Forest Research Manager

• Leadership of tree crop research and initiatives.
• Leverage existing or emerging research and technology.
• Apply science in the field and connect with the research community.

OneFortyOne is a world-class sustainable forest grower and forest products company with a multi-regional approach to investing in and growing its business in New Zealand and Australia. Since its inception, OneFortyOne has continued to develop its asset base, including the acquisition of Nelson Forests in 2018.

OneFortyOne New Zealand is a vertically integrated plantation and mills business located within New Zealand’s second largest domestic processing region. Its plantation is around 80,000 hectares with over 60,000 productive hectares in size with a harvest more than a million cubic metres each year. This iconic forest estate has some forests that are in their fourth rotation. OFO NZ Forest is managed sustainably and responsibly, with the business being certified by the Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC-C074692) since 2009.

Current Situation
OneFortyOne – NZ is embarking on an exciting new phase of its evolution.

With the ultimate view of improving delivery of shareholder return on investment, OneFortyOne is looking to further integrate and align the NZ business with OFO more broadly, including sharing best practice approaches to all aspects of their operations.

As Forest Research Manager you will report to the Resources Manager and lead the research and development within OneFortyOne NZ.

Position Summary

The Forest Research Manager is responsible for increasing long-term shareholder investment returns by delivering on OFO’s investment strategy to improve tree crop quality and productivity in the OFO NZ estate.

If you are looking to get out from behind the desk and enjoy field work, then this could be the opportunity you have been waiting for. In this role you will use applied science in the field, in combination with research, planning and analysis.

Successful strategic outcomes will be the leadership of tree crop research and initiatives that add to long term shareholder value along with leading change to new and emerging technologies for forest management and assessment of plantation performance.

To be successful you will be accountable for estate research investments and for leading forest research and trials in the OFO NZ estate. General responsibilities include continual improvement and thought leadership in the areas of tree breeding/genetics, silviculture strategies, forest health and nutrition and alternative species options. Monitoring the performance of the existing tree crop is crucial to this role as well as being able to communicate results and outcomes to the business.

As Forest Research Manager you will provide leadership for OFO in industry hubs and research groups to evaluate and identify business improvement opportunities. This role will help position OFO NZ for long term success, leveraging existing or emerging research and technology in the service of shareholder value and business improvement.

You will have:

Energy to try new and emerging technology with the ability to communicate opportunities and risks to the business.

Be looking for a role that combined practical field work with research, development and analysis (this is not just a desk job!) Or, if you’re an experienced forest manager interested in a role focusing on tree crop improvement and new initiatives, this could be for you.

• Ability and attitude to further develop and leverage your personal network of relationships with industry peers, particularly with research groups.
• Ability to build a good rapport at all levels of the business, from the forest contractor workforce up to the executive and board level.
• Relevant science, forestry, geography, statistics tertiary degree or equivalent experience and knowledge.
• Knowledge of forest establishment, silvicultural practices, health, nutrition and assessment.
• Analytical skills and experience with using commonly used statistical and industry software (e.g. YTGen, Forecaster, R).
• Sufficient understanding of microeconomics to understand and evaluate investment returns related to various silvicultural practices and forest management strategies.

OneFortyOne offers a competitive employment package including an incentive program, company vehicle with full private use, income and life insurance, wellbeing programs and training and development opportunities.

It is important that we get the right person for this role, therefore if you are intrigued, want to find out more or are thinking about a move in the next 12 months, please get in touch for a confidential chat.

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