Ecology Business Unit Leader - Leading Planning consultancy

JS Money Limited; London; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a leading independent planning consultancy as their Head of Ecology. This is a unique opportunity for an ambitious professional to lead and develop the Ecology team while making significant contributions to the business's growth. The role offers a clear pathway to board membership, supported by an excellent approach to team development and project delivery. Ideal candidates will have substantial ecology experience, a strong grasp of legislation, and the ability to foster client relationships.

Benefits

Optional company car or car allowance

Company pension & Private medical insurance

Ongoing training and development

Regular salary reviews

Clear pathway to a position on the Board of Directors

Qualifications

• Upwards of eight years ecology experience.
• Technical input into a range of ecological reports.
• Recruitment of new staff and development of the team.

Responsibilities

• Lead, manage, and expand the existing Ecology team.
• Provide technical and legislative guidance across the project portfolio.
• Oversee delivery of projects, ensuring added value to clients.

Skills

Problem solving

Client relationship management

Project management

Technical knowledge

Team management

Education

Honours or Master’s degree in Ecology or relevant discipline

Job description

Career defining opportunity to join a leading independent planning consultancy with offices across the Midlands as their Head of Ecology.

This highly respected regional planning consultancy is seeking an ambitious ecology professional to lead and develop an existing team and play an integral role across the business. The opportunity offers a clear pathway to a position on the company board including an equity stake.

My client is looking for a motivated and ambitious individual to lead, manage, and expand their existing Ecology team. The successful candidate will provide technical and legislative guidance across the current project portfolio, while also cultivating new relationships and expanding the client base across multiple sectors.

As Head of Ecology, you will bring a proven track record in procuring, managing and delivering projects across diverse ecological disciplines. You will play an active role in developing new opportunities and overseeing the successful delivery of projects, supported by the existing team and through the recruitment of additional talent.

Location – Birmingham or Nottingham. Other Midland locations considered with flexible working arrangements available.

Ideally you will be solution-oriented, with a commitment to technical excellence and a passion for driving results. As the leader of the Ecology department, you will inspire and guide the team, ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget, and that they consistently provide added value to clients—all while fostering a positive, collaborative company culture.

There will be a number of core skills required for the role which will focus on business strategy and development, client relationship management, project delivery, knowledge management and people development.

Team management – including delegation, mentoring, recruitment, Comprehensive technical knowledge – a broad base of knowledge supported through the production of EcIAs, Ecology Chapters, Ecological Appraisals.
Problem solving and lateral thinking.
Relationship building – both internally and externally clients and supply chain.
Project management – proven track record of managing and overseeing the delivery of large complex schemes which cover a range of protected species and environmental legislation considerations
Procurement and budget management.

Ideally you will have the following

· Upwards of eight years ecology experience

· Technical input into and peer review of a range of ecological reports

· Recruitment of new staff and development of the existing team.

· Strategic, adaptive, problem-solving attitude

· A comprehensive knowledge of protected species legislation and licensing requirements inclusive of license applications

· Excellent communication and instructive skills

· Outstanding organisational skills and the ability to prioritise individually and at a team level

· Strong interpersonal, written and oral communication skills

Preferred Professional Accreditations

· One or more protected species licenses

· Full CIEEM Membership Chartered or close to status

· Full clean driving license

· Honours or Master’s degree in Ecology or relevant discipline

Rewards & Benefits

· Competitive salary depending on experience, plus bonus.

· Optional company car or car allowance

· Company pension & Private medical insurance.

· Ongoing training and development

· Regular salary reviews

· Clear pathway to a position on the Board of Directors

This is an exceptional opportunity to join an ambitious business with significant growth plans ahead. My client offers a lot of training as well as great scope for progression and reward. You will have significant input into the growth and development of the business.

Even if you are cautiously looking, I would recommend a discreet conversation to find out more about the firm and the role.

If this Head of Ecology role is of interest, click apply below.