Associate Director of Ecology
Location: England (new regional office to be established)
Salary: £60,000–£70,000 per annum
Contract: Full-time, Permanent
Reporting to: Directors / Senior Leadership Team
About the Role This is a senior leadership opportunity for an experienced ecological consultant to establish and grow a new regional ecology team and office in England. The role combines technical leadership, people management and business development, supporting the continued expansion of a well-established UK ecology consultancy.
The Associate Director will play a key role in shaping the regional strategy, building a high-performing team, delivering complex ecological projects and strengthening client relationships. Business development experience or appetite is advantageous, particularly in developing new work streams and regional client networks.
Key Responsibilities Strategic Leadership and Team Development

• Establish and lead a new regional ecology team, including recruitment, mentoring and performance management.
• Set up and grow a new office location, embedding company culture, systems and standards.
• Provide senior leadership across ecological project delivery, ensuring quality, consistency and best practice.
• Support the professional development of ecologists at all levels.

Technical Delivery

• Oversee and contribute to complex ecological projects, including:
  
  • Preliminary Ecological Appraisals (PEAs)
  • Protected species surveys and mitigation strategies
  • Ecological Impact Assessments (EcIAs) and Environmental Statement chapters
  • Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) assessments and delivery
  • Habitat management and monitoring plans
  • Habitat Regulations Assessments where required
• Ensure compliance with UK legislation, planning policy and industry guidance.
• Act as a technical authority and sign off reports where appropriate.

Business Development and Client Engagement

• Support and lead business development activity, including proposal writing, fee negotiation and tender submissions.
• Develop and maintain strong client relationships across the region.
• Identify new market opportunities and help shape regional growth strategy.
• Represent the consultancy at client meetings, stakeholder engagement and industry events.

Quality, Risk and Operational Management

• Maintain high standards of technical quality assurance across the regional team.
• Ensure projects are delivered to programme and budget.
• Support operational governance, risk management and continuous improvement initiatives.

Person Specification Essential

• Degree or higher qualification in Ecology, Environmental Science or a related discipline.
• Extensive experience within UK ecological consultancy, including senior project management.
• Proven ability to lead teams and manage complex ecological workloads.
• Strong technical knowledge across UK ecological survey methods, mitigation and planning processes.
• Commercial awareness and confidence engaging with clients.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Membership of CIEEM (or working towards full membership).

Desirable

• Chartered Ecologist or Chartered Environmentalist status.
• Existing regional client network.
• Experience establishing or growing a regional team or office.
• Track record of securing repeat business or framework agreements.

What’s on Offer

• Competitive salary of £60,000–£70,000.
• Opportunity to shape and lead a new regional ecology team and office.
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements.
• Support for professional development and memberships.
• Clear progression within a growing, values-driven consultancy.