Principal to Associate Director of Ecology

Cobalt Recruitment; Devon and Torbay; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

Devon location

Profit sharing

Volunteering days

Job summary

Cobalt Recruitment is seeking an ambitious Principal Ecologist to Associate Director to join a growing, employee-owned environmental consultancy in Devon. You will lead complex projects, mentor ecologists, and shape business growth in a flexible, hybrid setting with a stunning estuary-view office.

Ideal candidates have seniority (Principal/Associate Director) and strong reporting skills, plus a passion for mentoring and client development in a supportive team.

Qualifications

• Senior/Principal/Associate Director level ecology consultancy experience.
• Excellent technical knowledge of ecological assessments and reporting.
• Proven project management and client relationship skills.
• Commercial awareness and interest in business development.
• Mentoring and developing others.

Responsibilities

• Lead and deliver complex ecological projects across residential, infrastructure and environmental sectors.
• Oversee technical reporting including EcIAs, HRAs, and ES Ecology chapters.
• Build strong client relationships and lead multidisciplinary project teams.
• Mentor ecologists and contribute to their development.
• Support business development and drive growth.
• Play a key role in senior management discussions at Associate Director level.

Skills

Ecology consultancy experience

Project management

Client relationships

Mentoring & Development

Business development interest

Education

Relevant degree

Tools

Full UK driving licence

Job description

Ready for an ecology role that offers more than just a bigger title?

What if your next move gave you genuine influence, exciting projects, a fantastic team AND a share in the company's success?

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an ambitious Principal Ecologist to Associate Director to join a highly respected, growing and employee-owned environmental consultancy in beautiful Devon.

This is your chance to take ownership of complex projects, develop talented ecologists and help shape the future of a successful consultancy. Whether you're a Principal ready to step up or an established Associate Director looking for a fresh challenge, this could be the opportunity for you!

The Opportunity

Working across residential, infrastructure, utilities and environmental projects, you'll have the opportunity to:

• Lead and deliver complex ecological projects.
• Oversee technical reporting, including EcIAs, HRAs, BNG assessments, ES Ecology chapters and Ecological Management Plans.
• Build strong client relationships and manage multidisciplinary project teams.
• Mentor and develop talented ecologists.
• Contribute to business development and commercial growth.
• At Associate Director level, play a key role in the Senior Management Team.

Why Make the Move?

• Employee ownership & profit share – Have a genuine stake in the company's success.
• Career progression – Real opportunities to grow, lead and influence.
• Hybrid working – Flexibility between home, office and site.
• Stunning Devon location – An office overlooking the estuary.
• Exciting projects – A diverse portfolio of technically challenging work.
• Fantastic culture – A supportive, experienced and welcoming team.
• Great benefits – Competitive pension, excellent training and three paid volunteering days annually.

What We're Looking For

• Strong ecology consultancy experience at Senior, Principal or Associate Director level.
• Excellent technical knowledge of ecological assessments and reporting.
• Proven project management and client relationship skills.
• Commercial awareness and an interest in business development.
• A passion for mentoring and developing others.
• Full CIEEM membership; chartership advantageous.
• Relevant degree and full UK driving licence.

For Associate Director level, previous people management and senior leadership experience will be important.

Could This Be Your Next Chapter?

More influence. More opportunity. A genuine share in the success.