Associate Director

CleanTech Talent; City of Edinburgh; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance bonus

25 days leave

Flexible benefits

Career progression

Cutting-edge projects

Job summary

CleanTech Talent is recruiting a senior ecology leader for Edinburgh, with a permanent, full-time role available at Principal, Associate Director, or Technical Director level depending on experience. You will lead complex ecology projects, mentor staff and drive business development while collaborating with leadership to raise standards across Scotland and Northern England.

Applicants should have 6+ years consultancy, CIEEM status, and expertise in biodiversity disciplines.

Qualifications

• 6+ years' consultancy experience
• CIEEM Associate or Full Member status
• Expertise in species surveys, biodiversity planning, peatland assessment or related disciplines
• Solid project management, client care and report-writing skills
• Leadership qualities and drive for continuous improvement

Responsibilities

• Lead complex ecology projects and mentor junior staff
• Drive business development across Scotland and Northern England
• Expand offerings, raise technical standards and promote a collaborative culture with clients and colleagues

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Mentorship

Client care

Report-writing

Business development

Education

BSc/MSc in a relevant field

CIEEM Associate or Full Member

Job description

Applicants at Technical Director & Associate Director level consider for next salary banding

Permanent, full time

Our key client is seeking a senior ecology leader to join their team in Edinburgh in the Ecology & Biodiversity team!

This role offers flexibility to appoint at either Principal, Associate Director or Technical Director level, depending on experience and the opportunity you seek. If that's to be part of a thriving, expert team with a diverse client, sector and project portfolio.

About the role:

Lead complex ecology projects, mentor junior staff, and help drive business development across Scotland and Northern England. You'll work alongside senior leadership to expand our offering, raise technical standards, and champion a collaborative "one-team" culture with clients and colleagues.

What you'll bring:

• BSc/MSc in a relevant field with 6+ years' consultancy experience
• CIEEM Associate or Full Member status
• Expertise in species surveys, biodiversity planning, peatland assessment, or related disciplines
• Solid project management, client care, and report-writing skills
• Leadership qualities and a drive for continuous improvement

Projects range from small to hundreds of thousands to multi-million-pound contracts.

You’ll join a people-focused consultancy with a solid track record in major renewables and infrastructure, committed to quality, innovation, and real-world environmental impact.

• Competitive salary + discretionary performance bonus
• 25 days' leave + flexible benefits (cycle to work, tax-free childcare, EAP)
• Real career progression in a collaborative, supportive environment
• Work on cutting-edge projects shaping the future of sustainable development

What our staff say:

• “The hard work you put in is always recognised, whereas in the past at larger companies it’s easier to go by unnoticed and unappreciated.”
• “I have more of a voice here than I did whilst working at larger consultancies.”
• “I am always encouraged to take my leave and my line manager always reminds me to put personal life and my family first!”
• “I always have a feeling that my thoughts, abilities, etc are trusted and respected.”

CleanTech Talent are acting as the exclusive employment agency for this position.