Technical Director - Biodiversity & Natural Capital

Thomas Search; Greater London; On-site; GBP 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Thomas Search is partnering with a specialist international ESG advisory business to appoint a Technical Director - Biodiversity into a pivotal leadership position within its Environmental & Social practice.

This rare opportunity combines technical leadership with commercial growth, mentoring teams and shaping the service offering to meet high standards of environmental and social performance across sectors.

Qualifications

• Significant experience leading biodiversity projects in international settings.
• Strong knowledge of IFC Performance Standards, especially Standard 6.
• Experience applying the Equator Principles and lender requirements.

Responsibilities

• Lead complex international biodiversity and natural capital projects.
• Provide strategic technical leadership across multidisciplinary teams.
• Advise lenders, investors and project developers throughout the lifecycle.
• Mentor consultants and develop technical capability.
• Support business growth through proposals and client development.
• Drive quality and innovation in biodiversity services.

Skills

Leadership

Biodiversity

International project experience

Stakeholder management

Strategic thinking

Mentoring

Business development

IFC Performance Standards

Equator Principles

Communication skills

Job description

Technical Director - Biodiversity & Natural Capital

Thomas Search is delighted to be partnering with a specialist international ESG advisory business to appoint a Technical Director - Biodiversity into a pivotal leadership position within its expanding Environmental & Social practice.

This is a rare opportunity to join a highly respected consultancy operating at the forefront of international project finance, advising global lenders, investors and developers on some of the world's most complex infrastructure, energy and natural resource projects.

Our client is experiencing significant growth and is seeking an established technical leader to shape and expand its biodiversity offering, whilst influencing the strategic direction of the wider business.

The Opportunity

This is far more than a technical role.

You’ll combine technical excellence with commercial leadership, helping grow a specialist consultancy recognised for delivering Environmental & Social advisory services on internationally financed developments.

Working directly with senior clients, financial institutions and project sponsors, you’ll provide strategic biodiversity advice that enables responsible investment and supports internationally recognised environmental and social standards.

Projects span multiple sectors including:

• Renewable Energy
• Mining & Metals
• Infrastructure
• Transport
• Industrial Development
• Natural Resources
• International Development Finance
• Nature-Based Solutions

The Role

As Technical Director, you’ll lead the development and delivery of complex biodiversity projects whilst helping grow both the team and the wider service offering.

Responsibilities include:

• Leading complex international biodiversity and natural capital projects
• Providing strategic technical leadership across multidisciplinary teams
• Advising international lenders, investors and project developers
• Acting as a trusted adviser to senior clients throughout the project lifecycle
• Supporting business growth through proposals, client development and strategic planning
• Driving technical quality and innovation across the business
• Mentoring and developing consultants and future technical leaders
• Building long-term relationships across the international project finance community
• Representing the business through industry engagement and thought leadership

We're looking for someone with

• Significant experience leading biodiversity consultancy projects within an international environment
• Strong knowledge of IFC Performance Standards, particularly Performance Standard 6
• Experience applying the Equator Principles and international lender requirements
• Excellent understanding of Critical Habitat Assessments, biodiversity risk and mitigation strategies
• Experience supporting major infrastructure, mining, energy or development projects
• Commercial awareness with experience supporting bids and client development
• Proven leadership of multidisciplinary project teams
• Strong communication skills with the ability to influence senior stakeholders
• A genuine passion for building teams and growing technical capability

Experience working with international financial institutions, export credit agencies or development finance organisations would be highly advantageous.