Job Description
The Opportunity The Region Manager is responsible for all Manulife Forest Management (MFM) operations on approximately 270,000 acres of client-owned properties located in Northeast Oregon. The role reports to the Chief Operating Officer of Western Operations and is a key member of the Western Operations Leadership Team. A variety of investors own the properties managed by MFM. The Region Manager has a primary responsibility of ensuring client returns meet or exceed industry benchmarks while ensuring the region operates safely and exhibits outstanding corporate and environmental stewardship in the local communities. This position is responsible for all senior level operations assignments including silviculture, harvesting, marketing, merchandising, transportation systems, land use, stakeholder interactions and fiduciary oversight for MIMTA (Manulife Investment Management Timberland & Agriculture) timberland investments within the Northeast Oregon Region. These tasks will be performed in a team environment involving MFM and MIMTA personnel. Scope of the role: Responsible for 35 to 50 mmbf (~235,000-335,000 tons) annual harvest and silviculture budget across 270,000 acres of high-quality timberland owned by several clients. Ensure the silviculture operations and investments meet or exceed expectations. Manage all operations to attain environmental stewardship objectives and maintain Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) certification standards. Lead timber harvesting operations to include safety, stewardship, harvest administration, log and hauling price negotiations or bidding, timber marketing, inventory, and contractor relations. Lead MFM and property level budget development and management. Provide quarterly updates to budgets and report variances. Provide leadership for cost management efforts, achieve return expectations, and understand discounted cash flow analysis. Develop and maintain a strong relationship with team members involved with client management, acquisitions, dispositions, business development, and financial accounting functions. Develop and maintain relationships with regulatory agencies, local elected officials, and concerned stakeholders. Service the information and communication needs of the region and coordinate with MFM leadership and other MFM/MIMTA teams. Lead areas of employee, client, community, regulatory and industry relations; communications; employee safety; and real estate transactions. Assist with property dispositions and acquisitions. Promote staff development and engagement for retention and employee satisfaction. Supervise timber security procedures and loss prevention. Maintain preferred supplier status by meeting log delivery and specie targets and lead negotiations on wood supply agreements. Knowledgeable of Sustainable Forestry Initiative (‘SFI’) objectives and standards. Knowledgeable in all areas of asset management. Position Responsibilities: Manage three direct reports and several (2-3) indirect reports. Build core competencies of the team. Annual harvest budget preparation and plan execution. Oversee delivered log sale program including negotiation and revisions to wood supply agreements (WSAs) and tracking of WSA delivery commitments. Participate in appropriate regional and state-wide industry associations and committees. Manage properties that have debt to ensure compliance with applicable debt covenants. Manage REIT and UBTI sensitive properties for REIT compliant income and tax penalty avoidance. Identify strategic initiatives to enhance client returns through superior market knowledge, development and execution of other non-timber revenue streams such as fee-based recreation programs, grazing licenses, communication sites, wind energy projects, and others. Execute, administer, and leverage contracts for harvesting, merchandising, marketing, and sales. Balance fiduciary aspects of managing multiple client investments to achieve client equitability. Operational and financial forecasting of wood flows and associated revenues and expenses. Update inventory and mapping systems to reflect operational plans and results. Lead role in meeting “on the ground” SFI certification standards, stewardship goals, and corporate policy compliance. Gather and analyze market intelligence information. Uphold highest fiduciary standards to all clients of MFM and MIMTA. Represent MFM in a professional manner on all committees, boards, etc. Accomplish special projects as needed and assigned. Review easement or other neighbor access requests Required Qualifications: