Principal Ecologist /Associate Director – Ecology Birmingham

Overview

In this leadership role you guide the Birmingham ecology team to deliver strategic, high‑quality ecological input across water, transport and energy projects. You will shape direction, mentor staff and engage clients and regulators to influence sustainability outcomes. The position links local delivery with UK‑wide leadership, enabling impact at scale on major infrastructure. You’ll work in a flexible, hybrid setup to drive growth, bid opportunities and cross‑disciplinary delivery.

Pay / Benefits

• Competitive salary
• 24 days holiday + option to buy 10 days
• Enhanced pension contributions up to 10%
• Single medical cover and Digital GP
• Employee networks and diversity initiatives
• Family planning support and fertility services”,”Enhanced parental leave pay and EAP/parental programs?”),

Responsibilities

• Steer strategic direction for the Birmingham ecology team and contribute to UK‑wide leadership
• Provide high‑quality ecological advice to clients, stakeholders and regulators
• Build and maintain strong client and stakeholder relationships
• Lead and mentor colleagues, fostering high‑impact, empathetic leadership
• Apply expertise across EIA, Habitat Regulations Assessment and Biodiversity Net Gain
• Design and oversee ecological monitoring and survey programmes
• Collaborate across disciplines for integrated solutions
• Identify, bid for and win new work
• Promote the ecology team’s capabilities across the business and externally
• Shape people, performance and the team’s future direction

Key requirements

• Strong background in terrestrial ecology with significant industry experience
• Chartered status (or on track to achieve it)
• Proven experience leading ecological input on large‑scale projects
• Strategic mindset with ability to influence wider business decisions
• Experience in line management, mentoring and team development
• Proactive, hands‑on approach with strong self‑awareness
• Ability to adapt across diverse and complex projects

• Empathetic leadership
• Mentoring and people development
• Stakeholder engagement
• EIA
• Habitat Regulations Assessment
• Biodiversity Net Gain

…