Associate Director - Ecology

What You’ll Be Doing

[Employer hidden] Consulting has an exciting opportunity for an Associate Director (Ecology) to be based in our Nottingham or Leeds office. We are looking for an experienced and commercially aware ecologist with a strong technical background and a proven track record in consultancy. This role brings together technical leadership, team management, and business development, offering the chance to play a key role in shaping and growing our ecology services. Given the nature of our project work, holding a Natural England Class 2 Bat Licence (and being able to hold EPS licences) is essential. You’ll act as one of our key bat specialists, providing technical leadership and oversight on bat-related projects. You will lead and manage a diverse portfolio of projects across the UK, delivering high-quality, practical, and innovative ecological advice to Clients. Working as part of a collaborative, multidisciplinary environmental team, you’ll also support the growth of the ecology service, helping to build strong Client relationships and identify new opportunities.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Leading and delivering complex ecological projects from inception to completion
• Providing technical oversight and quality assurance, particularly on bat-related work
• Managing project teams, resources, and budgets to ensure successful delivery
• Supporting business development activities, including bid preparation and Client engagement
• Mentoring and supporting team members to help develop a strong, capable team
• Contributing to the wider growth and direction of the environmental team

A key part of [Employer hidden]’s approach is delivering high-quality, commercially sound, and innovative ecological solutions that meet Client needs and regulatory requirements. Our work is varied and nationwide, and this role will involve coordination and leadership of projects across [Employer hidden] offices.

What You’ll Bring

You will have significant experience (typically 6+ years) within ecological consultancy and be confident leading projects and engaging with Clients. Strong bat expertise is essential for this role. You will:

• Hold a Natural England Class 2 Bat Licence (essential)
• Be able to hold (or already hold) EPS licences for bats
• Have proven experience leading bat surveys, mitigation, and licensing work

You will also ideally have experience in:

• BREEAM Land Use and Ecology assessments
• Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG)
• Nitrogen deposition and impacts on designated sites
• Public Inquiry support

In addition, you will demonstrate:

• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal
• The ability to manage workloads and deliver projects to time, quality, and budget
• Commercial awareness, including financial and Client management
• Leadership skills, with the ability to support and develop others

You will also hold:

• Full membership of CIEEM
• A degree or Master’s in Ecology or a related discipline
• A full UK driving licence

What we offer

Inclusive Culture – Bring your authentic self to work every day.

Competitive Rewards – Salary, 5% pension match, life assurance, and long-service recognition.

Time Off & Flexibility – 25 days’ holiday (rising to 28), option to buy more, hybrid working (3 days office), and flexible core hours.

Health & Wellbeing – Westfield Health, healthcare cash plan, Cycle to Work scheme, wellbeing initiatives.

Growth & Development – Fully funded training, Chartership support, and paid professional subscriptions.

Community & Connection – Volunteering days, social events, discounts, and savings.

Accessibility & Adjustments

We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer and a signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant, building an inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates, regardless of their race, gender, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation, or age. If you have a medical condition or an individual need for an adjustment to our process, and you believe this may affect your ability to be your best - please let us know so we can talk about how we can best support you and make any adjustments that may be needed.

Department

Biodiversity

Locations

[Employer hidden] Leeds - Whitehall Waterfront, [Employer hidden] Nottingham - Waterfront House

Reference Number

A26-08

Remote Status

Hybrid

Application Instructions

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