Your new company
My client is a growing, multidisciplinary environmental consultancy specialising in ecology, arboriculture, and landscape services, operating across the South East of England. They provide high-quality, timely, and pragmatic advice to a diverse client base including developers, planning consultants, architects, heritage organisations, and private landowners.
With a flexible, home-based working model supported by strong digital systems, they have built a collaborative and supportive team culture. As they continue to expand, they are seeking a Head of Ecology to play a key leadership role in shaping and growing their ecology offering.
Your new role
As Head of Ecology, you will lead and develop the ecology team, overseeing project delivery while driving technical excellence and commercial performance. You will take responsibility for both strategic growth and day-to-day operational management of ecological services.
Key responsibilities include:
- Leading, mentoring, and growing a team of ecologists
- Overseeing and delivering high-quality ecological surveys, assessments, and reporting
- Acting as a technical authority on Ecological Impact Assessments, protected species work, and Biodiversity Net Gain
- Managing key client relationships and contributing to business development
- Providing strategic input into the direction and growth of the ecology function
- Ensuring compliance with UK legislation, policy, and best practice
- Overseeing project financial performance, including budgeting and commercial oversight
- Collaborating with internal disciplines and external project teams
You will play a pivotal role in maintaining standards while helping to expand the consultancy's ecology services and market presence.
What you'll need to succeed
- Extensive experience in ecological consultancy, including leadership or senior management responsibility
- Strong background in UK ecology, including protected species licensing, EcIAs, and planning-related work
- Demonstrable experience managing teams, projects, and client relationships
- Strong commercial awareness, including budgeting and project financial management
- Full membership of CIEEM (or equivalent professional body)
- Proven ability to produce and review high-quality technical reports
- In-depth knowledge of UK environmental legislation and policy
- Experience with Biodiversity Net Gain and use of Defra metrics
- Excellent communication, leadership, and organisational skills
- Full UK driving licence
What you'll get in return
- Competitive salary - £50,000 - £70,000 depending on your experience
- Flexible, home-based working model
- 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
- Time off in lieu for out-of-hours survey work
- Contributory pension scheme
- Sick pay (following qualifying period)
- Generous CPD allowance and career development support
- Paid professional membership
- Home working allowance
- Opportunity to shape and lead a growing ecology team within an expanding consultancy
What you need to do now
If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now.
If this job isn't quite right for you but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion on your career.
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