Chief Finance Officer

Forestry England is the nation’s largest land manager, caring for more than 1,500 forests across England comprising over 254,000 hectares of public land. From iconic forests to community woodlands, we connect millions of people with nature while delivering environmental, social and economic value for future generations. With an annual turnover of around £200 million, approximately 1,250 staff and 1,900 volunteers, we are a complex, commercially orientated public body with ambitious plans for growth and innovation. We are driving the delivery of our Growing the Future to 2031 strategy, creating a resilient and thriving estate fit for the next century.

We are now seeking a Chief Financial Officer to join our Board and Executive Team. Reporting directly to the Chief Executive, this is a broad and influential leadership role, combining strategic financial stewardship with responsibility for shaping organisational performance, commercial growth and long-term sustainability. You will be a trusted adviser to the Chief Executive and Board, helping to guide investment decisions, drive value for money, strengthen commercial capability and ensure Forestry England remains financially resilient in an increasingly complex operating environment.

Key responsibilities include:

• Providing strategic leadership for financial planning, investment appraisal, performance management and long-term financial sustainability.
• Acting as a key strategic partner to the Chief Executive and Executive Team, supporting organisational growth, transformation and continuous improvement.
• Ensuring the highest standards of financial governance, accountability, control and compliance across the organisation.
• Driving commercial performance and value creation through effective financial insight, investment planning and decision support.
• Leading high-performing multidisciplinary teams across finance, commercial and wider corporate services functions.
• Building strong relationships across Forestry England, the wider Forestry Commission family and external stakeholders to support innovation, funding opportunities and organisational success.
• Playing a central role in corporate services transformation and systems improvement programmes.

We’re looking for an experienced and values-led executive who combines strong financial and business expertise with a collaborative leadership style. You will be a qualified accountant with a track record of operating at senior leadership level, developing successful teams and influencing organisational strategy. You will bring commercial insight, strategic judgement and the ability to lead through change. Most importantly, you will share our ambition to create lasting value for people, nature and future generations.

This is a rare opportunity to join one of England’s most distinctive organisations at an important point in its development. If you are excited by the prospect of combining strategic financial leadership with environmental and social impact at scale, we would be delighted to hear from you.

Applications should be submitted via CV and supporting statement. Closing Date for applications will be 11pm on Wednesday 14th October.