Ecology Director – Strategic Ecology & Natural Capital

Salary: £80,000–£110,000 DOE
Location: Southern England
Job Type: Permanent, Full-time
Working Arrangement: Flexible working arrangements
Job Reference: 56071

Lead, Influence and Shape the Future of Strategic Ecology

Are you an experienced ecology professional looking for an opportunity to influence environmental strategy at a senior level, develop a specialist service offering and play a key role in shaping the future of ecological consultancy?

We're recruiting for an Ecology Director to join an established multidisciplinary organisation, offering the opportunity to take ownership of strategic ecology services, build client relationships and influence major decisions affecting development, land use and the natural environment.

This is a senior leadership opportunity for someone who combines strong ecological expertise with commercial awareness and a genuine interest in developing innovative, practical solutions to complex environmental challenges.

With a salary of £80,000–£110,000, the position offers significant responsibility, professional autonomy and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact across a diverse portfolio of projects.

Why Consider This Opportunity?

• Excellent Salary: £80,000–£110,000 depending on experience.

• Strategic Leadership: Take responsibility for developing and expanding a specialist ecology service.

• Professional Autonomy: Influence technical strategy, service delivery and business growth.

• High-Profile Projects: Work on complex development, infrastructure and land management projects.

• Commercial Influence: Advise clients on how environmental considerations can create long-term value.

• Career Development: Opportunities to develop your leadership responsibilities and professional expertise.

• Collaborative Environment: Work alongside experienced professionals from complementary technical disciplines.

• Competitive Benefits: Comprehensive benefits package including private healthcare, pension, life assurance and generous annual leave.

The Opportunity

As Ecology Director, you will take a leading role in providing strategic ecological advice to clients navigating increasingly complex environmental legislation, planning requirements and biodiversity commitments.

Rather than focusing primarily on routine ecological surveys, this position is centred on high-level technical advice, ecological due diligence, environmental strategy and the commercial application of ecological expertise.

You will have the opportunity to shape how ecological services are delivered, identify opportunities for growth and develop solutions that balance development objectives with positive environmental outcomes.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Leading and developing strategic ecology services across a diverse portfolio of projects.

• Providing senior-level ecological advice to clients involved in development, infrastructure and land management.

• Advising on Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG), environmental policy and emerging regulatory requirements.

• Undertaking and overseeing ecological due diligence for complex projects and development proposals.

• Reviewing ecological assessments and technical documentation produced by internal teams and external consultants.

• Providing technical oversight of Ecological Impact Assessments, Environmental Statements and Habitats Regulations Assessments.

• Developing practical mitigation, enhancement and biodiversity strategies.

• Coordinating specialist ecological services and external technical consultants.

• Building and maintaining relationships with clients, regulators and other stakeholders.

• Identifying business development opportunities and contributing to the expansion of ecological services.

• Supporting operational improvements and ensuring high standards of technical delivery.

• Working collaboratively with colleagues across multiple professional disciplines.

About You

We are interested in speaking with experienced ecology professionals who have developed strong technical, commercial and strategic expertise within environmental consultancy or a related sector.

Ideally, you will have:

• Significant experience in ecological consultancy, ideally at Associate Director, Director or equivalent level.

• A strong understanding of UK ecological legislation, environmental policy and planning requirements.

• Extensive experience in strategic ecological advice, development-related ecology and environmental assessments.

• Strong knowledge of Biodiversity Net Gain and its practical and commercial application.

• Experience undertaking or reviewing ecological due diligence and complex technical assessments.

• A sound understanding of Environmental Impact Assessment and Habitats Regulations Assessment.

• Experience working with developers, landowners, planning professionals and regulatory bodies.

• Strong commercial awareness and the ability to provide pragmatic, commercially appropriate advice.

• Experience developing client relationships, identifying new opportunities and winning work.

• The confidence to lead technical discussions and influence senior stakeholders.

• Excellent communication, leadership and organisational skills.

Professional membership or chartered status within a relevant environmental discipline would be advantageous.

An Opportunity to Shape and Grow a Specialist Service

One of the most attractive aspects of this position is the opportunity to influence the direction and development of a strategic ecology offering.

You will have the autonomy to shape technical services, develop client relationships and identify opportunities where ecological expertise can contribute to better environmental and commercial outcomes.

The role offers exposure to complex projects and strategic decisions, providing the opportunity to move beyond traditional project delivery and play a more influential role in how ecology is incorporated into development and land use planning.

For an experienced Associate Director looking to step into a Director-level position, or an established Director seeking a fresh challenge with greater strategic influence, this represents an excellent opportunity.

Benefits & Professional Development

The successful candidate will benefit from a competitive salary and comprehensive employment package, including:

• Salary of £80,000–£110,000 depending on experience.

• Generous annual leave entitlement.

• Private medical benefits.

• Life assurance.

• Company pension scheme.

• Employee wellbeing support.

• Professional development and career progression opportunities.

• Access to additional employee benefits and reward programmes.

Interested in Finding Out More?

If you're an experienced Ecology Director, Associate Director or senior strategic ecology professional based in Southern England, we'd welcome a confidential conversation.

For further information, please contact Embankment Group, quoting Job Reference 56071.

All enquiries will be treated confidentially, and your CV will never be submitted to an employer without your prior permission.