General Manager Softwood Plantations

• A rare opportunity to join the Executive Leadership Team
• Shape organisational strategy
• Advance sustainability and innovation

The Opportunity
Lead Australia’s largest softwoods grower as an integral member of our Executive Leadership Team, driving the success of our Softwoods Plantations Division. This position is integral to achieving sustainable objectives and delivering outstanding commercial performance on a large scale.

About Forestry Corporation of NSW
Forestry Corporation of NSW is a state-owned corporation responsible for managing more than two million hectares of state forests, including hardwood and softwood plantations. We balance sustainable timber production, which helps build around 40,000 homes a year, with conservation, cultural heritage, and community access. Our forests welcome millions of visitors each year for camping, mountain biking, bushwalking, and other recreational activities, and we maintain popular visitor precincts and facilities across the state. We work closely with Traditional Owners to protect cultural heritage and deliver projects that celebrate and preserve these values, while supporting regional economies through renewable timber production and responsible forest management.

About the Role
As a pivotal leader within our Executive Leadership Team, the General Manager Softwoods Plantations Division sets the strategic direction and operational excellence across a c.$300 million business unit, which produces around 3 million tonnes of logs per annum, managing 250 employees.

The scope of responsibilities includes seedling production, silviculture, roading, and harvesting, with the majority of these operations coordinated through established partnerships with external contracting companies. Ensuring effective customer sales and maintaining strong client relationships are also critical aspects of this role.

The role centres on developing a strong health and safety culture, building leadership skills, and supporting talent growth for an engaged, high-performing, and diverse workforce. It significantly influences organisational culture by promoting collaboration, inclusion, and performance.

While this position is primarily located in West Pennant Hills, Sydney, candidates residing in regional NSW are also eligible for consideration. The role entails substantial travel to regional softwood hubs.

Key Responsibilities

The General Manager will lead by example to promote a strong health and safety culture, ensuring policy adherence, and providing strategic leadership for a safe work environment.

Strategically, the General Manager develops and implements the division’s business plan, addressing forestry practices, environmental regulations, and market demands. They identify growth opportunities, oversee efficient forestry operations, and drive improvements in efficiency, safety, quality, and productivity. Their responsibilities also include ensuring environmental compliance, managing financial performance and risks, fostering a culture of safety and inclusion, developing a risk management framework, engaging with stakeholders, representing the organisation publicly, and maintaining community and government relationships.

The Successful Candidate

You will operate at the highest level of organisational decision-making, collaborating closely with fellow Executive Leadership Team members to shape strategy and deliver results.

You bring substantial senior leadership experience in managing large-scale operations, ideally within forestry or closely related sectors. Your career demonstrates strong commercial insight and operational expertise, consistently delivering sustained business growth and high performance. As a strategic thinker who excels at turning vision into action, you are adept at inspiring and empowering teams, cultivating high levels of engagement and collaboration. Your skill set includes exceptional commercial acumen, stakeholder management, and the ability to foster robust partnerships. Additionally, you are deeply committed to sustainability, innovation, and upholding compliance standards, ensuring the organisation thrives both commercially and responsibly.

Why Join Us?
Forestry Corporation of NSW offers a unique opportunity to lead a business that matters to the environment, the economy, and the communities we serve. You will enjoy a competitive executive package, flexible work arrangements, and the chance to make a lasting impact.

Closing Date
Applications close on: Sunday 21 December 2025

For a confidential discussion, please contact Kerry Hallam, Recruitment and Organisational Development Partner on 0417 927 155 or Kerry.Hallam@fcnsw.com.au