Ecology Lead & Strategic Director

Jacobs; Belfast City District; Hybrid; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension up to 8%

Life assurance

Professional development

Volunteer program

Leave buy/sell

Job summary

Jacobs is seeking an experienced Associate Director to shape the Irish ecology team within its European ecology business. You will steer strategic direction, be the trusted advisor to clients and regulators, lead high-value relationships, and mentor a growing team across complex projects.

The role requires Chartered status or the drive to achieve it, a strategic mindset, and strong client-facing skills, with travel across the UK and Ireland as needed.

Qualifications

• Strong background in terrestrial ecology with significant industry experience.
• Chartered status or ready to achieve it.
• Strategic mindset with ability to contribute to senior leadership decisions.
• Strong client-facing skills and confidence engaging with stakeholders and regulators.
• Willingness to travel across the UK and Ireland when needed.
• Proactive, hands-on leadership style with self-awareness.
• Ability to adapt and thrive across diverse, complex projects.

Responsibilities

• Steer the strategic direction of the team and contribute to UK ecology leadership.
• Act as a trusted advisor for clients, stakeholders and regulators.
• Lead high-value client relationships and represent Jacobs externally.
• Mentor and develop the team to drive growth and performance.
• Oversee EIA, Appropriate Assessment and biodiversity strategies.
• Design and lead ecological monitoring programmes and survey strategies.
• Collaborate across disciplines to deliver integrated project solutions.
• Identify, bid for and win new work.
• Raise the team’s profile within the wider business.

Skills

Terrestrial ecology

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Client engagement

Travel across UK/Ireland

Education

Chartered status

Job description

Jacobs is seeking an experienced Associate Director to shape the Irish ecology team within its European ecology business. You will steer strategic direction, be the trusted advisor to clients and regulators, lead high-value relationships, and mentor a growing team across complex projects.

The role requires Chartered status or the drive to achieve it, a strategic mindset, and strong client-facing skills, with travel across the UK and Ireland as needed.