Head of Plant and Seed Supply - Elgin, United Kingdom - UK Civil Service

Description

Job summary
Forestry and Land Scotland
Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS) is a Scottish Government agency with the important job of�
looking after something incredibly valuable to the people of Scotland and its visitors � Scotland�s�
national forests and land, totalling 650,000ha, almost 9% of the total area of Scotland.
We�re committed to supporting Scotland's climate change plan and increasing Scotland�s 'natural�
capital' � in other words, the natural resources that support our economy, society and�
environment. We do this in a number of ways, from the vital timber supply that supports the�
forestry sector and many other areas of the economy, to inviting visitors to enjoy our woodlands�
and mountain bike trails, bolstering the wellbeing of our communities. We also facilitate
responsible renewable energy generation, woodland creation, natural regeneration and wildlife�
management to enhance biodiversity too.
Forestry and Land Scotland is an executive agency of the Scottish Government with 'public�
corporation' status and operates commercially. All our incomes are reinvested in the�
management of the national forests and land to the benefit of Scotland.
Plant and Seed Supply
FLS Plant and Seed Supply is a dedicated team of 30 people responsible for growing or sourcing�
the 25 million trees per year required for the forests and land managed by FLS. We do this from�
the only publicly owned tree nursery in Scotland, Newton Nursery, near Elgin.
Newton Nursery is currently benefiting from the biggest ever single investment carried out by�
FLS, including construction of a 12,000sqm glasshouse and installation of machinery providing�
capacity to grow up to 15 million bare-root trees, and 4 million cell-grown trees per year. This�
investment represents both an exciting and challenging time for the Plant and Seed Supply team;�
the new facilities will be a welcome upgrade, but maintaining a seamless supply of trees for our�
regional planting programmes whilst transitioning to entirely new ways of working will not be�
easy. Are you ready to join us and contribute to our success?
Job description
As Head of Plant and Seed Supply you will be accountable, through successful leadership of your�
team, for the reliable supply of high-quality trees to ensure Scotland�s forests are resilient for�
generations to come.
We are seeking a confident individual who will be responsible for establishing and leading a�
cohesive team comprising both new recruits and existing staff, navigating through a period of�
operational change with sensitivity and strategic direction. The successful candidate will have�
the significant benefit of support and learning from the vast technical knowledge and experience�
of the current post holder, as they remain working with FLS and move �sideways� to focus on the�
nursery redevelopment project and development of exciting new innovations in plant supply.
The Head of Plant and Seed Supply is expected to be a role model of continuous improvement,�
fostering a culture where exploration of new ideas and processes is actively encouraged. You will�
delegate responsibilities effectively to empower the team to take ownership of their work, make�
informed decisions, and contribute to the overall success of the organisation. You will also work�
closely with colleagues across FLS to develop and maintain an understanding of the bigger�
picture that will inform the direction you set for your team.
You will promote high standards and attention to detail in relation to health and safety, plant�
health and quality, biosecurity, identifying and learning from examples of best practice within�
the industry.
The position will be primarily based at Newton Nursery, with options for a blended working�
approach. Some travel to sites across Scotland, and occasionally further afield, will be required.
Person specification
Experience

Essential:
� Proven experience in a leadership role in a similar environment.
� Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate across�
departments and influence stakeholders at all levels.
� Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to make data-driven�
decisions.
� Commercially astute, with the ability to optimise processes to drive efficiency and�
productivity.
� Experience in financial planning to include; budgeting, forecasting and monitoring.

Desirable:
� Strong understanding of logistics, procurement, inventory management, and�
distribution processes.�
� Awareness of the UK forestry sector.
� Knowledge of modern land management, including forestry and/or horticulture
systems.
� Experience in biosecurity assurance and plant health management in nursery�
production.
Technical

Desirable:
� Degree in a relevant subject (, Forestry, Horticulture, Agriculture) or ability to�
demonstrate equivalent level of work experience in a relevant industry.
� Excellent IT skills, including Microsoft Office 365 applications.
� Project and Change Management.
� Knowledge of plant and seed supply control measures Forest Reproductive�
Materials Regulations (FRM).