Associate Director of Ecology

Cobalt Recruitment; Exeter; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension

Flexible working options

Ongoing training and career development

Supportive culture within an employee-owned business

Job summary

A leading environmental consultancy in Exeter is seeking a Senior Ecologist to lead complex ecological projects and manage a talented team. The role involves providing strategic leadership, overseeing technical outputs, and fostering client relations. Ideal candidates should have extensive consultancy experience and a relevant degree. This position offers flexibility, ongoing training, and the opportunity to impact meaningful environmental initiatives.

Qualifications

• Extensive consultancy experience at senior level.
• Proven staff management and leadership skills.
• Full membership of CIEEM (Chartered status desirable).

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership as part of the senior management team.
• Lead complex ecological projects, from inception through to delivery.
• Manage and mentor a team of ecologists, supporting professional development.

Skills

Leadership

Ecological project management

Client relations

Technical report preparation

Commercial awareness

Education

Relevant degree in ecology or related subject

Job description

Overview

Candidate Manager specialising in Residential Development, Town Planning, Infrastructure, Ecology, EIA and Renewable Energy

A senior leadership opportunity for an experienced ecologist to play a key role in the strategic direction of a growing consultancy. You’ll lead on the delivery of complex, high-profile projects, manage and develop a talented ecology team, and drive client relationships across a broad range of sectors.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide leadership as part of the senior management team
• Lead complex ecological projects, from inception through to delivery
• Manage and mentor a team of ecologists, supporting professional development
• Oversee and review technical outputs including EcIAs, HRAs, BNG assessments, ES chapters and management plans
• Build and maintain strong client and stakeholder relationships
• Contribute to business development and commercial strategy

What You’ll Bring

• Relevant degree in ecology or related subject
• Extensive consultancy experience at senior level
• Proven staff management and leadership skills
• Excellent communication and client-facing ability
• Confidence in technical report preparation and review
• Commercial awareness and a proactive approach to business growth
• Full membership of CIEEM (Chartered status desirable)
• Full UK driving licence

Salary & Benefits

• Pension
• Flexible working between office, home, and site
• Ongoing training, mentoring, and career development
• Supportive, values-led culture within an employee-owned business

Why Apply?

• Play a central role in shaping and leading a respected ecology team
• Work on an exciting portfolio of varied and complex projects
• Benefit from employee-ownership profit sharing and a collaborative culture
• Enjoy career progression, flexible working, and meaningful environmental impact

When applying to any role through Cobalt, your CV will never be shared with a client without your prior consent. Apply in confidence below or get in touch with me for a confidential discussion about the position via [e-mail] or 07458161399.