Associate Director

Antal International Network; United Kingdom; Hybrid; Confidential; Full time

Job summary

A leading ecological consultancy is seeking an Associate Director of Ecology to establish and lead a new regional office in England. The role involves strategic leadership, managing complex ecological projects, and developing client relationships. Ideal candidates will have significant experience in ecological consultancy, strong team leadership skills, and a relevant degree. This position offers a competitive salary, flexible working arrangements, and opportunities for professional development within a growing organization.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Flexible working arrangements

Support for professional development

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in UK ecological consultancy, including senior project management.
• Proven ability to lead teams and manage complex ecological workloads.
• Strong technical knowledge across UK ecological survey methods.

Responsibilities

• Establish and lead a new regional ecology team, including recruitment and mentoring.
• Oversee and contribute to complex ecological projects, ensuring compliance with legislation.
• Support business development and client engagement activities.

Skills

Team leadership

Commercial awareness

Technical ecological knowledge

Communication skills

Education

Degree in Ecology or Environmental Science

Job description

Associate Director of Ecology

Location: England (new regional office to be established) Salary: £60,000‑£70,000 per annum Contract: Full‑time, Permanent Reporting to: Directors / Senior Leadership Team

About the Role

Senior leadership opportunity for an experienced ecological consultant to establish and grow a new regional ecology team and office in England. The role combines technical leadership, people management and business development, supporting the continued expansion of a well‑established UK ecology consultancy.

The Associate Director will play a key role in shaping the regional strategy, building a high‑performing team, delivering complex ecological projects and strengthening client relationships. Business development experience or appetite is advantageous, particularly in developing new work streams and regional client networks.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership and Team Development

• Establish and lead a new regional ecology team, including recruitment, mentoring and performance management.
• Set up and grow a new office location, embedding company culture, systems and standards.
• Provide senior leadership across ecological project delivery, ensuring quality, consistency and best practice.
• Support the professional development of ecologists at all levels.

Technical Delivery

• Oversee and contribute to complex ecological projects, including:
  • Preliminary Ecological Appraisals (PEAs)
  • Protected species surveys and mitigation strategies
  • Ecological Impact Assessments (EcIAs) and Environmental Statement chapters
  • Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) assessments and delivery
  • Habitat management and monitoring plans
  • Habitat Regulations Assessments where required
• Ensure compliance with UK legislation, planning policy and industry guidance.
• Act as a technical authority and sign off reports where appropriate.

Business Development and Client Engagement

• Support and lead business development activity, including proposal writing, fee negotiation and tender submissions.
• Develop and maintain strong client relationships across the region.
• Identify new market opportunities and help shape regional growth strategy.
• Represent the consultancy at client meetings, stakeholder engagement and industry events.

Quality, Risk and Operational Management

• Maintain high standards of technical quality assurance across the regional team.
• Ensure projects are delivered to programme and budget.
• Support operational governance, risk management and continuous improvement initiatives.

Person Specification

Essential

• Degree or higher qualification in Ecology, Environmental Science or a related discipline.
• Extensive experience within UK ecological consultancy, including senior project management.
• Proven ability to lead teams and manage complex ecological workloads.
• Strong technical knowledge across UK ecological survey methods, mitigation and planning processes.
• Commercial awareness and confidence engaging with clients.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Membership of CIEEM (or working towards full membership).

Desirable

• Chartered Ecologist or Chartered Environmentalist status.
• Existing regional client network.
• Experience establishing or growing a regional team or office.
• Track record of securing repeat business or framework agreements.

What’s on Offer

• Competitive salary of £60,000‑£70,000.
• Opportunity to shape and lead a new regional ecology team and office.
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements.
• Support for professional development and memberships.
• Clear progression within a growing, values‑driven consultancy.