Ecology Director

Natural Capital

Bristol / Oxford / Southampton / Reading

Passionate about shaping how ecology drives economic growth?

Looking for a role where strategy, leadership and commercial thinking sit at the heart of biodiversity delivery?

This is a rare opportunity to join a leading Natural Capital team at Director level, working at the forefront of environmental policy, biodiversity strategy and land-use decision making. You'll play a pivotal role in directing and expanding strategic ecology services across rural, planning and development projects, helping clients unlock long-term value while balancing environmental and commercial priorities.

What's in it for you?

• Competitive senior-level salary package
• Highly competitive performance bonus scheme. Director up 20%+
• Car allowance of up to £8,000 per annum (paid monthly) (Dependent on level).
• Generous annual leave (up to 30 days + BH) + option to purchase extra days
• Enhanced pension
• Car allowance
• Private healthcare
• Life assurance
• Sharesave/Share incentive plan
• Recommend a friend scheme
• Long service awards/annual leave
• Market-leading paid Paternity & Maternity leave
• Loans
• Cycle to work scheme
• World-class training opportunities
• Discount on 1000s of retailers

The Role

You'll be responsible for directing and expanding the delivery of strategic ecology services across Rural, Planning and Development teams, with a focus on central and southern England.

Your work will include:

• Providing strategic ecological advice to rural and urban clients, embedding nature within economic growth
• Advising on evolving environmental policy, including BNG
• Driving new business opportunities and improving operational efficiency
• Leading ecological due diligence across complex projects
• Peer reviewing ecological documentation, including BNG assessments
• Overseeing Environmental Statements and Habitat Regulations Assessments
• Coordinating ecological services delivered by third-party consultants
• Building strong relationships with stakeholders, environmental NGOs and Local Planning Authorities

You'll be helping clients navigate policy change while ensuring ecological delivery remains commercially sound, practical and future-focused.

This role is about leadership, influence and providing commercially astute ecological advice that shapes long-term environmental and development outcomes.

About You

• Significant experience delivering strategic ecology within consultancy, rural practice or development
• Strong understanding of BNG and current environmental policy
• CIEEM and CEnv qualified
• Proven ability to provide high-level, commercially focused ecological advice
• Experience reviewing technical documentation and complex assessments
• Confident engaging with regulators, stakeholders and multidisciplinary teams
• A natural leader who can grow services, develop relationships and drive innovation
• Based within reach of Oxford, Southampton, Reading or Bristol

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.