Hybrid Principal Ecologist & Strategy Leader

Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual profit-related bonus

Professional development budget

Flexible hybrid working

Job summary

Co-ecology, a Sussex-based ecological consultancy, seeks a Principal Ecologist / Associate Director to lead strategic direction, technical development and staff growth. The role focuses on managing projects, client relationships and expanding into new markets, with mentoring across the team.

You will drive technical excellence, oversee complexity of ecological assessments, and play a key role in shaping the company’s future while working in a hybrid East Sussex setting.

Qualifications

• Strong background in ecological consultancy.
• People-centred leadership with emotional intelligence.
• Desire to develop self and others.
• Strong botanical skills and expertise in UK protected species and habitats.
• BER registration would be advantageous.
• Adopting current and emerging technologies is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Lead projects and manage client relationships.
• Oversee and complete ecological assessments (BNG, EIA, HRA).
• Provide leadership on species licensing.
• Mentor and support the consultancy team.
• Supervise deliverables and ensure legal compliance.
• Manage BNG lifecycle delivery and licences.
• Advise clients and stakeholders; contribute to growth.

Skills

Ecological consultancy

Leadership

Client management

Mentoring

Technical leadership

Education

BER registration (advantage)

Tools

Drone surveys

Job description

Co-ecology, a Sussex-based ecological consultancy, seeks a Principal Ecologist / Associate Director to lead strategic direction, technical development and staff growth. The role focuses on managing projects, client relationships and expanding into new markets, with mentoring across the team.

You will drive technical excellence, oversee complexity of ecological assessments, and play a key role in shaping the company’s future while working in a hybrid East Sussex setting.