Lead Ecologist - #2187450

Ecology Lead – Build a new ecology division

Midlands | 3 days hybrid | Competitive Salary + Bonus + Excellent Benefits

Senior / Principal Ecologist

An outstanding opportunity to build something exceptional.

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an ambitious Senior or Principal Ecologist to join a dynamic, forward-thinking consultancy as it embarks on the next stage of its growth and evolution into a fully multidisciplinary environmental design practice.

This is no ordinary ecology role. This is your opportunity to create, shape and lead an entirely new ecology division, with the backing, resources and established client relationships of a highly respected consultancy.

Our client is a successful landscape architecture practice with an impressive portfolio of projects spanning residential development, public realm, education, commercial environments and landscape restoration.

Having successfully expanded its offering into arboriculture, the business is now investing in the development of a dedicated ecology division, creating a rare opportunity for an entrepreneurial ecologist to take the reins from day one.

The Opportunity

Working directly with the Directors and alongside an established team of landscape architects and arboricultural specialists, you will have the freedom and influence to shape the ecology offering, develop client relationships and build a high-performing team around you.

Initially combining technical delivery with strategic development, your role will evolve as the division grows, offering genuine scope for progression into senior leadership.

Key responsibilities include:

• Establishing and leading a brand-new ecology division, shaping its strategy, services and future growth.
• Delivering and overseeing ecological assessments, UKHab surveys, BNG assessments, protected species work and mitigation strategies.
• Developing new business opportunities while leveraging an established portfolio of clients and projects.
• Working collaboratively with landscape architects and arboricultural specialists to deliver innovative, nature-led solutions.
• Building, mentoring and developing your own ecology team as the business expands.
• Taking ownership of project delivery, commercial performance, technical standards and client relationships.

About You

We are particularly interested in hearing from Senior Ecologists ready to take that next significant career step, or established Principal Ecologists seeking greater autonomy, influence and leadership responsibility.

You'll bring:

• Strong experience within UK ecological consultancy, including habitat surveys, ecological assessments and Biodiversity Net Gain.
• Excellent technical knowledge of UK wildlife legislation, planning policy and ecological best practice.
• Commercial awareness, strong client-facing skills and the confidence to manage projects independently.
• Full CIEEM membership, or eligibility and a commitment to achieving it.
• The ambition, enthusiasm and entrepreneurial mindset to develop a successful ecology offering.

Previous team leadership or business development experience would be advantageous, but your ambition, technical credibility and ability to build something special are equally important.

Why This Opportunity Stands Out

• Build something of your own – Shape a new ecology division from its inception, rather than inherit an established structure.
• Real influence – Work directly with the Directors and play a central role in the consultancy's future direction.
• Established foundations – Benefit from an existing client base, strong reputation and complementary landscape and arboricultural services.
• Exceptional career progression – Grow your responsibilities, team and leadership position alongside the division.
• Employee-owned culture – Join a collaborative organisation where people have a meaningful voice in the future of the business.
• Meaningful environmental impact – Help embed biodiversity, habitat enhancement and ecological thinking into the design process from the outset.

Ready to Make Your Mark?

If you're an ambitious ecologist who has ever thought, "I'd love the opportunity to build and lead my own ecology team," this could be the career move you've been waiting for.

This isn't just your next job. It's an opportunity to build your own legacy.

For a confidential conversation about this outstanding opportunity, contact James Gittins at Kyna Associates.

Referrals welcome – we offer a £750 referral bonus for successful introductions.