Principal Ecologist/Associate Director

Are you an experienced ecologist with strong business acumen looking for a new opportunity?

Our client is seeking a proactive and positive-minded Principal Ecologist to join our growing team in Manchester. This is an exciting role where you will lead and manage a team of ecologists, delivering innovative, commercially viable, and ecologically sound solutions for a diverse range of projects.

Your Role

As a key member of our team, you will:

• Manage contracts and support staff in delivering high-quality ecological consultancy services.

• Oversee and review technical reports, ensuring excellence in our outputs.

• Advise clients and their design teams, providing solutions to ecological challenges.

• Play an active role in business development by preparing tenders, increasing bid opportunities, and identifying new ways to expand our services.

This role offers exposure to diverse and interesting projects, enabling you to develop skills across all aspects of consultancy. We also provide opportunities to contribute to the growth and direction of our business while advancing your own career.

About Our client

Our client is one of the UK’s leading independent infrastructure and property consultancies, specialising in environment, planning, and sustainability. As a B Corp-certified company, we are committed to creating positive environmental and social impact.

We work with inspirational clients on complex, high-profile projects and deliver bespoke, ethical solutions. Our team includes recognised industry leaders who are dedicated to making a difference.

What We’re Looking For

To be considered for this role, you should have:

• A relevant degree.

• At least 8 years’ experience in ecological consultancy.

• In-depth knowledge of UK and European environmental legislation.

• Excellent fieldwork and report-writing skills, including experience with protected species surveys, EPSM applications, ES chapters, and ecological management plans.

• At least 5 years’ experience reviewing technical work.

• Expertise in the survey and mitigation of at least two of the following protected species: bats, badgers, breeding birds, dormice, great crested newts, reptiles, or water voles.

• An EPS and/or conservation licence for one or more of the above species (preferably a Registered Consultant on the class licence scheme).

• Proven experience in project and team management.

• Strong communication skills, including the ability to deliver training and workshops.

• Full CIEEM membership (CEcoL preferred).

• A full, clean UK driving licence.

We are particularly interested in candidates with high-level reptile mitigation experience or botanical expertise (FISC Level 4 or above).

What’s in It for You?

• Competitive salary based on experience.

• Flexible hybrid working.

• TOIL (Time Off in Lieu) policy and a flexible approach to work-life balance.

• 26 days annual leave plus bank holidays, increasing with service (up to 29 days).

• Enhanced maternity pay.

• Career development opportunities across the business.

• Auto-enrolment pension scheme.

• Cycle-to-work scheme.

• Socials, games nights, and volunteering days.

• A supportive and friendly working environment with fantastic training opportunities.

Equal Opportunities

Our client is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and strive to create an environment where everyone can thrive.

Join Our client and be part of a forward-thinking, fun, and driven team that genuinely cares about the environment and the quality of our work.

Apply now and help shape the future of ecological consultancy!