Chief Executive Officer - Victorian Forest Products Association

Background to the Victorian Forest Products Association:

The Victorian Forest Products Association (VFPA) is the peak body for the Forest and Wood Products Industry in Victoria, established in January 2021 to replace the Victorian Association of Forest Industries.

The role is full-time and will preferably be based in Melbourne. 

The role will manage all aspects of the organisation and receives strong support including back-office functions from the Australian Forest Products Association.

Background to the Victorian Forest and Wood Products Industry:

The Victorian Forest and Wood Products Industry is in a transformative and dynamic phase. Following the closure of the native timber industry there is significant interest in expanding the forest plantation base, continuing innovation in wood products processing and furthering the role of our industry in addressing climate change. 

These factors are forcing rapid change in the industry at all levels; political, industrial, social and geophysical. Wood products are being increasingly recognised as important to meet government and consumer sustainability and environmental needs as we move to decarbonise the economy.

The VFPA represents all levels of the Victorian industry from plantation growers and managers to sawmillers and other processors, exporters and paper and paperboard manufacturers. The industry currently employs around 21,000 people directly and generates around $7 billion in sales and service income annually. The industry prides itself on its sustainability and value-add credentials and is positioning itself for growth in a carbon conscious world.

Role Overview:

The Chief Executive Officer’s responsibilities include developing a long-term vision for the Victorian forest industry, implementing strategic policy and action plans under direction from the Governance Council of Victorian Forest Products Association to deliver policy outcomes for the industry in Victoria. The Chief Executive Officer will maintain an open dialogue with key external stakeholders, including politicians from all parties, policy leaders across relevant Government departments and media where appropriate to drive industry success through the implementation of these strategic policy action plans.

To be successful, the Chief Executive Officer will create, manage and advance the industry’s strategic objectives. Ultimately, an outstanding Chief Executive Officer will be an exceptional leader, who understands and has a proven record in delivering within the political and policy sphere. The Chief Executive Officer will have the experience, seniority and presence to build a strong and united voice for the full value chain of forest industries in Victoria.

The role will be directly accountable in relation to the Strategic Plan, budget expenditure, policy development and implementation to the Governance Council of VFPA. The Chief Executive Officer will report to the CEO, AFPA, for administrative matters and will be able to draw to a limited extent on the resources of AFPA to deliver the organisation’s strategic outcomes (e.g. bookkeeping, auditing). 

Previous or current experience in a forest industry aligned position is not essential, but could be beneficial.

Responsibilities: 

• Developing strong relationships with key political and government department contacts in Victoria and relevant Federal politicians and political contacts.
• Developing and maintain relationships with key external stakeholders across industry and relevant NGOs.
• Development and implementation of plantation expansion, climate and energy related policy advocacy. 
• Identifying emerging issues and working with members and broader industry to mitigate impacts and maximise outcomes for the industry.
• Reporting to the Governance Council, providing policy and political insights and strategic advice to the Council.
• Being the key contact for VFPA members and a conduit between VFPA members and the Victorian political environment. 
• Working closely with AFPA to ensure a coordinated and united industry approach to key national industry issues.
• Developing and implementing a strategic plan for the industry.
• Developing and managing the Association's business operations, budget, financial performance and the implementation of organisational initiatives.
• Building and enhancing the Association’s and the industry’s public profile at events, speaking engagements, etc.
• Organising and executing on meetings of the Governing Council and broader VFPA group including minute taking and all proper governance practices.
• Managing any staff who may be employed by VFPA.

Qualifications:

• Extensive experience in political advocacy, policy development and the machinations of government.
• Political contacts and the ability to network and develop strong relationships in the political sphere. 
• Experience in developing and implementing budgets, business plans and strategic initiatives. 
• Excellent leadership skills, able to carry the weight of the industry into the public and political sphere in Victoria. 
• Excellent public communication and presentation skills. Experienced and proven track record acting as a media spokesperson. Able to use social media tools appropriately. Able to operate as the face of the industry as required.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills to facilitate the building and maintaining of key internal and external relationships.
• Strong analytical, critical thinking, organisational and problem-solving skills together with effective judgement and capacity to make complex decisions. Proven ability to manage high-pressure situations.
• Excellent negotiation skills and the ability to operate in multiple political contexts within local, State and Federal jurisdictions. 
• Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office and relevant communication tools. 

An attractive remuneration package is available to the right candidate. 

To apply, please email human.resources@ausfpa.com.au with your CV and cover letter.