilities. Provide clear direction and foster a culture of continuous improvement and wellbeing. Ensure compliance with Health, Safety & Wellbeing procedures.

Build strong relationships across the Forestry Commission, Defra, Devolved Administrations, and external stakeholders. Manage budgets and contribute to business planning and reporting, including reviewing priorities in response to changing issues. Operational DeliveryOversee monitoring and control programmes for priority pests and diseases (e. g. Ips typographus, oak processionary moth). Ensure delivery of statutory functions, including Statutory Plant Health Notices, movement authorisation processes, and demarcated area requirements. Lead or support outbreak responses; act as Deputy Incident Controller when required. Work with policy colleagues to support effective development and implementation of new policy and legislation.

Collaborate on cross-border plant health functions and regulatory implementation. Support internal and external communications, this may include handling media activity in close association with FC and Defra communications teams. Strategic DevelopmentSupport the strategic development of the operational team, including effective change management. Leading development and innovation in the team to facilitate effective delivery. This may include system and process improvement, including digital transformation. Support implementation of the Plant Biosecurity and Tree Health Resilience strategies.

Work closely with other teams in FS and wider FC to support and facilitate the delivery of PH strategic priorities, including identification of opportunities for collaboration. Build and maintain strategic partnerships with key stakeholders. Maintain a strong collaborative relationship with the UK Plant Health Service, working in partnership with Defra, Devolved Administrations and APHA, by providing and demonstrating a strong and corporate senior leadership contribution. Person specificationEssential CriteriaRelevant experience and/or knowledge in tree or plant health. Experience and proven track record in policy and/or operational delivery. Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Experience in leading and encouraging opportunities for business improvement change whilst maintaining delivery performance. Excellent and inspiring leadership and strong inter-personal and presentational skills to build and manage inclusive high-performing teams. Experience and proven track record in building credible external stakeholder relationships in line with corporate values. Experience in contingency planning and/or incident management. Business management experience including budgetary, forecasting and analytical skills combined with strong judgement and decision-making capability. DesirableKnowledge of forestry operations and the wider forestry sector. Strong understanding of UK tree pest and disease threats. Demonstrated success in complex and high-pressure environments.

BehavioursWe'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process: Changing and ImprovingLeadershipCommunicating and InfluencingWorking TogetherSeeing the Big PictureMaking Effective DecisionsTechnical skillsWe'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process: Technical Knowledge of Tree/Plant HealthAlongside your salary of £58,423, Forestry Commission contributes £16,925 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides. 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). We aim to provide a great place to work, whichever location you work from. Blended working forms part of our flexible and inclusive approach to future ways of working.

It is an informal arrangement which gives you the option to work some of the week from home, and some of the week from our Forestry Commission workplaces, subject to role requirements, business needs, and regular review. Informal blended working arrangements will be available as agreed with the line manager. Selection process detailsThis vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours, Experience and Technical skills. As part of the application process, you will complete the following: A tailored CV setting out your career history, with key responsibilities and achievements.

Please ensure you have provided reasons for any gaps within the last two years. A 750 word personal statement – showing how you meet the essential criteria and competenciesFurther details around what this will entail are listed on the application form. Should a large number of applications be received, the initial sift may be conducted using the CV. Applicants will be expected to demonstrate the essential role requirements. Candidates who pass the initial sift may be progressed to a full sift, or progressed straight to assessment/interview. Interview Candidates will be further assessed on Behaviours and Technical Skills at interview.

Applications will be sifted from 15th September 2025. Interviews will be held 22nd September. Please note that these dates are subject to changeInterviews are due to be held in person at either the Bristol National Office or at Alice Holt Forest. Candidates will be asked to prepare a presentation as part of the interview. Further InformationA reserve list may be held for a period of 12 months from which further appointments can be made. Any move to Forestry Service from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments.

You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax Free Childcare; for further information visit the Childcare Choices website. If successful and transferring from another Government Department a criminal record check may be carried out. In order to process applications without delay, we will be sending a Criminal Record Check to Disclosure and Barring Service on your behalf. However, we recognise in exceptional circumstances some candidates will want to send their completed forms direct. If you will be doing this, please advise Government Recruitment Service of your intention by emailing Pre-EmploymentChecks. grs@cabinetoffice. gov.

uk stating the job reference number in the subject heading. New entrants are expected to join on the minimum of the pay band. This role is full time only. Applicants who wish to work an alternative pattern are welcome to apply however your preferred working pattern may not be available and you should discuss this with the vacancy holder before applying.

Where a role has been identified as one which falls under the scope of the Public Sector English Language Requirements, within Part 7 of the Immigration Act 2016, it is essential that applicants should have the ability to converse at ease with members of the public and provide advice in accurate spoken English. Applicants will be assessed in the selection process in accordance with the requirements. The duties of this post require the applicant to have a full current driving licence that enables them to drive in the UK.

However, the Forestry Commission is willing to consider any proposals put forward by applicants that would allow them to do the job by any other means. The Forestry Commission is actively working to reduce the carbon emission of official travel and applicants should be aware of the broad principles which are being applied to reduce carbon emissions to less than 50gCO2/km. Reasonable adjustment If a person with disabilities is put at a substantial disadvantage compared to a non- disabled person, we have a duty to make reasonable changes to our processes.

If you need a change to be made so that you can make your application, you should: Contact Government Recruitment Service via FCERecruitment. grs@cabinetoffice. gov. uk as soon as possible before the closing date to discuss your needs. Contact Government Recruitment Service via fcerecruitment. grs@cabinetoffice. gov. uk as soon as possible before the closing date to discuss your needs. Complete the “Assistance required” section in the “Additional requirements” page of your application form to tell us what changes or help you might need further on in the recruitment process.

For instance, you may need wheelchair access at interview, or if you’re deaf, a Language Service Professional. If you are experiencing accessibility problems with any attachments on this advert, please contact the email address in the 'Contact point for applicants' section. FeedbackFeedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment. This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours, Experience and Technical skills. SecuritySuccessful 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 requirementsThis Job Is Broadly Open To The Following Groups:

UK nationalsnationals of the Republic of Irelandnationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UKnationals 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 2020Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil ServiceFurther information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window)Working for the Civil ServiceThe 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 InclusionThe 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 applicantsJob Contact : Name : FS RecruitmentEmail : fs. recruitment@forestrycommission. gov. ukRecruitment teamEmail : fcerecruitment. grs@cabinetoffice. gov.

ukFurther informationOur 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: englandhr. services@forestryengland. uk. If you are not satisfied with the response you receive, you can contact the Civil Service Commission, which regulates all Civil Service recruitment.