Forest Research Project Manager

At Forest and Wood Products Australia, we invest in research, development and industry programs that strengthen the future of Australia’s forest and wood products sector.

Our work spans sustainable forest growing, wood product innovation, education, manufacturing and building systems to help industry deliver practical, commercially relevant and sustainable outcomes across the value chain.

We are passionate about creating meaningful impact for industry, communities and the environment through collaboration, innovation and evidence-based decision making. Our values of integrity, excellence, teamwork, respect, inclusivity and safety underpin the way we work together and support our stakeholders.

The Forest Research Project Manager plays an important role in supporting the delivery of high-quality research investments across FWPA’s Forest Grower Research portfolio.

Working closely with the Head of Forest Research, the role helps translate research investments into well-governed, timely and industry-relevant outcomes through strong project coordination, stakeholder engagement and operational support.

The position supports the end-to-end management of research investments including procurement, contract administration, milestone tracking, governance coordination, financial monitoring, reporting and publication activities.

Responsibilities

Support the delivery of high-impact forest research investments by coordinating project establishment, contracts, reporting, governance processes and stakeholder engagement activities to ensure projects remain on track, compliant and outcome focused.

Coordinate research procurement and proposal assessment activities, supporting timely and well-managed investment decisions aligned to industry priorities and strategic objectives.

Apply disciplined project coordination and governance practices across the research portfolio, including milestone tracking, financial acquittals, forecasting, reporting and documentation management to support quality delivery and accountability.

Coordinate the review, approval and publication of research outputs, ensuring quality assurance, peer review and publication requirements are effectively managed across the project lifecycle.

Collaborate across the organisation to support communication and engagement activities, providing technical and program information to assist stakeholder updates, publications, webinars, events and industry communications.

Build and maintain effective working relationships with research providers, members, industry stakeholders and delivery partners through responsive, professional and service oriented communication.

Contribute to continuous improvement across the research portfolio by supporting monitoring, evaluation, reporting and knowledge-sharing activities that strengthen industry outcomes and organisational capability.

Experience and Capability

Demonstrated experience in research, program or project management, ideally within the forest and wood products sector, agriculture, natural resources or a related field.

Strong organisational and coordination capability, with the ability to manage multiple priorities, maintain quality documentation and support complex project activities within agreed timeframes.

Strong stakeholder engagement and communication skills, with the ability to build effective working relationships across industry, research, government and internal teams.

High attention to detail with demonstrated capability in quality review, governance coordination and maintaining accurate records and reporting.

Demonstrated initiative, professionalism and sound judgement, with the ability to work collaboratively while taking ownership of outcomes and continuous improvement opportunities.

Strong Microsoft Word and Excel skills.
Australian work rights and a valid driver’s licence.

Why Work With Us

A small, stable and values-driven organisational environment.
Hybrid and flexible working environment
Opportunity to contribute to nationally significant research and industry outcomes
Exposure to leading research, innovation and sustainability initiatives across the forest and wood products sector
Ongoing professional growth and development opportunities

A purpose-led organisation committed to positive environmental, social and industry impact
FWPA is an inclusive workplace and equal opportunity employer. We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people from culturally diverse backgrounds and identities, people who identify as LGBTIQ+, and people with a lived experience of disability.

How To Apply

Please apply via the link with your resume and cover letter.

We recognise that sometimes it helps to have a conversation first, so you are also welcome to contact Renee at The People Paradox via adm••@thepeopleparadox.com to discuss the opportunity further.

Employer questions
Your application will include the following questions:

Which of the following statements best describes your right to work in Australia?

How many years’ experience do you have as a Research Project Manager?

How many years’ experience do you have as a Stakeholder Engagement Liaison?