Associate Director – Ecology

Hilson Moran; Greater London; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Enhanced annual leave

Enhanced company pension contribution

Annual wellbeing budget

Access to healthcare scheme

Paid volunteering days

Company events

Season ticket loans

Job summary

A sustainable design leader in the UK is seeking an experienced Associate Director - Ecology to oversee ecological services and team development in London, Bristol, or Manchester. This role blends strategic leadership and client engagement to promote biodiversity and sustainable design practices. Applicants should have extensive experience in ecology, particularly related to UK habitats and ecological assessment. Competitive benefits include enhanced leave and a supportive work environment, fostering innovation and team growth.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in transport planning, especially in consultancy.
• Valid driving licence.
• Experience in UK habitats and protected species.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage ecological inputs across project lifecycle.
• Provide strategic direction for ecology services.
• Mentor and develop the ecology team.
• Engage with clients and stakeholders.

Skills

Ecological Impact Assessment (EcIA)

Biodiversity Net Gain legislation

Cost-effective mitigation strategies

Leadership and communication skills

Education

Bachelor's / Master's degree in ecology or a related field

Membership of CIEEM (desirable)

Tools

GIS

Job description

Associate Director - Ecology

We are looking for an Associate Director - Ecology based in London, Bristol or Manchester.

At Hilson Moran, we believe in creating places that give more than they take — for people, for nature, and for the planet. As a certified B Corp and a leader in sustainable design and environmental consultancy, we deliver integrated, science‑led solutions that support biodiversity, climate resilience, and community wellbeing.

We are seeking an experienced Associate Director in Ecology to join our growing Infrastructure & Environment team. This senior leadership role will involve strategic oversight of ecological services, client engagement and team development across a diverse portfolio of projects.

You will work closely with engineers and environmental scientists to deliver ecological insight and champion biodiversity net gain and nature‑based solutions as core components of sustainable placemaking.

Your Responsibilities

• Lead and manage ecological inputs across the project lifecycle — from early‑stage surveys to mitigation strategies and post‑construction monitoring.
• Provide strategic direction for ecology services, ensuring alignment with our Net Positive Places approach.
• Mentor and develop the ecology team, fostering a collaborative and inclusive culture.
• Engage with clients and stakeholders, contributing to proposals, tenders, and thought leadership.
• Champion innovation in biodiversity, habitat creation and ecological best practice.
• Ensure compliance with UK legislation, planning requirements and industry standards.
• Work with colleagues form the engineering, environmental and environmental infrastructure disciplines within Hilson Moran working closely with wider Group companies including Tyrens and AKTII.

Benefits

• Enhanced annual leave entitlement of 25 days per annum, plus public holidays. Your annual leave entitlement will increase based on length of service with us up to 28 days plus public holidays.
• Enhanced company pension contribution.
• Annual budget to spend on personal wellbeing activities.
• Access to our healthcare scheme.
• Access to confidential wellbeing support services via our Employee Assistance Programme.
• Paid volunteering days to support causes important to you.
• Fun company events including our annual winter party and our full company summer social.
• Season ticket loans.
• to work scheme.
• Options for unpaid leave and career breaks.

Background & Qualifications

• Bachelors / Masters degree in ecology or a related field.
• Degree in Ecology or related discipline; membership of CIEEM desirable.
• Extensive experience in transport planning, preferably with a focus on the built environment and development sector within a consultancy role.
• Valid driving licence.
• Proven experience in UK habitats and protected species, with relevant survey and/or mitigation licences (e.g., bats).
• Analysis and visualisation such as GIS.
• Bachelor’s degree in Ecology, or a related field.

Skills

• Strong track record in Ecological Impact Assessment (EcIA) and Habitat Regulations Assessment (HRA).
• Deep understanding of Biodiversity Net Gain legislation and metrics.
• Skilled in designing pragmatic, cost‑effective mitigation strategies.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and client‑facing skills.

All Applications will be treated in the strictest confidence. Hilson Moran is an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all communities.

Seniority level

Mid‑Senior level

Employment type

Full‑time

Job function

Business Development and Sales

Design