Certification Manager Forestry (Maternity Cover)
Soil Association
Location: Bristol with hybrid working (40% office based) with significant travel both in the UK and possibly overseas
Contract: Fixed Term 12 Months (Maternity Cover)
Interviews will take place on the 6th and 7th October 2026
About our Organisation
Soil Association Certification Ltd exists to accelerate the just transition across food, farming and land use, as a global leader in sustainability certification. We deliver trusted solutions with nature, for people and planet through the certification of high integrity holistic standards. These assurance schemes cover a wide range of sectors including food, forestry, farming, landscape restoration carbon markets, beauty and wellbeing, textiles and catering.
We are recognised and trusted by consumers and businesses around the world, operating in over 60 countries delivering FSC and PEFC certification, and you will also find the Soil Association organic symbol on over 70% of organic products in the UK.
About the Opportunity
The Forestry team is responsible for FSC and PEFC certification activities in over 60 countries for both Forest Management and Chain of Custody. We are a friendly tight-knit team who help each other out and often work across several portfolios. This means there are loads of challenges, rewards and opportunities. Most of the work is office based, with some UK and international travel. We are seeking an individual with experience in certification to manage and promote FSC and PEFC certification according to the relevant accreditation requirements for each scheme in collaboration with the portfolio team.
About You
- You will be educated to degree level or equivalent ideally in Forestry, Wood Science, Ecology, Environment or a related discipline with significant experience in certification management, customer/client relationship management, and team leadership.
- You will have knowledge and/or practical experience in the forestry and/or wood processing industry.
- An understanding of the principles of FSC and/or PEFC certification and being a qualified FSC / PEFC COC or FM auditor with ISO 19011 is essential.
- You will have fluency in English.
Our Benefits
We offer a range of financial and lifestyle benefits to all our employees, including:
- 27 days annual holiday increasing to 30 days with length of service plus bank holidays (pro rata for part time)
- Pension scheme with ethical investment options and employer contribution increasing with length of service
- Free membership of the Soil Association and discounts on organic produce
- Volunteer days to give back to the local community or support green initiatives
- Family friendly policies and flexible working
- Cycle to work scheme
- Sociable and engaging workplace of professionals that share a passion for healthy, sustainable lifestyle and produce
About Soil Association
The Soil Association is a charity working with everyone to transform the way we eat, farm, and care for our natural world.
We build real solutions from the ground up. For the last 75 years, we've worked with citizens,
farmers, policy makers and businesses, supporting them to explore the vital relationship
between the health of soil, plants, animals and people. Because the only way to solve the
issues we face is to understand that they are all connected - and that food, farming and
forestry are a vital part of the solution.
The Soil Association is a charity working with everyone to transform the way we eat, farm, and care for our natural world. We build real solutions from the ground up. For the last 75 years, we've worked with citizens, farmers, policy makers and businesses, supporting them to explore the vital relationship between the health of soil, plants, animals and people. Because the only way to solve the issues we face is to understand that they are all connected - and that food, farming and forestry are a vital part of the solution.
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