Associate Director Ecology

RPS Group; Southampton; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading consultancy in ecology is seeking an Associate Director to manage ecological projects and lead a team in delivering diverse environmental solutions. The ideal candidate will have experience in ecological consultancy, project management, and client relationship development. This role offers a competitive salary, substantial benefits including a generous holiday scheme, and opportunities for professional development.

Benefits

25 days holiday plus bank holidays

Company pension scheme

Health screening

Professional memberships

Cycle to work scheme

Qualifications

• Proven experience as an ecological consultant with team-leadership responsibilities.
• Knowledge of UK and EU Wildlife Legislation.
• Ability to design and deliver ecological mitigation.

Responsibilities

• Grow and manage the ecological team delivering ecological appraisals and surveys.
• Project manage a varied workload and supervise field staff.
• Build long-lasting client relationships and generate new business.

Skills

Leadership

Client relationship building

Ecological impact assessments

Project management

Education

Degree in Environmental Science

Membership of CIEEM

Job description

Associate Director Ecology

We are searching for an experienced Associate Director Ecology at our Birmingham - Newhall Street facility.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

RPS is looking for an Associate Director within the Ecology team in Birmingham. The candidate will grow, manage and support the ecological team delivering master planning inputs, ecological appraisals, ornithological surveys and studies, other protected species surveys, mitigation design and construction, and post‑construction supervision and monitoring. RPS is a leading global multi‑disciplinary consultancy that specialises in all areas of the built and natural environment, shaping the future of our environmental, social and economic landscapes.

Your role

You will have the opportunity to benefit from an exciting and diverse workload, delivering high quality support for private and public‑sector clients across the UK including exciting infrastructure and renewable energy projects.

You will be building up long‑lasting client relationships, generating and effectively managing new business and have responsibility for financial planning and management. You'll project manage a wide and varied workload and supervise field staff and survey effort and have technical oversight and sign‑off on project output.

• Undertake site surveys
• Carry out ecological impact assessments
• Design and implement ecological mitigation measures

There will be travel involved for which we provide a car allowance; you will need a full UK driving licence.

Your skills and experience

We would like you to have full membership of CIEEM and a degree (or equivalent) in a relevant subject. You should be an established ecological consultant, have extensive project management experience and have worked in consultancy. You should be used to leading a team and be great at developing good client relationships to secure repeat business and gain new clients.

Experience of other protected species, ornithological or botanical surveys is essential, as is the ability to plan and undertake habitat surveys and to identify indicator plant species and habitat types. You should have full knowledge of UK and EU Wildlife Legislation and best practice survey techniques.

What’s in it for you?

We will provide you with a competitive salary, opportunities to invest and many other benefits including: 25 days holiday plus bank holidays; option to purchase up to five extra days per year; company pension scheme; group disability scheme; share incentive scheme; life assurance; cycle to work scheme; health screening; employee assistance programme including wellbeing initiatives and mental health support; dental cover; professional memberships; and access to BenefitHub offering discounts, cashback offers and rewards.

We’re an accredited training provider – from entry level to master’s degree level professional qualifications in leadership & management and executive coaching & mentoring – supporting learning and development for everyone. A personal development plan and a transparent career pathway puts you in the driving seat of your career and you’ll be supported as far as you want to go.

Required Qualifications

Experience as an ecological consultant with team‑leadership responsibilities; membership of CIEEM; degree (or equivalent) in an environmental science subject; knowledge of UK and EU wildlife legislation; proven ability to design and deliver mitigation; and strong client‑relationship skills.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Our company provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics.