Associate Director

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.