Divisional Planning Manager

Divisional Planning Manager - KwaZulu Natal At Sappi, we are a leading global provider with a reputation for delivering high-quality sustainable woodfibre products and solutions for the global markets. We lead through our values centred around integrity, courage, making smart decisions which we execute with speed. We are seeking unique people who believe in fostering a diverse and inclusive environment. Description We’re on the lookout for a Divisional Planning Manager to lead and manage the divisional planning function for Sappi's forestry operations, ensuring the development and implementation of strategic and tactical plans for a sustainable and cost-effective fibre supply to Sappi's mills. This role is central to balancing the long‑term health of the forest with the immediate and future demands of the business and to develop and maintain planning systems used to manage the timber resource for Sappi forests that will provide sound information for decision making. Responsibilities Oversee the development, integrity and maintenance of the forestry planning software used by Sappi Forests. Prescribe data capture procedures to maintain standards, conduct quality control of the data as it applies to growing stock, and monitor and adjust processes to accurately estimate future growth. Adhere to best practices and ensure output data is audited, comparing actual and planned results and performing reasonable checks on the system’s outputs. Lead the development and execution of long‑term strategic plans for the forestry division, drawing up a 20‑year timber supply plan using data that resides in the planning system. Develop and simulate harvest scheduling processes (HSS) as required. Ensure tactical plans (first 3 to 5 years) tie back to the 20‑year plan through an iterative process between end users, regional planners and operational staff. Conduct ad‑hoc exercises to quantify available volume and products for specific projects. Facilitate timber sourcing meetings between stakeholders, matching supply and demand from own resources and project Khulisa suppliers. Extract standing ton information for Sappi RSA used in plantation fair value calculations. Manage the effects of various forms of damage on plantation growing stock, quantify volume loss, and prepare motivation for adjustments that will be scrutinized by external auditors. Supervise a mensurationist and database administrator, ensuring a clear understanding of mensuration and how the PSP (permanent sample plot) program provides data required for growth modelling. Compile and manage the departmental budget, ensuring costs are well‑managed and contained. Draw up budgets and control expenditure. Oversee the gathering of information through enumeration, field surveys and GPS work to ensure accurate data for planning; manage and develop contractors responsible for enumeration and GPS work. Provide input for financial forecasting and analysis related to forestry operations. Lead, mentor and develop the planning team, fostering a culture of high performance and continuous improvement. Report progress on key statistics (e.g., areas, species, harvested and planted areas) to management and operational teams. Qualifications Degree or diploma in Forestry or a related science qualification. 8 years minimum experience in the forest or related industry with at least 2 years in forestry planning. Strong computer literacy with in‑depth working knowledge of MS Office. Understanding of forest growth and yield modelling and measurement is advantageous. Working knowledge of MicroForest and LiDAR technologies is advantageous. What’s in it for you? Opportunity to work within a global organisation that continues to thrive in a rapidly changing world even after 80 years of existence. Learning and development programmes to fast‑track your career within Sappi. Opportunities to travel (dependent on the role). Market‑leading leave benefits. Employee wellbeing benefits. Seniority Level Mid‑Senior level Employment Type Full‑time Job Function Management and Manufacturing Industries Paper and Forest Product Manufacturing #J-18808-Ljbffr