Associate Director – Ecology | Winchester

Job Reference: 55769
Salary: £58,000 – £65,000
Location: Winchester, Hampshire
Working Pattern: Hybrid / Flexible Working

The Opportunity

Ready to take the next step in your Ecology career and make a real impact at leadership level?

We're recruiting for an experienced Associate Director – Ecology to join an established environmental consultancy in Winchester.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone looking to move beyond technical project delivery and take on a broader leadership role, combining ecological expertise, commercial responsibility and team development.

You'll have the opportunity to work on a varied portfolio of projects, build strong client relationships and influence the future direction of the ecology team.

Whether you're an experienced Associate looking for greater responsibility or already operating at Associate Director level, this position offers the chance to make a meaningful contribution to both project delivery and business growth.

The Role

As Associate Director, you'll take a leading role in overseeing ecological projects, providing technical guidance and supporting the continued development of the team.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Leading the delivery of ecological projects, ensuring high technical standards and successful outcomes.

• Providing specialist advice on ecological assessments, planning requirements and environmental legislation.

• Overseeing project budgets, resources and delivery programmes.

• Acting as a senior technical point of contact for clients and project teams.

• Reviewing ecological reports, assessments and mitigation strategies.

• Building and maintaining client relationships while identifying opportunities for new work.

• Supporting business development and contributing to the wider commercial performance of the team.

• Mentoring and developing Ecologists at different stages of their careers.

• Working collaboratively with colleagues across other environmental and technical disciplines.

• Contributing to the ongoing development and direction of the ecology service.

About You

We're looking for a commercially aware Ecologist who combines strong technical knowledge with the confidence to lead projects, develop relationships and support others.

Ideally, you'll have:

• A degree in Ecology, Environmental Science, Biological Sciences or a related subject.

• Around 8+ years of experience within ecological consultancy.

• Full CIEEM membership (MCIEEM), or eligibility to achieve it.

• Strong technical experience in Ecological Impact Assessment (EcIA), Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG), Habitats Regulations Assessment (HRA) and protected species work.

• A thorough understanding of UK ecological legislation, environmental planning and development requirements.

• Experience managing complex ecological projects, budgets and resources.

• Proven ability to provide technical guidance and review ecological assessments.

• Experience developing client relationships and contributing to business development.

• Strong leadership, mentoring and communication skills.

• A full UK driving licence.

Experience working on larger development or infrastructure projects, natural capital assessments and multidisciplinary commissions would be advantageous.

Salary & Benefits

The successful candidate will receive a salary of £58,000 – £65,000, depending on experience.

Alongside the salary, the opportunity offers:

• Hybrid and flexible working arrangements.

• A varied portfolio of ecological and environmental projects.

• Opportunities to influence team development and business growth.

• Continued professional development and technical training.

• Exposure to multidisciplinary projects and experienced colleagues.

• Long-term career progression opportunities.

• A supportive environment that encourages collaboration and knowledge sharing.

Why Consider This Opportunity?

This role offers more than simply managing ecological projects.

It's an opportunity to influence how an ecology team operates, develop meaningful client relationships and play a key role in its long-term success.

You'll have the autonomy to contribute your ideas, lead challenging projects and help develop the next generation of Ecologists, while continuing to strengthen your own commercial and technical expertise.

For someone looking to establish themselves at a senior leadership level, this could be an excellent next career move.

Interested?

If you're an experienced Ecologist looking for greater responsibility, commercial involvement and the opportunity to influence the future direction of an ecology team, we'd be keen to hear from you.

For further information or a confidential discussion, contact Justin Ayling or apply directly through our website.

Job Reference: 55769