Technical Lead – Birds

Overview

As Technical Lead – Birds, you will shape Arup’s ornithology capability across the UK and Europe, aligning client needs with market growth. You’ll partner with the Nature directorate to map opportunities, advance survey techniques, and integrate AI and data tools for future-ready delivery. You’ll build senior client relationships and lead bird-ecology workstreams on major projects, ensuring profitability and regulatory compliance. This role offers a mission-driven path within Arup’s nature and ESIA/ESDD advisory growth.

Pay / Benefits

• Private medical insurance
• Life assurance
• Accident insurance
• Income protection
• Flexible benefits
• Profit Share

Responsibilities

• Define and grow Arup’s ornithology capability across the UK and Europe
• Identify client drivers, map market opportunities, and drive business development
• Audit supply chains, assess resourcing, and propose reskilling/upskilling plans
• Lead bird ecology input on major projects and build a sustainable workstream model
• Develop tools, AI and digital survey/data applications for future readiness
• Build direct relationships with major clients and position Arup as a trusted ornithology advisor
• Support ESIA/ESDD advisory work in emerging markets and Europe
• Collaborate with Nature director and geographic leads to drive delivery excellence and regulatory compliance

Key requirements

• Demonstrated track record in work-winning and growing capability within an Ecology team
• Proven ornithology/bird ecology experience, including leadership of teams or workstreams in consultancy or large projects
• Strong knowledge of UK and European bird ecology legislation, policy, and best practice
• Ability to build and maintain senior-level client relationships
• Strategic thinker with experience in workforce planning, resourcing, and recruitment
• Track record of leading bird ecology input on major projects
• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant subject
• Postgraduate qualification in a related field (e.g., MSc in Ecological Consultancy) advantageous
• Membership of CIEEM and/or Chartered Ecologist or equivalent
• Right to work in the UK; visa sponsorship not available

• Client relationship management
• Strategic thinking
• Collaborative leadership
• Ornithology/bird ecology expertise
• Knowledge of legislation and policy in UK/Europe
• Survey techniques and data collection methods

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