Associate Director Ecology – Leeds

Overview

Embankment Group is proud to partner with a leading multidisciplinary environmental consultancy in their search for an Associate Director Ecologist to join their established team in Leeds. This is a unique opportunity to step into a senior leadership role within a dynamic ecology team that collaborates closely with planning, infrastructure, and environmental specialists on a diverse range of projects.

This position offers the chance to influence project delivery, contribute to the strategic growth of the ecology team, and mentor ecologists at various stages of their careers. If you are an experienced ecologist with a strong technical background, proven leadership skills, and a commercial mindset, this role is an excellent opportunity to advance your career.

Responsibilities

As an Associate Director Ecologist, you will:

• Provide leadership and coordination for the regional ecology team, ensuring smooth operations and high performance.
• Manage project workloads and oversee the delivery of high-quality technical outputs.
• Lead ecological input across a variety of development and infrastructure projects.
• Design and oversee ecological survey programmes and mitigation strategies.
• Prepare and review Ecological Impact Assessments (EcIA) and Environmental Statement (ES) chapters.
• Support Habitat Regulations Assessments (HRA) as required.
• Contribute to business development by preparing tenders, building client relationships, and identifying new opportunities.
• Mentor and develop ecologists within the team, fostering a culture of collaboration, wellbeing, and professional growth.
• Promote and uphold safe working practices across all projects.

Qualifications

Essential:

• Extensive experience working with UK habitats and protected species.
• Proven expertise in designing and managing ecological survey programmes.
• Strong understanding of ecological mitigation and regulatory requirements.
• Demonstrated experience in preparing Ecological Impact Assessments and Environmental Statement chapters.
• Experience supporting Habitat Regulations Assessments.
• A track record of securing work from commercial or development clients.
• Strong leadership skills, with experience mentoring or managing ecologists.
• Excellent communication and client-facing abilities.

Desirable:

• Survey or mitigation licences for protected species.
• Experience working on large-scale infrastructure projects.
• Familiarity with Development Consent Orders (DCO) or nationally significant infrastructure schemes.

Day-to-Day

• Oversee and manage ecological survey programmes, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to deliver high-quality ecological input for complex projects.
• Engage with clients to understand their needs and provide expert advice on ecological matters.
• Review and approve technical reports, ensuring accuracy and adherence to best practices.
• Mentor team members, providing guidance and support to foster their professional development.
• Actively participate in business development activities, including tender preparation and client engagement.
• Monitor project progress, ensuring timelines and budgets are met while maintaining technical excellence.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance-based bonuses.
• Generous holiday allowance with the option to purchase additional leave.
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements to support work-life balance.
• Comprehensive professional development opportunities, including training and mentoring.
• Access to a supportive and collaborative working environment.
• Company pension scheme and other employee benefits.
• The opportunity to work on high-profile, impactful projects that shape the future of sustainable development.

If you are a passionate and experienced ecologist looking to take the next step in your career, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity. Join a team that values innovation, collaboration, and professional growth while making a meaningful impact on the environment.

Apply today to become the Associate Director Ecologist in Leeds and help shape the future of ecological consultancy.