Field Manager

• Department: Operations

• Reports to: Operations Manager

• Number of Reports: 5-7 Supervisors managing field workers

• Location: Assigned Block (field-based), with morning departure from HQ

Role Purpose

The Field Manager is responsible for all operational outcomes within their assigned block, ensuring full and accurate execution of the daily and weekly operational plans issued by the Operations Manager. This is a 100% field-based role, with the Field Manager present in their block every working day.

Field Managers are accountable for daily execution discipline, crew readiness, quality control, SOP and EHS compliance, and real-time decision‑making to maintain productivity and operational standards. When a Field Manager is absent, the most senior and capable Supervisor must act in their place for that day—with prior approval from the Operations Manager before the workday begins.

The Field Manager departs HQ early each morning to arrive onsite before workforce assembly, conducting all pre‑deployment checks and team assignments.

Key Responsibilities

A. Daily Operational Execution

• Execute the daily and weekly operational plan into clear field instructions for all Supervisors.

• Confirm team assignments, compartment locations, task targets, and quality expectations each morning at 05:30.

• Ensure no crew deploys without the full set of tools, PPE, inputs (plants, fertiliser, water), and block‑specific equipment (e.g., drums, tricycles).

• Immediately escalate any shortfall to the Operations Manager with forward‑looking notice to prevent disruptions.

B. Field Leadership & Workforce Coordination

 Conduct the daily morning toolbox talk, covering:

1. safety

2. quality expectations

3. SOP reminders

4. operational risks or changes

• Maintain visible leadership in‑field, rotating across Supervisor locations throughout the workday.

• Verify:

1. quality of completed tasks

2. accuracy of Supervisor plant‑marking

3. adherence to SOPs, workday start times, and crew-size limits

• Enforce strict use of tools such as measuring sticks and any other items required by SOP.

C. Operational Quality Control

• Conduct real-time quality checks on planting, spacing, pit preparation, line integrity, weeding, chemical application, and other block-level activities.

• Halt operations immediately where:

1. SOPs are breached

2. safety is compromised

3. quality standards are not being met

• Ensure corrective action is implemented before work resumes.

D. Productivity Monitoring

• Conduct time-and-motion studies every two months to validate that productivity benchmarks reflect real field conditions.

• Recommend adjustments in crew size, task allocation, or work sequencing where needed.

F. Reporting & Data Accuracy

• Prepare and submit the daily block operational summary to the Operations Manager before end-of-day. This includes confirming submitted supervisor data.

• Support accurate compartment-level data through:

1. survival checks

2. weed assessments

3. updated block records

• Ensure all field documentation (EHS, toolbox talks, equipment checks) is completed correctly and stored as required.

G. EHS & Fire Management Responsibilities

• Ensure all workers use correct PPE and comply with EHS procedures.

• Conduct site risk assessments for new or high-risk operational areas.

• Participate in:

• fire season preparation

• fire protection activities

• fire standby duties

• Ensure proper reporting and documentation of any fire events.

 Key Competencies

Technical Competencies

• Strong understanding of plantation operations and silviculture activities

• Hands‑on workforce supervision and daily task coordination

• Quality assurance and SOP enforcement

• Basic digital competency for reporting and data capture

• Understanding of herbicide use (FSC‑compliant) and safe application standards

Leadership & Behavioural

• High discipline and accountability

• Strong communication and instruction-giving skills

• Fair but firm approach to operational control

• Ability to mentor Supervisors and reinforce structured field management

• Problem-solving and rapid decision-making in dynamic field conditions

• Integrity, resilience, diligence, and proactive behaviour

Qualifications & Experience

Minimum Requirements

• Diploma or Degree in Forestry, Agriculture, Natural Resources, or related field

• 5–10 years hands-on operational experience in commercial forestry or plantation agriculture

• Demonstrated experience supervising labour teams in-field

• Experience in:

1. Fire protection and suppression

2. Herbicide application (advantage)

3. General silviculture operations

• Basic computer literacy

• Required Training (or willingness to obtain):

1. Health & Safety

2. Fire Protection & Suppression

3. Herbicide Handling

4. Brushcutter (advantage)

 Working Conditions

• Fully field-based role; daily early travel from HQ to block

• Outdoor work in varied terrain and weather

• Fire standby responsibilities during fire season

• Occasional extended hours depending on operational demands