Associate Director of Ecology

Lead and grow a high-performing ecology team while influencing nationally significant projects across renewable energy, infrastructure and development.

The Opportunity

For many experienced ecologists, there comes a point where the next step isn't simply about managing larger projects—it's about shaping teams, influencing business direction and creating an environment where others can thrive.

We're supporting a growing multidisciplinary environmental consultancy in the appointment of an Associate Director of Ecology. This is a leadership opportunity for someone who combines strong technical expertise with commercial awareness, people leadership and a genuine passion for developing successful teams.

You'll play a central role in the continued growth of the ecology business across Scotland and the North of England, helping to shape strategy, build client relationships, support future leaders and contribute to the delivery of some of the UK's most significant renewable energy, infrastructure and development projects.

The Company

Our client is a rapidly growing environmental, planning and design consultancy with a strong reputation for delivering integrated solutions across the UK.

Their multidisciplinary teams bring together expertise in ecology, planning, landscape architecture, environmental assessment, engineering, heritage and design, allowing them to tackle complex projects collaboratively and creatively.

Growth has been driven by a commitment to technical excellence, client service and investing in people. The culture is entrepreneurial, supportive and forward-thinking, offering talented individuals the opportunity to make a genuine contribution to both project outcomes and business success.

What You'll Be Doing

This is a varied leadership role balancing technical oversight, team development, client management and business growth.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading, mentoring and developing a growing team of ecologists.

• Supporting team wellbeing, performance and career progression.

• Managing key client relationships and developing new opportunities.

• Overseeing the delivery of complex ecological projects and frameworks.

• Providing strategic ecological advice and technical review on major projects.

• Leading bid submissions, tenders and framework opportunities.

• Supporting recruitment, succession planning and future team growth.

• Working closely with senior leaders across planning, environmental and design disciplines.

• Representing the business within the industry and helping strengthen its profile across the market.

About You

You'll be an experienced ecology professional with a strong track record of leadership within consultancy.

You'll likely bring:

• Extensive ecological consultancy experience.

• Strong technical expertise in Ecological Impact Assessment (EcIA), Habitats Regulations Assessment (HRA) and Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG).

• Experience leading teams and developing people.

• Proven success managing client relationships and project portfolios.

• Strong commercial awareness and business development experience.

• A collaborative leadership style and the ability to inspire confidence across teams and clients.

• Full membership of CIEEM.

• A full UK driving licence.

Experience of Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs), protected species licensing, expert witness work or leading multidisciplinary projects would be advantageous.

Most importantly, you'll be someone who enjoys building teams, creating opportunities and helping shape the future direction of a growing ecology business.

What's on Offer

This role offers the opportunity to make a significant impact within a growing and ambitious consultancy while continuing to work on high-profile, environmentally important projects.

Benefits include:

• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements.

• Enhanced annual leave entitlement.

• Private medical insurance.

• Enhanced pension contributions.

• Professional membership support.

• Protected CPD and leadership development.

• Structured career progression framework.

• Defined promotion windows annually.

• Employee bonus scheme.

• Loyalty leave scheme.

• Gym membership discounts and lifestyle benefits.

• Employee assistance programme and wellbeing support.

• Cycle to Work scheme.

Alongside an excellent benefits package, you'll have genuine influence over team growth, strategic direction and the future success of the ecology business.

Location & Flexibility

The role can be based from Edinburgh, York, Leeds, Manchester or Birmingham, with hybrid working arrangements available.

Travel between offices, client meetings and project sites will form part of the role. Both full-time and part-time applications will be considered.

Interested?

Ocean to Earth Recruitment is proud to be supporting our client with this appointment.

If you're interested in exploring a leadership opportunity where you can influence projects, people and business growth, we'd welcome a confidential conversation.

Please apply to here or send your CV to vicky@oceantoearth.co.uk or contact us on 07341 020135 for an informal discussion.

Ocean to Earth Recruitment Ltd
01458 898202 | 07341 020135
vicky@oceantoearth.co.uk
www.oceantoearth.co.uk