Soil Association
Certification Manager Forestry (Maternity Cover)

How your CV stacks up
Upload your CV to see how well it fits this job role
?%
Location: Bristol with hybrid working (40% office based) with significant travel both in the UK and possibly overseas
Salary: £39,873 to £42,558 per annum
Hours: Full-time
Contract: Fixed Term 12 Months (Maternity Cover)
Interviews will take place on the 6th and 7th October 2026
About our Organisation
Soil Association Certification Ltd exists to accelerate the just transition across food, farming and land use, as a global leader in sustainability certification. We deliver trusted solutions with nature, for people and planet through the certification of high integrity holistic standards. These assurance schemes cover a wide range of sectors including food, forestry, farming, landscape restoration carbon markets, beauty and wellbeing, textiles and catering.
We are recognised and trusted by consumers and businesses around the world, operating in over 60 countries delivering FSC and PEFC certification, and you will also find the Soil Association organic symbol on over 70% of organic products in the UK.
About the Opportunity
The Forestry team is responsible for FSC and PEFC certification activities in over 60 countries for both Forest Management and Chain of Custody. We are a friendly tight-knit team who help each other out and often work across several portfolios. This means there are loads of challenges, rewards and opportunities. Most of the work is office based, with some UK and international travel. We are seeking an individual with experience in certification to manage and promote FSC and PEFC certification according to the relevant accreditation requirements for each scheme in collaboration with the portfolio team.
Reasons to use Rodeo
I’m in my final year doing Economics and I don’t know whether to apply for grad schemes now or do a masters first. What do you think?
Honest answer — it depends on where you want to end up. A lot of top grad schemes (Big 4, civil service, banking) don’t need a masters. Let’s look at the ones you’d be competitive for now, and we can decide if a masters actually adds anything.
Also worth knowing: most autumn 2026 applications are open now. Timing matters more than you think.
Start with a chat, not a search bar
Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
Graduate Consultant — 2026 Scheme
Why you're a good match
StrongYour economics background and your summer at a regional bank line up with what PwC looks for on the consulting scheme. Applications close in four weeks.
See breakdownIt searches the market for you
Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Why you're a good match
You’ve got the grades and the economics background, and your bank internship is exactly the experience this scheme looks for. Apply soon — deadlines close within the month.
Experience fit
Your summer at the bank plus your econometrics coursework map directly to the day-one responsibilities on this scheme — client modelling, market briefings, and deal support.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
About You
You will be educated to degree level or equivalent ideally in Forestry, Wood Science, Ecology, Environment or a related discipline with significant experience in certification management, customer/client relationship management, and team leadership.
You will have knowledge and/or practical experience in the forestry and/or wood processing industry.
An understanding of the principles of FSC and/or PEFC certification and being a qualified FSC / PEFC COC or FM auditor with ISO 19011 is essential.
You will have fluency in English.
Our Benefits
We offer a range of financial and lifestyle benefits to all our employees, including:
- 27 days annual holiday increasing to 30 days with length of service plus bank holidays (pro rata for part time)
- Pension scheme with ethical investment options and employer contribution increasing with length of service
- Free membership of the Soil Association and discounts on organic produce
- Volunteer days to give back to the local community or support green initiatives
- Family friendly policies and flexible working
- Cycle to work scheme
- Sociable and engaging workplace of professionals that share a passion for healthy, sustainable lifestyle and produce


Get help with your application
Your very own career expert that helps elevate your application to the next level.
To Apply
Click ‘apply now’ to submit your CV and Cover Letter. Please note we reserve the right to close this vacancy early.
Please check your junk/spam folder if you do not receive a confirmation email upon submitting your application. All candidates will subsequently receive an email to confirm whether they have made it through to interview stage.
For any queries, please contact recruitment@soilassociation.org
We know the value of diversity in nature and want it in our organisation. We recognise that diverse backgrounds and experiences will bring a fresh perspective to our work. If you're not sure about applying, please get in touch with us for a chat.
Thank you for your interest in supporting our work at the Soil Association.
“It took my CV and asked me questions relevant to understanding what kind of jobs to suggest for me. Suggestions were almost perfect. Jobs were exactly what I’ve been looking for.”
Jessica, London
Skills
Location