Principal Ecologist

Principal Ecologist

£50k (DOE)

Manchester

Looking to lead and develop an Ecology portfolio and grow a team?

As Principal Ecologist you'll lead, manage and deliver ecology services taking projects from start to finish. You will also be a key player in supporting the growth of the team to achieve business goals. A technical focus is needed here, along with the ability and experience in team leadership & business development.

What's in it for you?

• Salary up to £50k (DOE)
• Holiday entitlement: 24 days annual leave, increasing by one day per year up to a maximum of 30 days after two years of service, plus Bank Holidays
• Enhanced Pension: Matched increased contributions up to 7.5%, should you choose to contribute more
• Professional development: One paid professional membership per year
• Travel support: Opportunity to apply for an interest-free loan for the purchase of an annual travel season ticket
• Training and Development: Training budget and opportunities to upskill
• Eyecare scheme
• Staff forum events
• 1 volunteering day per year
• Tech & Cycle scheme
• Bonus scheme

The Role

You'll be responsible for the delivery of strategic ecology services across projects contributing to tendering, fee proposals, and bids, managing multiple projects, leading surveys and managing Ecologists from Assistant to Senior.

Your work will include:

• Take the lead on ecological surveys including BNG, PEA, protected species and EcIAs, HRA's
• Provide ecological Clerk of Works (ECow) support projects
• Start to finish project management, quotation, budget control, invoicing & scheduling.
• Providing strategic ecological advice to clients
• Develop and implement strategies to minimise ecological impacts and deliver BNG
• Ecological due diligence and advising on BNG opportunities
• Prepare technical documents, BNG calculations and ecological reports

This role is about delivering projects and providing commercially astute, honest and clear ecological advice that shapes long-term relationships and leads growth within the business.

About You

• 5+ years experience delivering strategic ecology within consultancy, rural practice or development
• Strong understanding of BNG, PEA & EcIAs, ECoW, HRA
• Full CIEEM membership (MCIEEM)
• Proven ability to provide guidance and advice on ecological matters
• Extensive knowledge of UK habitat & protective species legislation
• UK Drivers Licence
• Experience preparing ecological reports and technical documents
• Confident engaging with regulators, stakeholders and multidisciplinary teams

What's Next?

For an informal discussion, call me, Simon on 01780480530 and we can talk through the role, team and opportunity in more detail.

Don't worry if your CV isn't fully up to date, just send what you have, and we'll take it from there.

What happens after I apply?

You'll be contacted by one of our sector specialists who'll talk through your background, interests, and goals.

We'll make sure the role is right for you and support you through each stage of the process.

Will someone guide me through the interview process?

Yes. Your consultant will brief you fully before interviews, provide insight into the company culture, and help you prepare so you can feel confident and well-informed.