Ecology Data Manager (Principal/Technical Director level) in Bury St Edmunds

Location Flexible across U.K

Role type Full-time

Specialism Ecology, Data Automation & Digital Innovation

The role SLR has a great opportunity for a Principal/Technical Director Ecology Data Manager to join our fast-growing, expert team in Southampton. It's an exciting time within SLR's Ecology team. The joining of SLR and Wardell Armstrong brings together a team of approximately 200 ecologists distributed across the UK and Ireland. Our experienced consultants provide expert advice on ecological and environmental issues affecting a broad range of habitats and protected species. Ecology is changing. The scale of environmental challenges and the volume of data we now collect demands smarter, faster, more integrated digital solutions. This role is your chance to shape that future, influencing how ecological science is delivered across Europe. You won’t just be supporting ecologists; you’ll be empowering them with tools that transform what’s possible.

We’re looking for a forward‑thinking Principal/Technical Director Ecology Data Manager to lead the next generation of digital transformation in ecological assessment, habitat mapping, and protected species work across Europe. If you’re someone who thrives at the intersection of ecology and technology and you’re excited by the idea of building tools, writing code, and designing smarter systems, this role puts you right at the centre of that evolution.

The Opportunity You will be the driving force behind automation and efficiency within our European ecology function. Working closely with our European Ecology and Biodiversity Practice Lead, you’ll design and implement innovative digital solutions that streamline ecological workflows, enhance data quality, and unlock new analytical capabilities. This is a role for someone who wants to build, not just maintain. You’ll have the freedom to experiment, prototype, and deploy new systems that reshape how we collect, analyse, and deliver ecological data.

Alongside competitive salaries, our staff enjoy a comprehensive benefits package with a company pension, excellent healthcare offering, travel and life insurance, a structured career framework with regular reviews offering outstanding opportunities for progression, 25 day’s annual leave with additional flexible bank holidays, and flexible, agile and hybrid working which enables staff to tailor hours worked around core hours with family friendly policies to balance professional and home life.

What You’ll Lead:

• Automation of ecological workflows — from habitat classification to protected species data processing, reporting, and mapping.
• Development of new digital tools and systems, including scripts, dashboards, and data pipelines.
• Innovation in ecological data management, identifying opportunities to improve speed, accuracy and consistency across European projects.
• Integration of ecological datasets from multiple countries, ensuring interoperability and high data standards.
• Collaboration with ecologists across Europe, understanding their needs and translating them into practical, scalable digital solutions.
• Technical leadership, helping shape our long‑term digital ecology strategy.

What You’ll Bring:

• Strong experience in ecology, environmental data or biodiversity assessment.
• Proficiency in coding and automation (e.g., Python, R, SQL, JavaScript or similar).
• Experience developing data systems, tools or workflows ideally within an environmental or scientific context.
• Passion for innovation, problem‑solving and improving how ecological work is done.
• Ability to work collaboratively with technical and non‑technical colleagues across multiple countries.

Culture & Inclusion at SLR We are committed to being an equal opportunities employer, and our expectations go beyond purely complying with legislation. Through our Regional C&I Committees, Global Council and Employee Networks, we foster an inclusive environment where all people regardless of their background can thrive. We welcome applications from all individuals, regardless of their background, including those from groups that are currently under‑represented at SLR, such as people identifying as 2SLGBTQI+, Indigenous peoples, ethnic minority groups, women and people with visible or invisible disabilities, including those who are neurodivergent. Should you require any special adjustments throughout the recruitment process with us, please let us know. As a Disability Confident Committed employer, we seek to ensure all applicants have equitable support when applying to SLR.