Principle Consultant / Technical Director [Ecology] / Regional Director of Ecology (North)

Lanpro is a market leading multi-disciplinary consultancy who specialise in Environment led Planning and Design. We work on projects at all scales within town, semi-rural and rural contexts, across a variety of sectors that includes residential, historic sites and estates, renewable energy, infrastructure and mixed-use commercial developments.

About Lanpro: Lanpro is a fast growing, unique and rewarding environment. Through its agile team and comprehensive service, it has allowed growth nationwide. Our Group now has access to offices in Norwich, London, Cambridge, Manchester, Edinburgh, York, Bath, Glasgow, Milton Keynes, Birmingham, Cardiff, Exeter and Chelmsford. Our multidisciplinary service spans across multiple disciplines including Planning, Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), Ecology, Geographical Information Systems (GIS), Landscape Architecture, Architecture & Design, Arboriculture, Visualisation, Historic Environment, Acoustics, Air Quality, Civil Engineering, Geo-environmental, MEP Building Services, Structures, Sustainability, Transport & Highways, Utilities, Water & Flood Risk.

We thrive on creating a culture and environment which provides a great variety of projects, recognition of success, continuous professional development and collaboration across an array of different professions. We are proud that together, our teams are supporting delivery of some of the largest solar and battery storage schemes in the United Kingdom and Europe. We have a strong pipeline of opportunities across the energy, residential and infrastructure sectors. We offer an environment that is diverse, entrepreneurial and encourages innovation and your professional development. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in each person’s potential, and we’ll help you reach yours.

Senior Lead Ecology Role – North Region: We are seeking experienced and driven candidates for a senior lead role within our Ecology team in the North. The successful candidate will play a key senior leadership role, be strategic, client-facing, responsible for leading regional delivery, driving business growth, and providing technical direction across a diverse project portfolio. This role is ideal for an established leader looking to shape and grow an ecology team, influence project outcomes at a strategic level, and contribute to the continued success of a multidisciplinary consultancy. While open to applications from candidates based across the North of the UK, the position will ideally be based in our York office, with responsibility for leading and expanding our ecology presence across the North of England and beyond. Travel to other offices and project sites will be required.

If Successful, You Will:

• Lead and build the northern ecology team, providing mentorship, technical oversight and strategic direction.
• Act as a technical authority across key disciplines including EcIA, HRA, and Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG).
• Oversee and deliver high-quality ecological input into complex, multidisciplinary projects.
• Manage and build client relationships, acting as a trusted advisor and identifying opportunities for growth.
• Provide expert witness support where required, including Public Inquiries and Hearings.
• Lead on project delivery, ensuring quality, programme and financial targets are met.
• Support bid preparation, tendering and framework opportunities.
• Collaborate across disciplines to deliver integrated, innovative solutions.
• Contribute to the development of new services, technical standards and best practice.
• Represent the company at industry events, strengthening brand and market presence.

Essential Requirements:

• Degree (or equivalent) in Ecology, Environmental Science or a related discipline.
• Extensive experience in ecological consultancy, including leadership or senior management roles.
• Proven track record in delivering large-scale and complex projects (e.g. infrastructure, energy, or major residential schemes).
• Strong technical expertise in Ecological Impact Assessment (EcIA), Habitats Regulations Assessment (HRA) and Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG).
• Demonstrable experience in managing teams, resources and project finances.
• Experience acting in a client-facing role, with strong relationship management skills.
• Excellent report writing and technical review capabilities.
• Sound knowledge of UK planning policy, legislation and best practice.
• Full membership of a relevant professional body (e.g. CIEEM).
• Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel.

Desirable Requirements:

• Protected species licences (e.g. bat survey licence).
• NSIP experience.
• Experience acting as an Expert Witness.
• Strong commercial awareness and experience contributing to business development strategy.
• Experience working within multidisciplinary consultancy environments.

Benefits:

• Enhanced Annual Leave entitlement.
• Death in service cover.
• Centrally based City offices.
• Hybrid working environment (flexible work).
• Protected CPD (Department, individual and companywide).
• Professional Body membership contribution.
• Enhanced Company pension.
• Career progression framework and development, including two defined promotion windows annually.
• E-Learning portal access.
• Non-contractual growth bonus scheme.

After Probation and Beyond:

• Loyalty Leave (Continuous Service Accrued Annual Leave up to 5 days).
• Vitality Health Care – Private Medical Insurance.
• Discounted Gym membership.
• Discounts and perks – Amazon Prime, Free Odeon Cinema tickets, Apple benefits and Café Nero.
• Employee Assistance Program – including Financial and Mental Health support from external expertise.
• BUPA Cash Plan.
• Cycle to work scheme.