Head: Timber Operations

In brief

**Overview** This role at TWK Agri is for a Head of Timber Operations. The position requires providing strategic and operational leadership across all aspects of the company's timber operations, including forestry, timber processing, manufacturing, and related activities. The successful candidate will be responsible for driving operational performance, profitability, timber supply optimisation, SHEQ compliance, stakeholder engagement, and continuous improvement across the entire value chain to ensure sustainable growth, operational excellence, and long-term value creation within the timber business. **What you will do** * Provide strategic and operational leadership across forestry, harvesting, timber processing, manufacturing and related timber operations * Develop and implement operational strategies aligned to divisional and organisational objectives * Drive operational efficiency, productivity, profitability and sustainable business growth across the timber value chain * Oversee timber supply planning to ensure sustainable and uninterrupted supply to processing operations * Lead the integration and optimisation of forestry and manufacturing operations to maximise operational performance * Monitor and improve production volumes, timber recovery and yield, product quality, unit costs and asset utilisation across the relevant operations * Manage operational budgets, capital expenditure programmes and resource allocation across operations * Drive operational improvement, cost optimisation and asset reliability, including preventative maintenance planning and the reduction of unplanned downtime * Ensure compliance with all SHEQ, environmental, legal and certification requirements * Oversee operational risk management and business continuity planning, including mitigation of timber supply disruptions, fire risks, equipment failures and logistics interruptions * Lead, mentor and develop senior management teams to foster a high-performance culture * Build and maintain relationships with suppliers, customers, contractors, regulators and industry stakeholders * Drive continuous improvement, innovation and sustainability initiatives across operations * Participate in strategic planning and business development initiatives for the Timber Division * Prepare and present operational, financial and strategic reports to executive leadership * Represent the company in industry forums, professional associations and stakeholder engagements **Requirements (from the original advert)** * Matric / Grade 12 * Relevant Degree in Forestry, Wood Science, Engineering, Agriculture, Operations Management, Business Management, or a related field * Postgraduate qualification in Business Management, Forestry, Engineering, Operations, or a related discipline advantageous * Minimum 10 years' experience within forestry, timber manufacturing, timber processing, or related operational environments * Minimum eight years’ experience in senior operational leadership, with demonstrated responsibility for multi-site operations, financial performance and management teams * Proven experience managing multi-site operations and large operational teams * Strong knowledge of forestry operations, timber supply management, manufacturing processes, and operational planning * Demonstrated experience in financial management, budgeting, cost control, and business performance management * Sound knowledge of SHEQ, environmental, risk, and compliance requirements applicable to forestry and manufacturing operations * Knowledge of relevant forestry certification, timber traceability and chain-of-custody requirements applicable to the operations * Experience in strategic planning, change management, and business improvement initiatives * Strong commercial acumen and the ability to translate operational performance into business results * Excellent leadership, stakeholder engagement, and relationship management skills * Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities * Proficient in Microsoft Office, with experience using ERP systems, operational reporting and data analysis to improve business performance * Willingness to travel extensively between operational sites **Who should apply** This role is suitable for a highly experienced and strategic operational leader with a strong background in timber, forestry, or manufacturing environments. The ideal candidate will possess a relevant degree, with a postgraduate qualification being advantageous, and have extensive senior leadership experience, particularly in managing multi-site operations and large teams, coupled with robust financial management skills. They should demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of forestry and manufacturing processes, SHEQ compliance, and relevant industry certifications. A candidate with strong commercial acumen, excellent leadership, analytical, and stakeholder engagement skills, who is proficient in technology and willing to travel extensively, would be well-suited. **Deadline** 23rd October, 2026 **Reference** Original posting: https://www.myjobmag.co.za/job/head-timber-operations-twk-agri Source: myjobmag

Summary drafted with AI assistance from the original advert. The advert itself is the authority — how we use AI.

At a glance

• At least 10 years of experience.

• Microsoft Office
• Health and safety (OHS)

Extracted automatically from the advert; confirm requirements on the original listing.

Job description

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