Associate Director of Ecology

The Opportunity

If you're an experienced ecology leader looking for more influence, greater autonomy and the opportunity to shape a growing business, this could be a particularly exciting next step.

We're supporting a well-established multidisciplinary environmental consultancy in the appointment of an Associate Director of Ecology. This is a strategic leadership role for someone who enjoys building high-performing teams, developing strong client relationships and helping drive business growth, while remaining closely connected to project delivery and technical excellence.

You'll play a key role in the continued expansion of the ecology team across the North of England, helping to shape its future direction, support the development of colleagues and contribute to the delivery of nationally significant projects across the renewable energy, infrastructure and development sectors.

The Company

Our client is a rapidly growing environmental, planning and design consultancy with a strong reputation for delivering integrated solutions across some of the UK's most complex and high-profile projects.

Their multidisciplinary teams bring together specialists across ecology, planning, environmental assessment, landscape architecture, engineering and design, creating a collaborative environment where expertise is shared and projects benefit from genuinely joined-up thinking.

The business combines the opportunities of a growing consultancy with a culture that remains supportive, entrepreneurial and people-focused. Professional development is encouraged, success is recognised and individuals are trusted to make a meaningful contribution to both projects and the wider business.

What You'll Be Doing

As Associate Director, you'll provide leadership across people, projects and business development activities.

Your responsibilities will include:

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

• Supporting team performance, wellbeing and career progression.

• Managing key client relationships and developing new business opportunities.

• Overseeing the delivery of complex ecological projects and frameworks.

• Providing technical review and strategic ecological advice.

• Supporting recruitment, succession planning and team growth.

• Leading bids, tenders and framework submissions.

• Working closely with Directors and senior leaders across multiple disciplines.

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

About You

You'll be an accomplished ecology professional with significant consultancy experience and a proven track record of leadership.

You'll likely bring:

• Extensive experience within ecological consultancy.

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

• Experience managing teams, resources and project portfolios.

• Strong client relationship management skills.

• Commercial awareness and business development experience.

• Excellent communication and leadership abilities.

• Full membership of CIEEM.

• A full UK driving licence.

Experience with Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs), protected species licensing, expert witness work or multidisciplinary project leadership would be particularly advantageous.

Most importantly, you'll enjoy helping people succeed, building long-term client relationships and contributing to the growth of a successful ecology team.

What's on Offer

This is an opportunity to join a business with ambitious growth plans and genuine opportunities to influence both team and company direction.

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 opportunities.

• 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 the opportunity to work on nationally significant projects while helping shape the future growth of the ecology business.

Location & Flexibility

The role is ideally based from the Manchester office, although applications are welcomed from candidates based across the North of England.

Hybrid working is available, and both full-time and part-time arrangements will be considered. Travel to project sites and other offices will form part of the role.

Interested?

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

If you're interested in a leadership role where you can influence projects, people and business growth, we'd be delighted to have a confidential conversation.

Please apply 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