Associate Director - Ecology in Leeds

At BWB Consulting, we’re more than engineers – we’re trusted partners, innovators, and problem-solvers. Recognised as ACE Best Large Consultancy of the Year 2022 and proudly accredited with Investors in People and Investors in Wellbeing, our award-winning culture is built on excellence, collaboration, and sustainability. We push boundaries to deliver exceptional results for our clients – and create meaningful impact for the communities we serve.

BWB Consulting has an exciting opportunity for an Associate Director (Ecology) to be based in our Nottingham or Leeds office. We are looking for an experienced and commercially aware ecologist with a strong technical background and a proven track record in consultancy. This role brings together technical leadership, team management, and business development, offering the chance to play a key role in shaping and growing our ecology services. Given the nature of our project work, holding a Natural England Class 2 Bat Licence (and being able to hold EPS licences) is essential. You’ll act as one of our key bat specialists, providing technical leadership and oversight on bat-related projects. You will lead and manage a diverse portfolio of projects across the UK, delivering high-quality, practical, and innovative ecological advice to Clients. Working as part of a collaborative, multidisciplinary environmental team, you’ll also support the growth of the ecology service, helping to build strong Client relationships and identify new opportunities.

Key Responsibilities Will Include:

• Leading and delivering complex ecological projects from inception to completion
• Providing technical oversight and quality assurance, particularly on bat-related work
• Managing project teams, resources, and budgets to ensure successful delivery
• Supporting business development activities, including bid preparation and Client engagement
• Mentoring and supporting team members to help develop a strong, capable team
• Contributing to the wider growth and direction of the environmental team

A key part of BWB’s approach is delivering high-quality, commercially sound, and innovative ecological solutions that meet Client needs and regulatory requirements. Our work is varied and nationwide, and this role will involve coordination and leadership of projects across BWB offices.

What You’ll Bring:

• Significant experience (typically 6+ years) within ecological consultancy
• Strong bat expertise is essential for this role
• Hold a Natural England Class 2 Bat Licence (essential)
• Be able to hold (or already hold) EPS licences for bats
• Proven experience leading bat surveys, mitigation, and licensing work

You Will Also Ideally Have Experience In:

• BREEAM Land Use and Ecology assessments
• Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG)
• Nitrogen deposition and impacts on designated sites
• Public Inquiry support

In Addition, You Will Demonstrate:

• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal
• The ability to manage workloads and deliver projects to time, quality, and budget
• Commercial awareness, including financial and Client management
• Leadership skills, with the ability to support and develop others

You Will Also Hold:

• Full membership of CIEEM
• A degree or Master’s in Ecology or a related discipline
• A full UK driving licence

What We Offer:

• Inclusive Culture – Bring your authentic self to work every day.
• Competitive Rewards – Salary, 5% pension match, life assurance, and long-service recognition.
• Time Off & Flexibility – 25 days’ holiday (rising to 28), option to buy more, hybrid working (3 days office), and flexible core hours.
• Health & Wellbeing – Westfield Health, healthcare cash plan, Cycle to Work scheme, wellbeing initiatives.
• Growth & Development – Fully funded training, Chartership support, and paid professional subscriptions.
• Community & Connection – Volunteering days, social events, discounts, and savings.

We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer and a signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant, building an inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates, regardless of their race, gender, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation, or age. If you have a medical condition or an individual need for an adjustment to our process, and you believe this may affect your ability to be your best – please let us know so we can talk about how we can best support you and make any adjustments that may be needed.