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- Tasks: Lead and grow our ecological consultancy, shaping projects that benefit rivers and wildlife.
- Company: Join Forth Rivers Trust, an environmental charity dedicated to protecting our natural resources.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, 32 days holiday, and a generous pension contribution.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and professional development in a dynamic environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on environmental projects while collaborating with a passionate team.
- Qualifications: Degree in Ecology or relevant experience; strong project management and communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Location: Hybrid – home working and Forth Rivers Trust office (Edinburgh), with regular travel across the Forth catchment
Salary: £42,000 (based on experience)
Contract: Full-time, fixed-term for 12 months with opportunity to extend
Requirements: Full Clean Driving license. Right to work in the UK.
Closing date: 31st December
Interviews: 1st round interviews 8th January (online); 2nd round interviews 15th January (in person)
Start date: Ideally March, but negotiable on circumstances
Forth Rivers Trust is an environmental charity dedicated to protecting and improving rivers, wildlife, and communities across the Forth District. We deliver projects that support climate resilience, biodiversity, and sustainable land use by working in partnership with land managers, communities, and public and private sector organisations.
Role Summary
We are seeking an experienced, motivated, and pro‑active Head of Consultancy to lead and grow Forth Rivers Consulting – our respected, science‑led ecological consultancy. This is a rare opportunity to shape a commercial service that directly supports the Forth Rivers Trust’s mission to conserve, maintain, and improve rivers and their wildlife within the Forth catchment, ensuring they are healthy and vibrant for future generations. We are looking for someone with the vision, drive, and strategic insight to continue to diversify and grow the consultancy. You will play a key role in building new partnerships, diversifying our client base, and ensuring that all consultancy work remains aligned with the Trust’s long‑term strategy. This role is a chance to help shape the future of Forth Rivers Consulting and to ensure that commercial ecological work delivers meaningful benefits for communities, wildlife, and the wider environment. This role reports directly to the Deputy Director, with regular support and guidance from the Senior Management Team.
Key Responsibilities
- Produce competitive tenders and identify new business opportunities.
- Organise field teams and schedule survey work.
- Set up new projects and oversee onboarding procedures for clients.
- Manage invoicing, track income, and follow up on outstanding payments.
- Lead on ecological reporting and the QA of reports completed by colleagues.
- Undertake specialist ecological surveys (depending on skillset), with scope to pursue projects linked to your expertise.
- Prepare and maintain RAMS documentation to ensure compliance with current health and safety best practice.
- Collaborate closely with the Trust’s Science, Project, and Management teams to support fieldwork and reporting.
- Provide line management oversight for subcontractors.
Other responsibilities
- Assist with consultancy financial planning, budgeting, and reporting, ensuring alignment with Trust financial systems and providing quarterly updates to Forth Rivers Trust’s Board of Trustees.
- Drive business development by expanding services, broadening the client base, and strengthening relationships with our current clients and professional networks.
- Oversee marketing and promotion of the consultancy.
- Ensure consultancy delivery aligns with Trust values, ethics, and long‑term strategy; whilst staying informed on relevant legislation, standards, and best practice.
- Identify partnership opportunities and represent the consultancy at AGMs and sector events.
- Support team development by identifying skills gaps, leading recruitment, and promoting upskilling and professional growth.
- Track business development activity to inform cost‑benefit analysis and future strategic planning.
- Support Trust‑wide conservation, science, and project activities.
Person specification
Essential
- Degree in Ecology, Environmental Science, Business Development or demonstrable relevant experience in environmental consultancy or business development.
- Strong project management experience, including financial oversight and reporting.
- Understanding of environmental legislation, planning policy, and ecological best practice.
- Competence in developing tenders, pricing work, and identifying new opportunities.
- Ability to lead, inspire, and support a team, including subcontractors and junior staff.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with experience building client relationships.
- Highly organised, with strong attention to detail and the ability to manage competing deadlines.
- Commercially astute, with a proactive approach to business development and innovation.
- Commitment to ethical practice, transparency, and high professional standards.
- Enthusiasm for contributing to a collaborative, innovative environmental charity.
Desirable
- Full membership (or eligibility for membership) of CIEEM.
- Relevant ecological licences.
- Experience coordinating and delivering ecological surveys.
- Proven ability to produce, review, and quality‑assure ecological reports and assessments.
- Knowledge of river restoration, catchment work, or freshwater ecology.
Why Join Us?
- Work on meaningful environmental projects
- Be part of a collaborative and dynamic team
- Flexible working arrangements
- Access to training and development opportunities
- 9% employer pension contributions
- 32 days holiday (inc. bank holidays) and an additional 5 days set aside for Christmas.
Head of Consultancy in Edinburgh employer: Forth Rivers Trust
Contact Detail:
Forth Rivers Trust Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Consultancy in Edinburgh
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the Forth Rivers Trust inside out! Research their projects, values, and recent news. This will help you tailor your conversations during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in their mission.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for the interview process. Plus, it’s a great way to get insider info!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those interviews by practising common questions related to consultancy and environmental work. Think about how your experience aligns with their needs and be ready to share specific examples of your past successes.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the extra step to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Consultancy in Edinburgh
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in ecological consultancy and project management. We want to see how your skills align with our mission at Forth Rivers Trust!
Show Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm for environmental conservation shine through in your application. We’re looking for someone who’s not just qualified, but also genuinely excited about making a difference in the Forth catchment area.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to describe your achievements and how they relate to the role of Head of Consultancy. We appreciate clarity as much as we do passion!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application via our website! It’s the best way to ensure it gets into the right hands. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our organisation there.
How to prepare for a job interview at Forth Rivers Trust
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of ecological consultancy and the specific projects Forth Rivers Trust is involved in. Familiarise yourself with their mission and values, as well as any recent initiatives or partnerships they've formed. This will show that you're genuinely interested and prepared.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head of Consultancy, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead and inspire a team. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully managed projects, built client relationships, or driven business development. Highlight how you can bring this expertise to Forth Rivers Consulting.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and strategic thinking. Think about potential challenges the consultancy might face and how you would address them. Be ready to discuss how you would identify new business opportunities or manage competing deadlines effectively.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few thoughtful questions ready to ask the interviewers. This could be about their future projects, team dynamics, or how they measure success within the consultancy. It shows your enthusiasm and helps you gauge if the role is the right fit for you.