Program Manager - Forestry (Australia & New Zealand)

About the Position

Program Manager - Forestry (Australia & New Zealand)

Clayton, VIC, Australia

SGS Australia is a leading provider of Testing, Inspection, and Certification services, supporting multiple industries across the country with trusted expertise and technical excellence. Backed by SGS’s global legacy of over 140 years, we operate one of the largest networks of accredited laboratories and field facilities in Australia, with a network of more than 50 offices and laboratories and over 1,600 employees across Australia. We are accredited by NATA and ISO 9001, ensuring our services meet both Australian and international standards.

About the Role

As the Program Manager Forestry, you will lead SGS's forestry certification programs across Australia and New Zealand, driving program delivery, technical excellence, and business growth across a diverse portfolio. You will play a key role in the development and deployment of forestry services, providing sales support, training, project review, and auditing services across programs including Forest Management, FSC CoC, PEFC, RSPO, and EUDR. Working closely with clients, auditors, and internal stakeholders, you will ensure program integrity, maintain compliance requirements, and support the continued success and growth of SGS's forestry certification services.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the Forestry team, driving program performance, development initiatives, and alignment with business objectives.
• Manage the delivery and ongoing compliance of forestry certification and audit programs, including certification and second-party audits.
• Support business growth through the development of new certification programs, service offerings, and customer opportunities.
• Collaborate with Sales, Business Development, and Key Account teams to support customer engagement and commercial outcomes.
• Ensure operational excellence through effective audit review and approval, record management, reporting, and customer support.
• Design and deliver training to maintain team competency and support program requirements.
• Monitor program performance, track KPIs, and contribute to strategic planning and continuous improvement activities.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, industry stakeholders, and internal teams.
• Maintain competency as a File Reviewer and Certification Decision Maker in line with program requirements.
• Promote a culture of integrity, professionalism, quality, and compliance in accordance with SGS policies and standards.

Requirements

• Experience leading teams and building strong customer and stakeholder relationships.
• Experience in auditing, certification, compliance, or a related industry.
• Strong communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• A customer-focused and commercially minded approach.
• Confidence using computer systems, databases, and reporting tools.
• Tertiary qualifications or equivalent relevant training.
• Forestry Trainer/Auditor technical qualifications and Lead Auditor recognition.
• A current valid driver's license.

We Offer

• Flexible work arrangements
• Sustainability embedded in our culture and business practices
• Paid parental leave
• Paid time for volunteering and blood donations
• Corporate health & wellbeing offers
• Ongoing learning & development
• Career development opportunities (Nationally and Globally)
• SGS Rewards: Employee benefits platform with access to retail and online discounts and cashback

About the Company

SGS Australia supports a diverse workforce, encouraging applications from people of all ages, nationalities, abilities, and cultures – including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, the LGBTQI+ community, and people living with disability. Providing employment opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people is an important part of our SGS Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP). We truly believe the diversity among us will continue to foster a strong, innovative, and forward-thinking workplace.

SGS Australia acknowledges and pays respect to the past, present, and future Traditional Custodians and Elders of this nation and the continuation of cultural, spiritual, and educational practices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.