Ecology Business Unit Leader - Leading Planning consultancy

JS Money Limited; London; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 90,000

Job description

Career defining opportunity to join a leading independent planning consultancy with offices across the Midlands as their Head of Ecology.

This highly respected regional planning consultancy is seeking an ambitious ecology professional to lead and develop an existing team and play an integral role across the business. The opportunity offers a clear pathway to a position on the company board including an equity stake.

My client is looking for a motivated and ambitious individual to lead, manage, and expand their existing Ecology team. The successful candidate will provide technical and legislative guidance across the current project portfolio, while also cultivating new relationships and expanding the client base across multiple sectors.

As Head of Ecology, you will bring a proven track record in procuring, managing and delivering projects across diverse ecological disciplines. You will play an active role in developing new opportunities and overseeing the successful delivery of projects, supported by the existing team and through the recruitment of additional talent.

Location – Birmingham or Nottingham. Other Midland locations considered with flexible working arrangements available.

Ideally you will be solution-oriented, with a commitment to technical excellence and a passion for driving results. As the leader of the Ecology department, you will inspire and guide the team, ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget, and that they consistently provide added value to clients—all while fostering a positive, collaborative company culture.

Core Responsibilities:

1. Team management – including delegation, mentoring, recruitment.
2. Comprehensive technical knowledge – a broad base of knowledge supported through the production of EcIAs, Ecology Chapters, Ecological Appraisals.
3. Problem solving and lateral thinking.
4. Relationship building – both internally and externally with clients and supply chain.
5. Project management – proven track record of managing and overseeing the delivery of large complex schemes which cover a range of protected species and environmental legislation considerations.
6. Procurement and budget management.

Minimum Requirements:

1. Upwards of eight years ecology experience.
2. Technical input into and peer review of a range of ecological reports.
3. Recruitment of new staff and development of the existing team.
4. Strategic, adaptive, problem-solving attitude.
5. A comprehensive knowledge of protected species legislation and licensing requirements inclusive of license applications.
6. Excellent communication and instructive skills.
7. Outstanding organisational skills and the ability to prioritise individually and at a team level.
8. Strong interpersonal, written and oral communication skills.

Preferred Professional Accreditations:

1. One or more protected species licenses.
2. Full CIEEM Membership Chartered or close to status.
3. Full clean driving license.
4. Honours or Master’s degree in Ecology or relevant discipline.

Rewards & Benefits:

1. Competitive salary depending on experience, plus bonus.
2. Optional company car or car allowance.
3. Company pension & Private medical insurance.
4. Ongoing training and development.
5. Regular salary reviews.
6. Clear pathway to a position on the Board of Directors.

This is an exceptional opportunity to join an ambitious business with significant growth plans ahead. My client offers a lot of training as well as great scope for progression and reward. You will have significant input into the growth and development of the business.

If this Head of Ecology role is of interest, click apply below.