Head of Ecology (Remote) in Leeds

Head of Ecology (Remote) in Leeds

Leeds Full-Time 50000 - 70000 £ / year (est.) Working from home possible
Hays

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead and develop a team of ecologists while overseeing project delivery and driving excellence.
  • Company: A growing environmental consultancy with a collaborative and supportive culture.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible home working, generous leave, and career development support.
  • Other info: Opportunity for significant career growth in a dynamic and expanding consultancy.
  • Why this job: Shape the future of ecology services and make a real impact in environmental consultancy.
  • Qualifications: Extensive experience in ecological consultancy and strong leadership skills required.

The predicted salary is between 50000 - 70000 £ per year.

My client is a growing, multidisciplinary environmental consultancy specialising in ecology, arboriculture, and landscape services, operating across the South East of England. They provide high-quality, timely, and pragmatic advice to a diverse client base including developers, planning consultants, architects, heritage organisations, and private landowners. With a flexible, home-based working model supported by strong digital systems, they have built a collaborative and supportive team culture. As they continue to expand, they are seeking a Head of Ecology to play a key leadership role in shaping and growing their ecology offering.

As Head of Ecology, you will lead and develop the ecology team, overseeing project delivery while driving technical excellence and commercial performance. You will take responsibility for both strategic growth and day-to-day operational management of ecological services.

Key responsibilities include:

  • Leading, mentoring, and growing a team of ecologists
  • Overseeing and delivering high-quality ecological surveys, assessments, and reporting
  • Acting as a technical authority on Ecological Impact Assessments, protected species work, and Biodiversity Net Gain
  • Managing key client relationships and contributing to business development
  • Providing strategic input into the direction and growth of the ecology function
  • Ensuring compliance with UK legislation, policy, and best practice
  • Overseeing project financial performance, including budgeting and commercial oversight
  • Collaborating with internal disciplines and external project teams

You will play a pivotal role in maintaining standards while helping to expand the consultancy's ecology services and market presence.

What you'll need to succeed:

  • Extensive experience in ecological consultancy, including leadership or senior management responsibility
  • Strong background in UK ecology, including protected species licensing, EcIAs, and planning-related work
  • Demonstrable experience managing teams, projects, and client relationships
  • Strong commercial awareness, including budgeting and project financial management
  • Full membership of CIEEM (or equivalent professional body)
  • Proven ability to produce and review high-quality technical reports
  • In-depth knowledge of UK environmental legislation and policy
  • Experience with Biodiversity Net Gain and use of Defra metrics
  • Excellent communication, leadership, and organisational skills
  • Full UK driving licence

What you'll get in return:

  • Competitive salary - £50,000 - £70,000 depending on your experience
  • Flexible, home-based working model
  • 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
  • Time off in lieu for out-of-hours survey work
  • Contributory pension scheme
  • Sick pay (following qualifying period)
  • Generous CPD allowance and career development support
  • Paid professional membership
  • Home working allowance
  • Opportunity to shape and lead a growing ecology team within an expanding consultancy

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.

Head of Ecology (Remote) in Leeds employer: Hays

Join a dynamic and growing environmental consultancy that prioritises a collaborative and supportive team culture while offering the flexibility of a home-based working model. As the Head of Ecology, you will not only lead a passionate team but also have access to generous benefits including a competitive salary, professional development support, and a strong commitment to work-life balance. This role provides a unique opportunity to shape the future of ecological services in a thriving organisation dedicated to delivering high-quality environmental solutions across the South East of England.

Hays

Contact Details:

Hays Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of Ecology (Remote) in Leeds

Get Involved in Local Environmental Initiatives

Dive into your local environmental scenes, like community clean-up projects or eco-focused events. Not only will you meet like-minded people, but it's a surefire way to showcase your passion and skills in environmental engineering tech.

Join Industry-Specific Organisations

Check out organisations like the Institution of Environmental Engineers for networking opportunities and resources. They often host events and seminars that can help us connect with key players in the industry, including potential employers like Hays.

Show Off Your Projects and Passion

Create a portfolio that highlights any relevant projects, whether it's coursework, internships, or personal initiatives. Share this online, perhaps even on platforms like GitHub or your own website, to grab the attention of hiring managers looking for talent like us.

Utilise Environmental Job Boards

Take advantage of niche job boards dedicated to environmental careers. Sites like Green Jobs, Environmental Career and EcoJobs often feature openings from companies like Hays and can help us land that full-time gig.

We think you need these skills to ace Head of Ecology (Remote) in Leeds

Leadership Skills
Ecological Consultancy
Ecological Impact Assessments (EcIAs)
Protected Species Licensing
Biodiversity Net Gain
Client Relationship Management
Project Financial Management

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for a role in environmental engineering tech, make sure to highlight your technical skills like CAD software proficiency, data analysis, or modelling techniques. These are essential for the job and should stand out in your CV and cover letter, showing how you can contribute to projects at Hays.

Demonstrate Your Passion for Sustainability:In this field, showcasing your passion for sustainability and environmental protection can set you apart. Include any relevant projects, volunteer experience, or courses that underline your commitment to these causes. Hays will appreciate candidates who genuinely care about making a difference.

Tailor Your Application to the Role:Don't just send a generic CV and cover letter. Make sure to tailor your application to the specific role of Head of Ecology (Remote) at Hays. Highlight experiences that align directly with the job description and give concrete examples of your work to demonstrate that you’re the right fit for a full-time position.

Include Relevant Certifications:If you have certifications related to environmental engineering or technology, like LEED Accreditation or any relevant software certifications, make sure to mention them. These qualifications can boost your application and show that you’re serious about your professional development in this competitive field.

How to prepare for a job interview at Hays

Brush Up on Environmental Regulations

Make sure you’re well-versed in the latest environmental regulations and standards. In an environmental engineering tech role at Hays, you might be asked specific questions about compliance measures, so understanding these will definitely give you an edge.

Showcase Your Technical Skills

Prepare to demonstrate your proficiency with relevant tools and software, such as AutoCAD or GIS. You might be given a practical problem to solve during the interview, so it’s a great idea to brush up on these skills and perhaps even bring a portfolio of your projects to showcase your technical prowess.

Highlight Your Passion for Sustainability

In a full-time role, employers are looking for commitment and enthusiasm. Share your experiences, studies, or projects that reflect your passion for environmental sustainability. This will show Hays that you're not just qualified but genuinely invested in the field.

Prepare for Behavioural Questions

Be ready for behavioural questions that assess how you handle teamwork, conflict, and project management. Think of examples from your studies or practical experiences where you tackled challenges effectively, showcasing both your technical and interpersonal skills.