Associate Director of Ecology

Lanpro; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Enhanced Annual Leave entitlement

Death in service cover

Hybrid working environment

Professional Body membership contribution

Enhanced Company pension

Job summary

Lanpro, based in Manchester, is hiring an Associate Director to lead its Ecology team. This role requires technical excellence combined with people management, client relationship management, and business development.

Key responsibilities include leading ecologists, managing client accounts, and overseeing complex ecological projects. Candidates should hold a degree in Ecology or similar, with extensive consultancy experience and strong commercial skills.

Benefits include enhanced annual leave, hybrid working, and a professional body membership contribution.

Qualifications

• Extensive consultancy experience including team leadership.
• Proven experience managing clients and project portfolios.
• Strong commercial awareness and business development experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of ecologists, supporting performance, development and wellbeing.
• Manage key client accounts and develop new business opportunities.
• Oversee delivery of complex ecological projects and frameworks.
• Provide technical review and strategic advice on major projects.

Skills

Ecological Impact Assessment (EcIA)

Habitats Regulations Assessment (HRA)

Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG)

Education

Degree in Ecology, Environmental Science or related discipline

Job description

Lanpro is a market‑leading multi‑disciplinary consultancy specialising in Environment‑led Planning and Design.

About the Role

We are seeking an Associate Director to provide leadership within our growing Ecology team. This role combines technical excellence with people management, client relationship management and business development responsibilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of ecologists, supporting performance, development and wellbeing.
• Manage key client accounts and develop new business opportunities.
• Oversee delivery of complex ecological projects and frameworks.
• Provide technical review and strategic advice on major projects.
• Support recruitment, succession planning and team growth.
• Lead bid preparation and contribute to framework submissions.
• Collaborate with Directors across the business to support multidisciplinary growth.
• Represent the company at industry events, strengthening brand and market presence.

Essential Requirements

• Degree (or equivalent) in Ecology, Environmental Science or related discipline.
• Extensive consultancy experience including team leadership.
• Strong technical expertise in:
  • Ecological Impact Assessment (EcIA)
  • Habitats Regulations Assessment (HRA)
  • Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG)
• Proven experience managing clients and project portfolios.
• Experience managing team performance and utilisation.
• Strong commercial awareness and business development experience.
• Full membership of CIEEM.
• Full UK driving licence.

Desirable Requirements

• Protected species licences.
• NSIP experience.
• Experience acting as Expert Witness.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary projects.

Benefits

Day One

• Enhanced Annual Leave entitlement
• Death in service cover
• Centrally based City offices
• Hybrid working environment (flexible work)
• Protected CPD (Department, individual and companywide)
• Professional Body membership contribution
• Enhanced Company pension
• Career progression framework and development, including two defined promotion windows annually.
• E‑Learning portal access
• Non‑contractual growth bonus scheme

After Probation and Beyond

• Loyalty Leave (Continuous Service Accrued Annual Leave up to 5 days)
• Vitality Health Care – Private Medical Insurance
• Discounted Gym membership
• Discounts and perks – Amazon Prime, Free Odeon Cinema tickets, Apple benefits and Café Nero
• Employee Assistance Program – including Financial and Mental Health support from external expertise.
• BUPA Cash Plan
• Cycle to work scheme

Equal Opportunity Employer – We believe in each person’s potential and support your growth.