Gibbons Forestry forms an integral part of the Gibbons Group, a long-established, family-owned organisation with deep roots in the Nelson–Tasman region and a broader portfolio spanning property development and investment. As one of the Group’s core operational divisions, Gibbons Forestry manages more than 4,000 hectares across multiple regions and is dedicated to safe, sustainable and high quality forest management. They are now seeking an experienced Forest Operations Manager to co-ordinate best practice operations across the full forestry lifecycle.
What you’ll be doing
- Planning and delivering annual and long-term forestry programmes.
- Overseeing silviculture, forest health, pest/disease control, and stand record accuracy.
- Leading harvest planning, production forecasting and daily operational oversight.
- Managing contractor performance, commercial agreements and operational standards.
- Building strong relationships with domestic and export log customers.
- Championing health, safety and environmental compliance across all forestry operations.
- Maintaining fire plans, emergency response readiness and forest infrastructure.
- Preparing budgets, operational reports and monthly performance updates.
What you’ll bring
- A tertiary qualification in Forestry (preferred) or equivalent operational experience.
- Proven experience across silviculture, harvesting, planning and contractor management.
- Understanding of NZ forestry regulations, NES CF and consent processes.
- Experience with GIS, stand record systems and operational reporting.
- A collaborative leadership style with the ability to influence contractors and stakeholders.
- Practical, solutions focused approach with calmness and resilience under pressure.
Why join Gibbons?
Gibbons offers a competitive remuneration package including vehicle, multiple insurance benefits and performance incentives. You will be joining a stable, values driven organisation with strong regional roots and a genuine long term outlook. This role offers autonomy, variety and the opportunity to make a real impact on the future success and sustainable performance of Gibbons’ forestry assets.
If you are an experienced forestry professional looking for a senior operational role with purpose and scope, we would love to hear from you.
To view the job description, click here
Applications close on 18 March 2026.
For further enquiries, please contact Odette Shearer on 021 270 8657 odette.shearer@brannigans.co.nz or Emily Bissett 027 228 5999 emily.bissett@brannigans.co.nz