Hardgate Consulting
City, York
Ecology Leader York A leading non-corporate, multi-disciplinary consultancy who specialise in Environment led Planning and Design are seeking an experienced Ecology professional for a leading role, ideally based out of York. Depending on experience and attributes, the role can be at Principal Consultant, Technical Director or Regional Director Mid sized with strong growth plans, they work on projects at all scales within town, semi-rural and rural contexts, across a variety of sectors that includes residential, historic sites and estates, renewable energy, infrastructure and mixed-use commercial developments. Irrespective of title, you will play a key leadership role within our Ecology team. You will be strategic, be client-facing, responsible for leading regional delivery, driving business growth, and providing technical direction across a diverse project portfolio. This role is ideal for an established leader looking to shape and grow an ecology team, influence project outcomes at a strategic level, and contribute to the continued success of a multidisciplinary consultancy. If successful, you will: Lead the northern ecology team, providing mentorship, technical oversight and strategic direction Act as a technical authority across key disciplines including EcIA, HRA, and Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) Oversee and deliver high-quality ecological input into complex, multidisciplinary projects Manage client relationships, acting as a trusted advisor and identifying opportunities for growth Provide expert witness support where required, including Public Inquiries and Hearings Lead on project delivery, ensuring quality, programme and financial targets are met Support bid preparation, tendering and framework opportunities Collaborate across disciplines to deliver integrated, innovative solutions Contribute to the development of new services, technical standards and best practice Represent the company at industry events, strengthening brand and market presence Essential Requirements Degree (or equivalent) in Ecology, Environmental Science or a related discipline Extensive experience in ecological consultancy, including leadership or senior management roles Proven track record in delivering large-scale and complex projects (e.g. infrastructure, energy, or major residential schemes) Strong technical expertise in: Ecological Impact Assessment (EcIA) Habitat Regulations Assessment (HRA) Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) Demonstrable experience in managing teams, resources and project finances Experience acting in a client-facing role, with strong relationship management skills Excellent report writing and technical review capabilities Sound knowledge of UK planning policy, legislation and best practice Full membership of a relevant professional body (e.g. CIEEM) Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel With an excellent remuneration and benefits package, this is certainly an opportunity to be considered. It has to be worth an initial conversation at least.
Ecology Leader York A leading non-corporate, multi-disciplinary consultancy who specialise in Environment led Planning and Design are seeking an experienced Ecology professional for a leading role, ideally based out of York. Depending on experience and attributes, the role can be at Principal Consultant, Technical Director or Regional Director Mid sized with strong growth plans, they work on projects at all scales within town, semi-rural and rural contexts, across a variety of sectors that includes residential, historic sites and estates, renewable energy, infrastructure and mixed-use commercial developments. Irrespective of title, you will play a key leadership role within our Ecology team. You will be strategic, be client-facing, responsible for leading regional delivery, driving business growth, and providing technical direction across a diverse project portfolio. This role is ideal for an established leader looking to shape and grow an ecology team, influence project outcomes at a strategic level, and contribute to the continued success of a multidisciplinary consultancy. If successful, you will: Lead the northern ecology team, providing mentorship, technical oversight and strategic direction Act as a technical authority across key disciplines including EcIA, HRA, and Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) Oversee and deliver high-quality ecological input into complex, multidisciplinary projects Manage client relationships, acting as a trusted advisor and identifying opportunities for growth Provide expert witness support where required, including Public Inquiries and Hearings Lead on project delivery, ensuring quality, programme and financial targets are met Support bid preparation, tendering and framework opportunities Collaborate across disciplines to deliver integrated, innovative solutions Contribute to the development of new services, technical standards and best practice Represent the company at industry events, strengthening brand and market presence Essential Requirements Degree (or equivalent) in Ecology, Environmental Science or a related discipline Extensive experience in ecological consultancy, including leadership or senior management roles Proven track record in delivering large-scale and complex projects (e.g. infrastructure, energy, or major residential schemes) Strong technical expertise in: Ecological Impact Assessment (EcIA) Habitat Regulations Assessment (HRA) Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) Demonstrable experience in managing teams, resources and project finances Experience acting in a client-facing role, with strong relationship management skills Excellent report writing and technical review capabilities Sound knowledge of UK planning policy, legislation and best practice Full membership of a relevant professional body (e.g. CIEEM) Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel With an excellent remuneration and benefits package, this is certainly an opportunity to be considered. It has to be worth an initial conversation at least.
Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited
Canterbury, Kent
Your new company My client is a growing, well-established ecological consultancy based in Kent, working primarily across the South East and East Anglia, with the ability to support projects further afield where required. Their core workload focuses on town and country planning applications, including residential developments, education projects, and specialist one-off commissions. They also have experience of Development Consent Order (DCO) work, providing a strong foundation for complex consenting environments.The organisation has a collaborative, technically focused culture, supported by specialist sub-consultants where appropriate, particularly for ornithological survey delivery, allowing internal staff to focus on high-quality reporting, assessment and project coordination.They are widely regarded for offering an excellent work/life balance, with progressive policies that go beyond industry norms, particularly around fieldwork intensity and recovery time. Your new role You will join the organisation as a Senior or Principal Ecologist/Ornithologist, taking a senior technical role within a close-knit ecology team currently comprising an assistant ecologist, a consultant, two senior ecologists, two principal ecologists and the Ecology Director.This role will have responsibility for: Leading ornithological reporting for projects involving EcIA and HRA, particularly in relation to internationally designated sites. Coordinating, programming and overseeing bird survey work, much of which is carried out by specialist subcontractors. Interpreting survey data and producing high-quality, defensible reports for planning, appeal and examination. While there are no immediate direct reports, the role would include line management responsibility as the team grows, and you will play an important mentoring role, reviewing work and supporting the development of more junior colleagues. You will act as a technical lead and key point of contact for clients, planners and statutory consultees, with a strong focus on delivering clear, proportionate advice that stands up to scrutiny. What you'll need to succeed A degree (or higher qualification) in ecology, conservation, environmental science or a related discipline. Significant experience in ecological consultancy or a comparable senior role. A strong ornithological background, including survey design, coordination, data interpretation and impact assessment. Excellent written communication skills, with a particular emphasis on clear, robust technical reporting. A good understanding of UK wildlife legislation and planning policy. A full UK driving licence and willingness to travel for site work and meetings. Chartered status or CIEEM membership, experience with appeals or examinations, and protected species licences would be beneficial but are not essential. Proven experience with: Ecological assessments for internationally designated sites (SPA, Ramsar and HRA). Preparation and review of Ecological Impact Assessments (EcIA). Authoring ecology chapters for Environmental Statements. Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) assessment and reporting. What you'll get in return A competitive salary in the region of £35,000-£50,000 depending on experience, with flexibility for the right candidate. A genuinely senior technical role with autonomy and influence. An outstanding approach to work/life balance, including: Time-and-a-quarter TOIL, clear limits on nocturnal survey work, and a guaranteed full month-break from nocturnal surveys once per year to avoid burnout. Standard working hours of 9:00-5:30, Monday to Friday, with flexible hours where needed. Hybrid working arrangements (2 days in the office p/week ideally) Vitality health insurance Pension plan Annual leave allowance that increases with service. What you need to do now If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now.If this job isn't quite right for you but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion on your career. Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and employment business for the supply of temporary workers. By applying for this job you accept the T&C's, Privacy Policy and Disclaimers which can be found at hays.co.uk
Your new company My client is a growing, well-established ecological consultancy based in Kent, working primarily across the South East and East Anglia, with the ability to support projects further afield where required. Their core workload focuses on town and country planning applications, including residential developments, education projects, and specialist one-off commissions. They also have experience of Development Consent Order (DCO) work, providing a strong foundation for complex consenting environments.The organisation has a collaborative, technically focused culture, supported by specialist sub-consultants where appropriate, particularly for ornithological survey delivery, allowing internal staff to focus on high-quality reporting, assessment and project coordination.They are widely regarded for offering an excellent work/life balance, with progressive policies that go beyond industry norms, particularly around fieldwork intensity and recovery time. Your new role You will join the organisation as a Senior or Principal Ecologist/Ornithologist, taking a senior technical role within a close-knit ecology team currently comprising an assistant ecologist, a consultant, two senior ecologists, two principal ecologists and the Ecology Director.This role will have responsibility for: Leading ornithological reporting for projects involving EcIA and HRA, particularly in relation to internationally designated sites. Coordinating, programming and overseeing bird survey work, much of which is carried out by specialist subcontractors. Interpreting survey data and producing high-quality, defensible reports for planning, appeal and examination. While there are no immediate direct reports, the role would include line management responsibility as the team grows, and you will play an important mentoring role, reviewing work and supporting the development of more junior colleagues. You will act as a technical lead and key point of contact for clients, planners and statutory consultees, with a strong focus on delivering clear, proportionate advice that stands up to scrutiny. What you'll need to succeed A degree (or higher qualification) in ecology, conservation, environmental science or a related discipline. Significant experience in ecological consultancy or a comparable senior role. A strong ornithological background, including survey design, coordination, data interpretation and impact assessment. Excellent written communication skills, with a particular emphasis on clear, robust technical reporting. A good understanding of UK wildlife legislation and planning policy. A full UK driving licence and willingness to travel for site work and meetings. Chartered status or CIEEM membership, experience with appeals or examinations, and protected species licences would be beneficial but are not essential. Proven experience with: Ecological assessments for internationally designated sites (SPA, Ramsar and HRA). Preparation and review of Ecological Impact Assessments (EcIA). Authoring ecology chapters for Environmental Statements. Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) assessment and reporting. What you'll get in return A competitive salary in the region of £35,000-£50,000 depending on experience, with flexibility for the right candidate. A genuinely senior technical role with autonomy and influence. An outstanding approach to work/life balance, including: Time-and-a-quarter TOIL, clear limits on nocturnal survey work, and a guaranteed full month-break from nocturnal surveys once per year to avoid burnout. Standard working hours of 9:00-5:30, Monday to Friday, with flexible hours where needed. Hybrid working arrangements (2 days in the office p/week ideally) Vitality health insurance Pension plan Annual leave allowance that increases with service. What you need to do now If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now.If this job isn't quite right for you but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion on your career. Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and employment business for the supply of temporary workers. By applying for this job you accept the T&C's, Privacy Policy and Disclaimers which can be found at hays.co.uk
