Job Opportunity: Regional Director - Ecology

Location: York (Hybrid Working Available)

Overview

Embankment Group is proud to support a growing multidisciplinary consultancy in their search for a Regional Director to lead and expand their ecology presence across the North of England. This is a senior leadership opportunity for an experienced ecology professional who thrives on combining technical expertise, commercial acumen, and team development.

The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in shaping strategy, building client relationships, and leading complex ecological projects across sectors such as energy, infrastructure, residential, and mixed-use development. Based in the York office, with flexible hybrid working options, this role offers the chance to make a significant impact on the growth and success of the consultancy’s northern ecology team.

Responsibilities

As the Regional Director, you will:

• Lead and develop the ecology team across the North of England, fostering a strong team culture.
• Provide strategic direction, technical oversight, and senior review across a diverse range of ecology projects.
• Act as a trusted advisor to clients, offering expert guidance on complex ecological and planning matters.
• Oversee the delivery of major projects in sectors such as energy, infrastructure, residential, and commercial development.
• Lead technical input on Ecological Impact Assessments (EcIA), Habitats Regulations Assessments (HRA), and Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG).
• Manage project performance, ensuring quality, adherence to timelines, and achievement of commercial targets.
• Support the preparation of bids, tenders, frameworks, and fee proposals.
• Identify new business opportunities and strengthen relationships with existing clients.
• Represent the consultancy at meetings, industry events, public inquiries, and hearings as required.
• Contribute to the development of technical standards, best practices, and innovative services.
• Mentor and support the professional development of senior and junior ecologists.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to deliver integrated and commercially viable environmental solutions.

Qualifications

To be successful in this role, you will need:

• A degree or equivalent qualification in ecology, environmental science, or a related discipline.
• Extensive experience in ecological consultancy, including senior leadership or team management roles.
• A proven track record of delivering large-scale and complex ecological projects.
• Technical expertise in EcIA, HRA, and BNG.
• Strong knowledge of UK planning policy, ecology legislation, and best practice guidance.
• Experience managing teams, resources, project finances, and commercial performance.
• Confidence in client-facing roles and the ability to build long-term client relationships.
• Excellent report writing, technical review, and quality assurance skills.
• Full membership of a relevant professional body, such as CIEEM.
• A full UK driving licence and willingness to travel as required.

Desirable Experience:

• Holding protected species licences (e.g., bat survey licence).
• Experience with Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIP).
• Acting as an Expert Witness or supporting public inquiries and hearings.
• A strong network within the ecology, planning, or development sectors.

Day-to-Day

Your daily responsibilities will include:

• Leading and mentoring the northern ecology team to deliver high-quality work.
• Overseeing the technical delivery of ecological assessments and reports.
• Engaging with clients to provide expert advice and build strong relationships.
• Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to deliver integrated project solutions.
• Managing project timelines, budgets, and quality standards.
• Identifying and pursuing new business opportunities to drive regional growth.
• Representing the consultancy at industry events and public forums.

Benefits

As a valued member of the team, you will enjoy:

From Day One:

• Enhanced annual leave entitlement.
• Centrally located city offices with hybrid and flexible working options.
• Protected CPD opportunities (departmental, individual, and company-wide).
• Professional body membership contribution.
• Enhanced company pension scheme.
• Career progression framework with two defined promotion windows annually.
• Access to an e-learning portal.
• Non-contractual growth bonus scheme.

After Probation:

• Loyalty leave (additional annual leave based on continuous service, up to 5 extra days).
• Private medical insurance through Vitality Health Care.
• Discounted gym memberships.
• Discounts and perks, including Amazon Prime, free Odeon cinema tickets, Apple benefits, and Café Nero discounts.
• BUPA cash plan.
• Employee Assistance Program, including financial and mental health support.
• Cycle-to-work scheme.

This is a unique opportunity for a senior ecology professional to take ownership of a regional function, influence major project outcomes, and play a key role in the growth of a dynamic multidisciplinary consultancy.

If you are ready to take the next step in your career and make a lasting impact, we encourage you to apply today!