Are you an experienced forestry certification professional with a CCAA qualification, strong client relationship skills, and the ambition to lead a team and grow a market? Do you want to work at the intersection of technical auditing, business development, and team leadership in one of the world’s most important forestry markets? If so, this role is designed for you.
What you can expect:
Preferred by Nature is looking for a Forestry Manager to lead our certification team and services in China. This is a senior, outward-facing role that combines hands-on FSC and PEFC auditing with team leadership and active market engagement. You will be responsible for growing and strengthening our client portfolio in China, serving as a trusted face of Preferred by Nature in the Chinese market, and leading a close-knit regional team to deliver high-quality certification services. The role is structured across three core areas: auditing (50%), team management (30%), and external representation and business development (20%).
Working with us is never routine, so in your first year you can expect the following areas to be central to your work.
Plan, conduct, and administer FSC and PEFC certification audits for clients across China and the wider East Asia region as a qualified CCAA auditor.
Lead and develop the China certification team, including workload planning, performance monitoring, regular one-on-ones, and fostering a collaborative team culture.
Act as a primary client-facing contact, building trusted long-term relationships with existing clients and engaging professionally with prospective clients.
Actively support business development and market growth in China, including identifying new opportunities, contributing to proposals, and representing PbN at client meetings and industry events.
Contribute to strengthening Preferred by Nature’s reputation and brand positioning as a trusted partner and market leader in sustainable forestry certification in China.
Ensure quality, efficiency, and adherence to PbN’s technical and administrative certification protocols across all team deliverables.
Your first year with us:
Within three months, you will:
Develop a thorough understanding of PbN’s certification services, China client portfolio, and team structure.
Assume line management responsibilities and begin conducting independent FSC and PEFC audits within your existing qualification scope.
Build strong working relationships with your team, the Senior Forestry Manager, and key client contacts in China.
Within six months, you will:
Operate with full autonomy across audit delivery, client management, and team leadership responsibilities.
Establish a clear team rhythm for workload distribution, performance monitoring, and quality oversight.
Actively engage with prospective clients and contribute to business development efforts, including proposals and market outreach.
Within twelve months, you will:
Complete the first full annual performance and development review cycle for your direct reports.
Take a leading role in growing PbN’s client portfolio and certification services in China.
Contribute to regional strategy and organisational initiatives, drawing on your market knowledge and client relationships.
Important that you:
Hold a degree in forestry, environmental sciences, natural resource management, or a related field.
Are registered as a CFCC auditor under CCAA as a qualified Product Certification Auditor and are approved to conduct independent audits.
Have solid experience with FSC and/or PEFC certification, auditing, or assurance services.
Have proven client-facing experience, with the ability to build trusted relationships and represent an organisation professionally.
Have experience leading, coordinating, or mentoring a team and managing delivery against goals and deadlines.
Bring demonstrated interest or experience in business development, market engagement, or growing a client portfolio.
Are a confident communicator with strong commercial awareness and high professional credibility.
Are fluent in Mandarin Chinese and English, both spoken and written.
Are willing to travel within China and across East Asia as a regular part of the role.
Are strongly aligned with Preferred by Nature’s mission and values.
Would also be great, but not necessary, if you:
Have experience with FSC Forest Management auditing in addition to CoC.
Speak Japanese or Korean, in addition to Mandarin and English.
Have experience working within an international or cross-cultural organisation.
If this sounds like you, we would love to hear from you!
What Sets Us Apart:
Global work culture
High degree of flexibility - remote work, work from home.
An in-depth onboarding and professional training that prepares you with the right skills and knowledge to thrive in this role.
Excellent opportunities for growth and professional development
Potential future international travel opportunities
A friendly, international team of colleagues, with a pleasant work environment
Start with 20 days of vacation leave per year
Preferred by Nature
Preferred by Nature is a non-profit, mission driven organisation that works for sustainable land management and climate-friendly solutions. With 350+ employees and a network of local experts, we develop practical solutions to drive positive impacts in production landscapes and supply chains in 100+ countries. We focus on forest and climate impact commodities and related sectors.
How to apply:
If you feel you meet the requirements of the role, please submit your application, including salary expectations, via the application form below.
Application pre-screening will be conducted during the application period. Preferred by Nature wishes our staff to reflect the diversity of society and thus welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background.
