Associate Director - Ecology
Overview
We’re working with an established and growing environmental consultancy that is looking to appoint an Associate Director to support and strengthen its ecology leadership team based in Brighton.
This is a senior-level opportunity for an experienced ecologist who is eager to play a pivotal role in shaping technical delivery, mentoring and developing team members, and driving the growth of the ecology function within a multidisciplinary consultancy environment.
If you are passionate about delivering sustainable ecological solutions and want to contribute to impactful projects, this role offers an exciting platform to make a difference.
Responsibilities
As an Associate Director Ecologist, you will:
- Provide senior leadership across ecological projects and workstreams.
- Act as the technical lead for Ecological Impact Assessments (EcIA) and Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) delivery.
- Oversee project programmes, budgets, and resource allocation.
- Review, approve, and sign off technical reports and assessments.
- Build and maintain strong client relationships, supporting account development.
- Contribute to bids, tenders, and fee strategy.
- Mentor and develop senior and junior ecologists, fostering a culture of growth and excellence.
- Support the development of internal standards, systems, and best practices.
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to integrate ecology into project design.
Qualifications
Essential:
- Extensive experience in ecological consultancy.
- Proven track record of delivering medium to large-scale development projects.
- Strong understanding of UK planning, Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), and Biodiversity Net Gain requirements.
- Experience operating at Principal or Associate level.
- Confident in client-facing roles with strong commercial awareness.
- Excellent technical writing, review, and leadership skills.
- Ability to manage teams, workloads, and competing priorities effectively.
- Degree in ecology or a related discipline.
- Full UK driving licence.
Desirable:
- Experience with Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIP) or Development Consent Order (DCO) projects.
- Habitats Regulations Assessment (HRA) experience.
- Protected species survey licences.
- Expertise in botanical or ornithological disciplines.
- Chartered membership of CIEEM.
Day-to-Day
- Lead and oversee the delivery of complex ecological projects.
- Act as a trusted advisor to clients and internal teams, ensuring high-quality outcomes.
- Collaborate with planners, engineers, and designers to embed ecology into development proposals.
- Provide technical guidance and mentorship to team members.
- Manage project timelines, budgets, and resources to ensure successful delivery.
- Contribute to the development of innovative ecological solutions and best practices.
Benefits
- Influence and Leadership: Play a key role in shaping the direction of a growing consultancy.
- Flexible Working: Enjoy hybrid working arrangements to suit your lifestyle.
- Supportive Culture: Thrive in a leadership environment with a strong focus on wellbeing.
- Professional Development: Access excellent opportunities for professional growth and leadership development.
- Competitive Package: Receive a competitive salary and benefits package.
- Career Progression: Clear long-term progression opportunities as the ecology team continues to expand.
If you are an experienced ecologist looking for a senior leadership role within a dynamic and growing consultancy, we’d love to hear from you. Join us in delivering innovative, sustainable, and impactful ecological solutions.
Apply today to take the next step in your career!
