Ecology Associate Director: Strategic Leader & Mentor

Jacobs; Manchester; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Jacobs Engineering Group in Manchester seeking a Principal/Associate Director of Ecology to lead a growing team and shape the future of ecology in the UK. You will steer strategic direction, mentor staff, and act as a trusted advisor to clients and regulators while managing high-value projects and bid activity.

The role requires Chartered status (or progression), strong terrestrial ecology expertise, and a proven track record in leadership and client relationships across diverse projects.

Qualifications

• Chartered status or readiness to achieve it.
• Strong background in terrestrial ecology with industry experience.
• Proven line-management, mentoring and team development.
• Excellent client-facing skills and regulator engagement.
• Strategic leadership with the ability to influence senior decisions.

Responsibilities

• Steer the strategic direction of the team and contribute to UK ecology leadership.
• Lead and mentor colleagues with high-impact, empathetic leadership.
• Act as trusted advisor to clients, stakeholders and regulators.
• Lead high-value client relationships and represent Jacobs externally.
• Oversee deliverables like Ecological Impact Assessments and Biodiversity strategies.
• Design and lead ecological monitoring programmes and surveys.
• Collaborate across disciplines to deliver integrated project solutions.
• Identify, bid for and secure new work; champion the team internally.
• Plan resources to balance workloads and support projects.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Mentoring

Client-facing skills

People management

Willingness to travel UK & Ireland

Education

Chartered status (or eligible)

Job description

Jacobs Engineering Group in Manchester seeking a Principal/Associate Director of Ecology to lead a growing team and shape the future of ecology in the UK. You will steer strategic direction, mentor staff, and act as a trusted advisor to clients and regulators while managing high-value projects and bid activity.

The role requires Chartered status (or progression), strong terrestrial ecology expertise, and a proven track record in leadership and client relationships across diverse projects.