At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead ecological consultancy projects and inspire a team of ecologists in Scotland.
- Company: Join a respected environmental consultancy with nearly 60 years of experience.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, employee ownership, and strong focus on wellbeing.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on biodiversity and climate through meaningful projects.
- Qualifications: Significant leadership experience in ecological consultancy and strong communication skills.
- Other info: Opportunities for long-term career progression and professional development.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 85000 £ per year.
Location: Edinburgh or Glasgow (Hybrid Working)
Salary: £75,000 - £85,000 (Dependent on Experience)
Contract Type: Full-time, 37.5 hours/week (flexible options available)
Eden Scott is proud to partner with Land Use Consultants (LUC) to appoint a Director of Ecology. This is a senior leadership opportunity within one of the UK's most respected environmental and planning consultancies - an employee-owned business with nearly 60 years of experience shaping better futures for people, nature, and place.
LUC is entering an exciting phase of growth, driven by a bold strategy that focuses on sustainable planning, climate resilience, and nature recovery, underpinned by a strong commitment to people and place. With established teams across the UK and a reputation for excellence in landscape architecture, ecology, and sustainability, they are investing in high-impact work that delivers meaningful change for biodiversity, climate, and communities.
About the Role
As Director of Ecology, you will assist the current director group in ensuring strategic development and delivery of LUC's ecology services across Scotland and Northern England. You'll collaborate with a multidisciplinary team on nationally significant projects - from renewable energy and regenerative agriculture to heritage restoration and green/blue infrastructure. The role is based in either Edinburgh or Glasgow, with hybrid working (minimum two days per week in-office) and travel to sites, client offices, and other LUC locations.
Key Responsibilities
- Drive growth and delivery of ecology services in Scotland and Northern England
- Inspire and lead a team of ecologists
- Oversee ecological consultancy projects, ensuring quality, performance, and profitability
- Shape scientific and operational best practice across the discipline
- Represent LUC externally at industry events and contribute to thought leadership
- Collaborate with the Ecology Leadership Team to influence wider business strategy
About You
You are a confident and credible leader with a strong track record in Scottish ecological consultancy. You bring technical expertise, commercial insight, and a passion for nature-positive outcomes.
Essential:
- Significant leadership experience in ecological consultancy (or similar)
- Proven ability to win work, develop business, and lead teams
- Strong understanding of ecological survey methods, legislation, and planning policy (especially in Scotland)
- Excellent communication and project management skills
- Eligible to live and work in the UK
Desirable:
- Engagement in the Scottish nature conservation community
- Degree-level education or equivalent experience
- Proficiency in MS Office tools
What's on Offer
- Competitive salary: £75,000-£85,000 (DOE)
- Flexible working arrangements, including part-time options (minimum 30 hours/week)
- Participation in LUC's Employee Ownership Trust
- 7% Pension
- Supportive, inclusive culture with a strong focus on wellbeing
- Opportunities to lead high-profile, meaningful projects
- Long-term career progression and professional development
Next Steps
Your CV will never be sent without a confidential conversation first. We'll talk through the role, the company, and your aspirations - no pressure, no obligation. If you're ready to lead with purpose and help shape a thriving future for wildlife and people, we'd love to hear from you. Please submit your CV via the link and we'll be in touch shortly.
Director of Ecology in Edinburgh employer: Eden Scott
Contact Detail:
Eden Scott Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Ecology in Edinburgh
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with folks in the ecology field. Attend industry events, join relevant groups on social media, and don’t be shy about reaching out to people for a chat. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your expertise! When you get the chance to meet potential employers or colleagues, share your insights on ecological consultancy and current trends. This not only showcases your knowledge but also positions you as a thought leader in the field.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Understand their approach to sustainable planning and nature recovery. Tailor your responses to highlight how your experience aligns with their goals, especially in Scotland and Northern England.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged. So, hit that apply button and let’s get the conversation started!
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Ecology in Edinburgh
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that align with the Director of Ecology role. Highlight your leadership experience in ecological consultancy and any relevant projects you've worked on.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to tell us why you're passionate about ecology and how your background makes you a perfect fit for LUC. Be sure to mention your understanding of Scottish ecological legislation and your vision for nature-positive outcomes.
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Use quantifiable results to demonstrate how you've driven growth and led successful projects in your previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smooth application process. This way, we can ensure your application gets the attention it deserves, and we can have a chat about your aspirations before moving forward.
How to prepare for a job interview at Eden Scott
✨Know Your Ecology Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of ecological survey methods, legislation, and planning policy, especially in Scotland. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're not just a leader but also a technical expert.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past. Think about specific projects where you inspired your team or drove growth in ecology services. This will demonstrate your capability to lead at LUC.
✨Understand Their Vision
Familiarise yourself with LUC's mission and their focus on sustainable planning and nature recovery. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals and how you can contribute to their exciting phase of growth.
✨Engage with the Community
If you have connections or experience within the Scottish nature conservation community, be sure to mention it. This shows your commitment to the field and could set you apart from other candidates.