Technical Director - Ecology

Our client who is a leading engineering design consultancy is looking for a Technical Director to lead a growing team currently based across offices in Birmingham, Luton, London, Wakefield, Manchester and Exeter.  

Job Description:  

Duties will include general ecological consultancy activities on a variety of projects throughout the UK. The role would ideally be based out of our Birmingham office, but we are also keen to hear from candidates UK wide. The ideal candidate will have experience leading and working on a wide range of projects. Whatever the location some travelling can be expected with occasional short duration stays away.  

As part of this role, you will lead a team of ecologists to deliver a wide range of projects to achieve profitable and sustainable growth, managing risk and opportunity enroute, whilst achieving client satisfaction with the services provided and outcomes delivered. You will ensure checks and approvals are carried out for the work of others as appropriate.  

You will be expected to maintain and develop new client, stakeholder, and partner relationships to exploit market and business opportunities to support growth, delivery and business sustainability whilst also managing macro risks.  

You will ensure governance and oversight of the ecology business area to assure safe, efficient and effective delivery of services will also be expected. Furthermore, you will demonstrate broad and deep knowledge of ecology and an understanding of its importance to the wider business, clients and other organisations.  

Main Duties and Responsibilities:  

- Development, leadership and delivery of the sector business plan including management of significant client base both current and future  

- Co-ordination of resources and ensuring staff capabilities are sufficient  

- Identify potential clients and liaise with the Sector Director and Head of Environmental Management & Sustainability to define market and client development strategies  

- Ensure bids submitted reflect client requirements and are prepared and submitted in compliance with PF procedures and incorporate legal and commercial reviews as appropriate  

- Line management and development of individuals within the team  

- Advocating the team’s services internally to our framework managers and technical leads  

- Project Management of projects as required with good commercial awareness and financial control  

- Leading technical and other work as required on projects whilst ensuring high levels of safety, quality and environmental responsibility.

Qualifications  

- Under / postgraduate degree in Ecology, Environmental Management or a related discipline  

- Full Membership of the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM)  

- Holder of Protected Species licences  

- A current CSCS card or equivalent.  

- Protected Species licence for Bats  

- A current CSCS card or equivalent.  

- Protected Species licence for Bats  

Experience:  

- Minimum of 15 years’ experience working in a consultancy for private and public-sector developers and operators, on a range of development / infrastructure projects.  

- Experience across a range of UK habitats and protected species and will hold (or have held) survey and mitigation licences  

- Proven record of supporting clients, developing pragmatic and cost-effective mitigation, and supervising implementation on-site  

- Line management experience  

Skills:  

- Excellent knowledge of relevant UK wildlife legislation including conservation of protected species  

- Sound knowledge of environmental constraints  

- Good knowledge of survey methods and construction techniques  

- Highly effective verbal and written communication skills.  

- Strong analytical, critical thinking and organisational skills  

- A collaborative nature, demonstrating strong relationships with partner companies in the supply chain  

- Be able to work well in teams and provide effective direction to all members of the team  

- Excellent commercial understanding of environmental consultancy procurement  

- Full UK driver’s licence.