Embankment Group is proud to support a growing multidisciplinary consultancy in their search for a Regional Director to lead and expand their ecology presence across the North of England. This is a senior leadership opportunity for an experienced ecology professional who thrives on combining technical expertise, commercial acumen, and team development.
The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in shaping strategy, building client relationships, and leading complex ecological projects across sectors such as energy, infrastructure, residential, and mixed-use development. Based in the York office, with flexible hybrid working options, this role offers the chance to make a significant impact on the growth and success of the consultancy’s northern ecology team.
Responsibilities
As the Regional Director, you will:
- Lead and develop the ecology team across the North of England, fostering a strong team culture.
- Provide strategic direction, technical oversight, and senior review across a diverse range of ecology projects.
- Act as a trusted advisor to clients, offering expert guidance on complex ecological and planning matters.
- Oversee the delivery of major projects in sectors such as energy, infrastructure, residential, and commercial development.
- Lead technical input on Ecological Impact Assessments (EcIA), Habitats Regulations Assessments (HRA), and Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG).
- Manage project performance, ensuring quality, adherence to timelines, and achievement of commercial targets.
- Support the preparation of bids, tenders, frameworks, and fee proposals.
- Identify new business opportunities and strengthen relationships with existing clients.
- Represent the consultancy at meetings, industry events, public inquiries, and hearings as required.
- Contribute to the development of technical standards, best practices, and innovative services.
- Mentor and support the professional development of senior and junior ecologists.
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to deliver integrated and commercially viable environmental solutions.
Qualifications
To be successful in this role, you will need:
- A degree or equivalent qualification in ecology, environmental science, or a related discipline.
- Extensive experience in ecological consultancy, including senior leadership or team management roles.
- A proven track record of delivering large-scale and complex ecological projects.
- Technical expertise in EcIA, HRA, and BNG.
- Strong knowledge of UK planning policy, ecology legislation, and best practice guidance.
- Experience managing teams, resources, project finances, and commercial performance.
- Confidence in client-facing roles and the ability to build long-term client relationships.
- Excellent report writing, technical review, and quality assurance skills.
- Full membership of a relevant professional body, such as CIEEM.
- A full UK driving licence and willingness to travel as required.
- Holding protected species licences (e.g., bat survey licence).
- Experience with Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIP).
- Acting as an Expert Witness or supporting public inquiries and hearings.
- A strong network within the ecology, planning, or development sectors.
Day-to-Day
Your daily responsibilities will include:
- Leading and mentoring the northern ecology team to deliver high-quality work.
- Overseeing the technical delivery of ecological assessments and reports.
- Engaging with clients to provide expert advice and build strong relationships.
- Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to deliver integrated project solutions.
- Managing project timelines, budgets, and quality standards.
- Identifying and pursuing new business opportunities to drive regional growth.
- Representing the consultancy at industry events and public forums.
Benefits
As a valued member of the team, you will enjoy:
From Day One:- Enhanced annual leave entitlement.
- Centrally located city offices with hybrid and flexible working options.
- Protected CPD opportunities (departmental, individual, and company-wide).
- Professional body membership contribution.
- Enhanced company pension scheme.
- Career progression framework with two defined promotion windows annually.
- Access to an e-learning portal.
- Non-contractual growth bonus scheme.
- Loyalty leave (additional annual leave based on continuous service, up to 5 extra days).
- Private medical insurance through Vitality Health Care.
- Discounted gym memberships.
- Discounts and perks, including Amazon Prime, free Odeon cinema tickets, Apple benefits, and Café Nero discounts.
- BUPA cash plan.
- Employee Assistance Program, including financial and mental health support.
- Cycle-to-work scheme.
This is a unique opportunity for a senior ecology professional to take ownership of a regional function, influence major project outcomes, and play a key role in the growth of a dynamic multidisciplinary consultancy.
If you are ready to take the next step in your career and make a lasting impact, we encourage you to apply today!
