At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead ecological projects and inspire a high-performing team to make a real impact.
- Company: Join Jacobs, a global leader in environmental solutions with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, professional development support, and comprehensive wellbeing resources.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to sustainability and innovation.
- Why this job: Shape the future of ecology while working on projects that matter to communities and the environment.
- Qualifications: Experienced in ecology with strong leadership and client engagement skills.
The predicted salary is between 54000 - 66000 £ per year.
At Jacobs, we're challenging today to reinvent tomorrow by solving the world's most critical problems for thriving cities, resilient environments, mission-critical outcomes, operational advancement, scientific discovery and cutting-edge manufacturing, turning abstract ideas into realities that transform the world for good.
This is your chance to lead from the front and shape the future of ecology. We’re looking for experienced and driven Associate Directors to join our Manchester team. You’ll take on line-management responsibilities and support the development of a high-performing team, while influencing decisions on nationally significant energy and water infrastructure, major highway and rail schemes. Your expertise will directly influence decisions that impact communities, environments and sustainability outcomes for decades to come.
At Jacobs, we don’t just offer jobs, we build careers. You’ll be joining a respected and ambitious company with a strong reputation for excellence and innovation. Our commitment to your growth is backed by:
- Global Career Framework – chart your path with clarity and purpose
- Chartership Academy Programme – support to achieve professional accreditation
- Employee Networks & Communities of Practice – connect with 600+ ecologists worldwide and influence beyond the UK
- A culture of collaboration and sustainability – work on projects that matter
You’ll be given the autonomy, support and platform to lead with confidence and make a tangible difference.
In this role, you will:
- Help steer the strategic direction of the team, contributing to wider UK ecology leadership
- Lead and inspire colleagues through empathetic, high-impact leadership and mentoring
- Act as a trusted advisor - the go-to expert for clients, stakeholders and regulators
- Lead high-value client relationships and represent Jacobs externally
- Oversee and guide deliverables such as Ecological Impact Assessment, Biodiversity Net Gain, Habitats Regulations Assessments and biodiversity strategies
- Design and lead ecological monitoring programmes and survey strategies
- Work across disciplines to deliver integrated, innovative project solutions
- Play a key role in identifying, bidding and winning new work
- Champion your team internally, raising its profile across the wider business
- Oversee resource planning for the teams to ensure workloads are balanced and projects are properly supported
This is a rare opportunity to step into a role where you can combine technical excellence, strategic thinking and people leadership - all while working on projects that truly matter.
Here's what you'll need:
- You’re an experienced ecology leader who brings both credibility and vision.
- A strong background in terrestrial ecology with significant industry experience
- Chartered status (or ready to achieve it)
- A strategic mindset, with the ability to contribute to senior leadership decisions
- Proven experience in line management, mentoring and developing teams
- Strong client-facing skills and confidence engaging with stakeholders and regulators
- A flexible approach, with willingness to travel across the UK and Ireland when needed
- A proactive, hands-on leadership style with strong self-awareness
- The ability to adapt and thrive across diverse, complex projects
We’d be especially excited if you bring experience in:
- Innovative scoping of ecological inputs
- Protected species licensing and biodiversity enhancements
- Project consenting and construction environments
- Stakeholder and regulator engagement
- Planning inquiries and examinations
But beyond experience, what really matters is your ability to think differently, challenge the status quo, and spot opportunities to improve how we deliver for our clients.
Because this is more than a leadership role - it’s your chance to define the future of ecology within a global organisation while working on projects that shape the world around us.
If you’re ready to lead and influence, we’d love to hear from you.
In addition to the benefits you’d expect, UK employees also receive:
- up to 10% company contribution into their pension
- reimbursement towards relevant professional development and memberships
- support to their local communities through our Collectively program which incorporates matched-funding, paid volunteering time and charitable donations
- opportunity to buy/sell annual leave
Wellbeing support and resources include:
- free employee medical cover and digital GP service
- a mindfulness platform
- dedicated Workplace Support 1:1 Counselling Consultations
- confidential information & counselling service provided by Optum
- online demand fitness platform provided by Daily Burn
- personalised financial planning and support provided by Origin
Fertility and family benefits and support include:
- enhanced parental leave pay
- Fertility, reproductive health and family-building support through Carrot
- a free parental success solution and neurodiversity training benefit provided by RethinkCare Family
Work-life balance and flexibility is a key focus area for Jacobs. We’re happy to discuss the different working patterns we offer:
- hybrid working
- part-time roles
- flexible working hours including compressed hours
- annualised hours contract
- desk-based only roles
Joining Jacobs not only connects you locally but globally. Our values stand on a foundation of safety, integrity, inclusion and belonging. We put people at the heart of our business, and we truly believe that by supporting one another through our culture of caring, we all succeed.
We aim to embed inclusion and belonging in everything we do. We know that if we are inclusive, we’re more connected and creative. We accept people for who they are, and we champion the richness of different perspectives, lived experiences and backgrounds in the workplace, as a source of learning and innovation.
Jacobs partners with VERCIDA to help us attract and retain talent from a wide range of backgrounds. As a disability confident employer, we will interview disabled candidates who best meet the criteria. We welcome applications from candidates who are seeking flexible working and from those who may not meet all the listed requirements for a role.
We value collaboration and believe that in-person interactions are crucial for both our culture and client delivery. We empower employees with our hybrid working policy, allowing them to split their work week between Jacobs offices/projects and remote locations enabling them to deliver their best work.
Your application experience is important to us, and we’re keen to adapt to make every interaction even better. If you require further support or reasonable adjustments with regards to the recruitment process, please contact the team via Careers Support.
Principal / Associate Director Ecology – Manchester employer: Jacobs
At Jacobs, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and inclusive work culture that prioritises safety, integrity, and collaboration. Our Glasgow office provides flexible working arrangements and a wealth of opportunities for professional growth, allowing you to contribute to innovative maritime projects while being part of a supportive team that values diverse perspectives. Join us to make a meaningful impact in the world of civil and structural engineering, all while enjoying the benefits of a global network and a commitment to employee well-being.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal / Associate Director Ecology – Manchester
✨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 Jacobs.
✨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 Jacobs and can help us land that full-time gig.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal / Associate Director Ecology – Manchester
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 Jacobs.
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. Jacobs 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 Principal / Associate Director Ecology – Manchester at Jacobs. 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 Jacobs
✨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 Jacobs, 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 Jacobs 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.
