Technical Director Ecology - North East Regional Lead

SLR Consulting; Newcastle upon Tyne; Hybrid; GBP 90,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Company pension

Private medical insurance

Life insurance

Cycle-to-work schemes

Flexible hybrid working

25 days’ annual leave

Leave buy/sell

Core working hours

Cross-border remote working

Maternity/paternity/adoption leave pay

Employee assistance programme

Specialist support for mental health

Job summary

SLR Consulting in the North East is seeking an Ecology and Biodiversity Regional Lead – North East at Principal or Technical Director level to guide a team of around 25 ecological specialists, with direct line management for 5–7 staff, and to shape the region’s delivery and strategic direction.

You will work with regional and national leaders to deliver complex, high‑profile projects, mentor staff, manage budgets and resources, and represent SLR at industry events while collaborating with

Qualifications

• Substantial experience in ecology, ideally gained within an environmental consultancy environment.
• A relevant degree and appropriate membership of CIEEM or an equivalent professional body.
• Significant people leadership, mentoring and team management experience.
• Extensive project management experience, including delivery of complex, high‑value projects.
• Commercial awareness, including experience of resource planning and financial management.
• A passion for delivering high‑quality ecological work and supporting the development of others.
• A driving licence that permits you to legally drive in the UK.

Responsibilities

• Leading and developing a team of ecology professionals through mentoring, performance management and recruitment.
• Overseeing regional financial performance, including budgeting, forecasting and resource planning.
• Supporting project resourcing and providing regional operational updates.
• Guiding Project Managers and Project Directors on the successful delivery of complex and high‑value projects.
• Coordinating regional strategy to align local priorities with wider business objectives.
• Building relationships across the business and representing SLR at industry events and professional networks.
• Collaborating with Ecology & Biodiversity leaders across the UK and Europe to drive consistency and best practice.

Skills

People leadership

Project management

Commercial awareness

Driving licence

Ecology expertise

Mentoring

Education

Degree in Ecology

CIEEM membership

Job description

Lead and grow a thriving ecology team across the North East

SLR is a global leader in sustainability solutions, working with clients to help make sustainability happen, within a collaborative, people-first culture.

We are seeking an experienced Ecology professional to join us as Ecology and Biodiversity Regional Lead – North East, sitting at our Principal or Technical Director grade. Reporting to the Operations Director and working closely with the European Practice Lead for Ecology & Biodiversity, you will play a key leadership role in the day‑to‑day management and strategic direction of the region.

The North East team consists of c25 people, this role will have direct line management responsibility for 5-7 people. There will be some travel to other regions to visit offices, attend meetings and collaborate with other regional leads.

Role

You will work closely with regional and national leadership teams while supporting the delivery of complex and high‑profile projects across a diverse client base. The role includes:

• Leading and developing a team of ecology professionals through mentoring, performance management and recruitment
• Overseeing regional financial performance, including budgeting, forecasting and resource planning
• Supporting project resourcing and providing regional operational updates
• Guiding Project Managers and Project Directors on the successful delivery of complex and high‑value projects
• Coordinating regional strategy to align local priorities with wider business objectives
• Building relationships across the business and representing SLR at industry events and professional networks
• Collaborating with Ecology & Biodiversity leaders across the UK and Europe to drive consistency and best practice

Rewards & Benefits

SLR's ‘One Team’ culture is at the heart of our business, providing a collaborative and supportive environment where people can develop and grow. Through a structured career framework, regular performance reviews, and support towards chartership, professional qualifications and licences, we offer excellent opportunities for long‑term career progression. Our flexible benefits and reward package includes:

• Competitive salary with discretionary bonus
• Company pension
• Private medical insurance
• Life, income, and travel insurance
• Salary sacrifice car lease and cycle‑to‑work schemes
• Flexible, hybrid and agile working
• 25 days’ annual leave plus flexible public holidays
• Buy or sell leave options
• Core working hours
• Cross‑border remote working and sabbatical opportunities
• Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption leave pay
• Workplace Nursery benefit
• Volunteering and Community Giving
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Specialist support for mental health, stress and menopause - supporting our people both professionally and personally

About You

• Substantial experience in ecology, ideally gained within an environmental consultancy environment, working across multiple sectors
• A relevant degree and appropriate membership of CIEEM or an equivalent professional body
• Significant people leadership, mentoring and team management experience
• Extensive project management experience, including delivery of complex, high‑value projects
• Commercial awareness, including experience of resource planning and financial management
• A passion for delivering high‑quality ecological work and supporting the development of others
• A driving licence that permits you to legally drive in the UK

Culture & Inclusion

Inclusion is fundamental to who we are. We are committed to equal opportunities and foster a workplace where everyone can thrive, supported by active Culture & Inclusion Committees and Employee Networks. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds and are a Disability Confident Committed employer. If you require any adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know and we will be happy to support you.