Senior Programme Manager (Woodland Creation)

Senior Programme Manager (Woodland Creation)

Permanent employee, Full-time · Scotland

Who Are We?

Zora Ecosystems is a leading, tech-enabled developer of high integrity nature restoration projects. We work at the intersection of applied science, land management, and emerging natural capital markets to deliver real, measurable environmental outcomes at scale.

With 35 active projects, over 100,000 hectares of contracted landholdings, and a 600,000 hectare UK pipeline, we are scaling rapidly. Our work spans peatlands, woodlands, biodiversity, and catchment restoration, supported by proprietary technology, cutting-edge analytics, and a team of industry leading practitioners. We focus on doing restoration properly — grounded in ecological integrity, robust evidence, and practical delivery, while seeking to continuously improve practice and innovate.

For more information on Zora Ecosystems, our background and our culture: https://careers.zora.eco/

The Role

As Senior Programme Manager (Woodland Creation) you will be responsible for leading the design, approval and delivery of large-scale woodland creation schemes across Scotland (FGS, UKFS and Woodland Carbon Code aligned) including Forestry Grant Scheme applications, UKFS-compliant design, and Woodland Carbon Code project development.

You will also help coordinate complementary land use and restoration projects at landholding and landscape scales, working alongside specialist leads in peatland restoration, native woodland recovery, biodiversity enhancement, and water quality and flow regulation.

As a committed professional, you will seek to apply the highest standards of ecological integrity and project quality, while remaining agile, creative and practical in your approach to working with a range of stakeholders.

We’re looking for someone who is practical, organised, and confident moving complex projects forward, with a strong commitment to ecological quality and delivery standards. The role is predominantly desk‑based, with most of the time spent on planning and analysis, complemented by mentoring your colleagues and on‑the‑ground quality check as and when needed.

What You’ll Do

• Plan and design UKFS-compliant woodland creation schemes, including site assessment, stakeholder engagement, species selection, ground preparation, deer management and long-term objectives. This includes liaising with the Scottish Forestry during approvals and overseeing contractors during establishment phase.
• Own and integrate deer management and fencing strategies
• Manage and deliver a range of multi-disciplinary projects and be the primary operational contact for each
• Develop and maintain excellent working relationships with contractors, funders, landowners, land managers and any other prospective partners
• Deliver high quality grant applications, project design documentation and ongoing monitoring and reporting for active projects
• Create and maintain project budgets and cashflow on behalf of our clients
• Ensure projects are delivered to the highest standards and in conformity with project design documentation and grant requirements
• Lead Woodland Carbon Code processes from registration to verification with on-going monitoring
• Mentor less experienced team members and facilitate knowledge sharing
• Adhere to and uphold high standards of workplace health and safety
• Define and improve Zora standards
• Assist our origination team with client meetings, proposal development, and events.
• Guide internal stakeholders on how to improve and automate processes
• Contribute to the improvement of internal models and research relating to the estimation of quantities, costs and time scales for projects

What We Are Looking For

Essential

• A love of nature and a strong commitment to help solve the climate and nature crises
• A sound knowledge of silviculture, UKFS and EIA regulations is essential
• Significant experience delivering woodland creation projects in Scotland, including Forestry Grant Scheme applications and approvals
• Proven competency in the delivery of Forestry Grant Scheme (FGS) applications and claim processes in Scotland
• Experience of practical delivery of projects, working with external stakeholders such as contractors and agencies, and management of tendering processes
• Proficiency in use of GIS mapping data and software
• Experience with Long Term Forest Plans and Deer Management Plans
• Detailed knowledge of Woodland Carbon Code procedures and standards
• Independent, proactive, methodical and data-driven approach to problem solving
• Able to manage a broad scope of work and run several projects concurrently
• Proven practical experience will be considered in place of industry qualifications
• Driver’s license and willingness to travel within Scotland
• Professional membership of the ICF or progressing towards attaining chartered status.

Nice to Have

• Background in ecology
• Business development experience is desirable
• Proficiency in use of project management tools
• Knowledge of Monitoring, Reporting and Verifications approaches
• Working knowledge of woodland creation grant schemes in England (WCPG & EWCO)
• Thought leader with a keen interest in policy and the ability to participate in industry consultations and discussions

Why Join Us?

• Help shape how corporates engage with large-scale nature restoration and natural capital in the UK.
• Work at the intersection of corporate sustainability strategy, analytics, and landscape-scale environmental projects.
• Play a central role in connecting businesses with credible, science-led nature recovery initiatives across woodland, peatland, biodiversity, and water systems.
• Competitive package including salary, bonus, stock options, healthcare, pension, and professional development.

If you’re excited about this role but don’t meet every single requirement, we still encourage you to apply. We’d love to hear from you.

What We Offer

• Mission-driven work restoring nature at scale
• We have a hybrid way of working with projects in and across Scotland, but an office in Inverness. You will be expected to travel to our sites and spend some time in the Inverness office to collaborate with the local team. There is occasional travel associated with our Town Halls at our HQ in Notting Hill once a quarter. These events are fun and a great learning opportunity.
• Competitive salary and equity
• 25 days of annual leave + bank holidays, private healthcare, and workplace pension
• £500 annual learning & development budget
• Collaborative team culture blending tech, science, and impact
• New MacBook Pro or choice of equipment

Apply now and join Zora Ecosystems on our mission to regenerate the planet.