Nav Walker Talent Acquisition
Associate Director - Ecology
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Associate Director – Ecology (Northern England)
About the Opportunity
A leading multidisciplinary planning and environmental consultancy is seeking an experienced Associate Director – Ecology to provide leadership within a growing ecology team. This is an exciting opportunity for an established ecology professional to combine technical excellence with strategic leadership, client management and business development in a collaborative, people-focused business.
The consultancy delivers planning, environmental and design services across the UK, working on projects ranging from residential developments and historic estates to nationally significant infrastructure, renewable energy and mixed-use commercial schemes. With offices across England, Scotland and Wales, the business offers the scale and diversity of a national consultancy while maintaining an agile, supportive culture.
The consultancy are interested in hearing from candidates based in any of the following locations: York, Leeds, Manchester, Birmingham or Edinburgh. The successful candidate will lead and grow the ecology presence across the North of England, working closely with multidisciplinary teams nationwide. Both full-time and part-time applications are welcomed.
The Role
The successful candidate will:
- Lead, mentor and develop a growing team of ecologists, supporting performance, wellbeing and career progression.
- Manage key client relationships while identifying and securing new business opportunities.
- Oversee the delivery of complex ecological projects and long-term frameworks.
- Provide technical leadership, quality assurance and strategic ecological advice on major developments.
- Support recruitment, succession planning and the continued growth of the ecology team.
- Lead bid preparation and contribute to framework submissions.
- Work collaboratively with Directors and technical specialists across multiple disciplines.
- Represent the business at industry events, strengthening market presence and professional networks.
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About You
Essential
- Degree (or equivalent) in Ecology, Environmental Science or a related discipline.
- Extensive ecological consultancy experience, including leading and managing teams.
- Strong technical expertise in:
- Ecological Impact Assessment (EcIA)
- Habitats Regulations Assessment (HRA)
- Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG)
- Proven experience managing client relationships and project portfolios.
- Experience managing team performance, utilisation and resource planning.
- Strong commercial awareness with a successful track record in business development.
- Full membership of CIEEM.
- Full UK driving licence.
Desirable
- Protected species licences.
- Experience with Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs).
- Experience acting as an Expert Witness.
- Experience leading multidisciplinary project teams.
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What's on Offer
The successful candidate will join a business that values collaboration, innovation and professional development, offering the opportunity to work on some of the UK's largest renewable energy, infrastructure and development projects.
The comprehensive benefits package includes:
- Enhanced annual leave entitlement.
- Enhanced pension contribution.
- Death in service cover.
- Hybrid and flexible working.
- Modern city-centre offices.
- Protected Continuing Professional Development (CPD).
- Professional membership support.
- Structured career progression with two annual promotion windows.
- Access to an online learning platform.
- Performance-related bonus opportunities.
- Private medical insurance following probation.
- Health cash plan.
- Employee Assistance Programme.
- Lifestyle benefits including gym discounts, retail offers and cycle-to-work scheme.
- Additional loyalty leave with length of service.
Apply
This is an excellent opportunity for an ambitious ecology leader looking to influence the growth of a successful multidisciplinary consultancy while delivering high-profile projects across the UK.
Applications from candidates seeking either full-time or part-time working arrangements are encouraged.
Get in touch for more information - hello@navwalkerta.com
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