Planning Manager

We are seeking a well-motivated and organised individual with skills and experience related to business analysis, project management, strategic development, and a passion for the protection of trees, woodlands and forests from pests and diseases. The Forestry Commission (FC) are the Government's forestry experts. We work nationally and locally on unlocking the full potential of woodlands and the forestry sector to expand, protect, improve, and connect England's valuable woodland assets. The Plant Health Forestry team (PHF) is a high performing geographically distributed team with staff responsible for delivery across GB. The purpose of this role is to manage a consistent approach to the collation and assessment of Plant Health Forestry projects and research. The need for preparedness is a core driver for this post which is intended to evaluate processes and monitor and develop ways of working. This will include supporting a communication plan, assisting the Contracts Manager to plan operational contingencies, coordinating team health and safety, and managing the implementation of technical developments for the team. The Planning Manager will have the following responsibilities: Technical Development

• Oversee strategic delivery of Plant Health Forestry technical development activities as directed by Senior Managers
• Set-up and chair working groups and workshops for the development of new projects, processes, and plans
• Ensure projects are delivered on time, to budget, and within scope
• Deliver change to team processes which may be directed by wider FC or Defra initiatives
• Develop a plant pest and pathogen outbreak management process to ensure our regulatory and legislative requirements can continue to be met and communicated in the event of an outbreak
• Lead on technical projects working closely with the Knowledge and Information Management and Strategy and Transformation teams to align FC processes and technological developments as necessary
• Communicate project updates to the whole team. Identify areas requiring increased resource and work with Senior Managers to allocate opportunities for staff development or propose a need for Contractor support or new post development
Research
• Provide support for ongoing plant health research which may be in collaboration with various partners such as Forest Research, the Food and Environment Research Agency, local authorities, and the Animal and Plant Health Agency
• Keep up to date with relevant policy, strategy, and research developments. Share new research developments with the PHF team and stakeholders
Communications & Representation
• Represent the FC at Defra-led meetings to share developments and progress contingency plans
• Assisting the Biosecurity and Awareness Manager and FC and Defra Comms teams to plan communications projects using project management approach
• Proof-read, 'plain-English' and otherwise quality assure publications from a presentational viewpoint
• Draft communications plans and alerts to stakeholders as requested
Leadership
• Convey enthusiasm for the implementation of new processes or systems
• Promote the work and successes of the Plant Health Forestry team and wider FC
• Represent the Plant Health Forestry team at cross-Agency meetings and groups
• Line manage staff and facilitate their involvement in work across all branches of the team using sound evaluation of resource and prioritisation
• Advocate positive change
• Co-ordinate Health and Safety requirements
• Produce guidance documents as needed using standard templates and ensuring parity with wider FC Policy and Processes and in line with strategic, legislative or regulatory requirements