At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead complex ecological projects and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams across various sectors.
- Company: SLR, a global leader in sustainability solutions with a people-first culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, private medical insurance, and excellent career progression opportunities.
- Other info: Join a diverse team of over 200 specialists and contribute to meaningful projects.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in ecology while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Extensive ecological consultancy experience and strong project management skills required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
SLR is a global leader in sustainability solutions, working with clients to help make sustainability happen, within a collaborative, people‑first culture. Due to continued growth and a strong project pipeline, we are seeking an experienced Principal or Technical Director – Ecology to join our established Ecology team, delivering high‑profile and complex projects across the UK and Europe. Based in London, Birmingham, Shrewsbury, Stoke (although other offices and remote workers considered) the role will focus primarily on major projects within the Power, Mining & Minerals and Built Environment sectors, with additional exposure to a diverse portfolio of work spanning renewables, infrastructure, industrial and development projects.
The Role
- Lead the delivery of complex ecological projects, providing technical direction and strategic oversight across a range of sectors.
- Project and technical leadership on large and complex ecological projects.
- Management and delivery of ecology inputs across a diverse project portfolio.
- Client relationship management, business development and proposal support.
- Identifying and securing new opportunities through existing and professional networks.
- Mentoring, coaching and supporting less experienced ecologists.
- Collaboration with multidisciplinary teams including Planning, Landscape, Hydrology, Noise and Air Quality specialists.
- Potential involvement in staff management and leadership of ecological technical specialisms.
- Desk‑based work alongside occasional travel across the UK and, where required, overseas.
You’ll collaborate with colleagues across Environmental and Earth Sciences, Planning, ESIA and Engineering, contributing to impactful and complex projects while supporting the continued growth of SLR’s Ecology team of over 200 specialists.
Rewards & Benefits
- Competitive salary with discretionary bonus.
- Company pension.
- Private medical insurance.
- Life, income, and travel insurance.
- Salary sacrifice car lease and cycle‑to‑work schemes.
- Volunteering and Community Giving.
- Flexible, hybrid and agile working.
- 25 days’ annual leave plus flexible public holidays.
- Buy or sell leave options.
- Core working hours.
- Cross‑border remote working and sabbatical opportunities.
- Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption leave pay.
- Workplace Nursery benefit.
- Employee Assistance Programme.
- Specialist support for mental health, stress and menopause - supporting our people both professionally and personally.
About You
- A genuine passion for ecology, delivering high‑quality work and supporting the development of ecological professionals.
- Extensive ecological consultancy experience, ideally across multiple sectors.
- Significant project management experience, including the successful delivery of large and complex projects.
- A proven track record in business development, client relationship management and winning new work.
- A relevant degree in Ecology, Environmental Science or a related discipline.
- Appropriate membership of CIEEM (or equivalent professional body).
- Strong stakeholder engagement, communication and report‑writing skills.
- Experience working within multidisciplinary project teams.
- A driving licence that permits you to legally drive in the UK is required for site visits and travel.
Culture & Inclusion
Inclusion is fundamental to who we are. We are committed to equal opportunities and foster a workplace where everyone can thrive, supported by active Culture & Inclusion Committees and Employee Networks. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds and are a Disability Confident Committed employer. If you require any adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know and we will be happy to support you. If this role feels like a great fit for your experience and ambitions, we’d love to hear from you.
Principal/Technical Director - Ecology & Biodiversity in Birmingham employer: SLR Consulting
SLR Consulting is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Greater London where you can make a real impact as a Group Accountant. With competitive salaries, comprehensive benefits including healthcare, and a strong focus on career development, employees are empowered to grow and thrive within a mission-driven consultancy that values meaningful contributions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal/Technical Director - Ecology & Biodiversity in Birmingham
✨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 SLR Consulting.
✨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 SLR Consulting and can help us land that full-time gig.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal/Technical Director - Ecology & Biodiversity in Birmingham
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 SLR Consulting.
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. SLR Consulting 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/Technical Director - Ecology & Biodiversity at SLR Consulting. 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 SLR Consulting
✨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 SLR Consulting, 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 SLR Consulting 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.
