Management Forester - Resources Underberg (HRL 15U) at Sappi

Sappi Southern Africa Forestry requires a Management Forester - Resources to manage timber supply agreements with individual timber growers, forestry companies, co-operatives and communities to create sustainable forestry enterprises for the supply of fibre into Sappi markets. 

This role reports to the Resources Manager - KZN

The main responsibilities of this job are:

• Manage the management associated program (MAP), timber supply and related agreements with private and individual growers, forestry companies, co-operatives and community schemes in line with the contract projects database and related contract information to ensure sustainable timber supply into Sappi mills
• Advise growers on technical forestry matters including re-establishment, silviculture, environment, mapping, harvesting and transport in order to maximize the yields from the grower’s property
• Procure the additional timber requirement to Sappi markets in the form of both long and short-term agreements to align supplies with mill demands through supply chain analysis focusing on legality, traceability and certification
• Ensure the growers on the Sappi Group Scheme manage their timber properties according to the principles of the Forestry certification bodies to promote sustainable use and management of forests
• Facilitate internal and external audits with the Group Scheme Manager to ensure compliance
• Stay abreast with timber prices and forestry intelligence in the area of responsibility by following trends to be a market of choice
• Maintain and enhance Sappi’s image in the area to increase Sappi’s footprint in terms of increased timber supply
• Ensure that contracted volumes of timber as listed in the timber supply agreements is supplied to the Sappi markets when required
• Manage the supply of suitable seedlings for the replanting of the timber to be delivered to Sappi as per agreement, including costs and tray returns to minimise losses
• Ensure timber payments on deliveries to the various Sappi mills are accurate and approved on a monthly basis for on time payments
• Manage loan advancements and recovery processes to ensure financial integrity and accountability of project budget and to promote self sufficiency
• Ensure strong working relationships are built through continuous visitation and technical advice to promote Sappi as a market and/or supplier of choice
• Co-ordinate with all stakeholders to ensure smooth implementation of all forestry projects, components and activities to create co-operation and synergy between Sappi departments
• Ensure that the procurement and extension budget is in line with the plan and is captured correctly on the monthly report
• Understand the KZN Forestry Resources budgets and provide input on the procurement of timber and related extension services
• Manage variable and fixed budget costs and report on financial performance of the area of responsibility
• Work with Timber Control TCS staff on project activities budget by monitoring and reporting variances
• Ensure that the following month’ sales plan is compiled, confirmed and submitted through to the Materials Controller to warrant timeous capturing and communication to the suppliers and hauliers
• Ensure that daily woodyard stocks, rail report, mill performance and turn around times (TAT) reports are communicated to suppliers to proactively align deliveries with agreed order
• Prepare monthly progress reports to monitor all technical, financial and administration aspects made available to the project to ensure reporting requirements as per the contract are met  
• Ensure compliance to all SHEQ policies, procedures, best practices and work instructions by suppliers through Stop and Think Before You Act (STBA)
• Educate suppliers on the KZN Mills’ requirements and monitor adherence to standards, policies and procedures
• Assist safety and risk managers with related incident and accident investigations

The ideal candidate should have:

• National Diploma in Forestry or related qualification
• A Logistics and or Transport Management qualification will be advantageous
• At least 3 years’ relevant experience 

Closing Date: 29 January 2020