Associate Director of Ecology in London

Join us in shaping a future where nature and business thrive together. At Thomson, our purpose is simple but powerful: to enable nature and business to thrive together. We’re building a reputation as the UK’s most innovative, pragmatic and fast-growing environmental consultancy. Our ambition is to be the first choice for clients and the employer of choice for environmental professionals.

Are you an experienced ecology leader ready to take the next step in your career? Do you combine commercial acumen, strategic thinking, and technical excellence with a passion for developing people and delivering outstanding environmental outcomes? We're looking for an exceptional Associate Director to join our growing Ecology team and play a pivotal role in driving performance, developing high-performing teams, and shaping the future direction of our business.

This role is a fantastic opportunity to:

• Lead and inspire high-performing ecology teams across the South East of England.
• Influence strategic decisions as a key member of our Ecology Leadership Group.
• Drive sustainable business growth through commercial leadership and market development.
• Work with talented technical specialists on some of the most exciting and challenging ecological projects in the UK.

What You’ll Be Doing

Strategic Leadership & Business Performance
You'll take ownership of regional performance, ensuring revenue and gross profit targets are achieved through effective pipeline management, resource planning, and leadership. You'll work closely with senior leaders to set direction, implement strategy, and ensure teams are equipped to deliver exceptional results.

Commercial Growth & Client Development
You'll drive a proactive commercial culture, supporting teams to excel in business development and client management. You'll secure new opportunities, strengthen client relationships, and identify emerging markets and service lines to drive future growth.

Technical Excellence & Project Delivery
As a respected ecological expert, you'll provide senior technical oversight on complex projects, acting as Project Principal or Project Manager on major commissions, and ensure technical outputs consistently meet the highest standards of quality. You'll also be the escalation point for high-risk or sensitive client matters.

Ready to Make an Impact?
If you're a commercially minded ecology leader looking for an opportunity to shape strategy, grow a thriving business area, and lead talented people through the next phase of growth, we'd love to hear from you.

Qualifications

We're seeking a leader who can successfully balance people leadership, commercial performance, and technical credibility. You'll likely bring:

• Significant experience leading ecology teams and managing high-performing professionals.
• A proven track record of delivering commercial and operational targets.
• Strong business development and client relationship management experience.
• Excellent strategic planning and resource management skills.
• Technical expertise within terrestrial ecology with an ecological degree or similar.
• The ability to influence, inspire, and develop others.
• Strong project governance, risk management, and decision-making capabilities.
• A passion for creating positive team cultures and delivering exceptional client outcomes.

This role will be based at either our office in Guildford or East Anglia. We support hybrid working; however, you will need to have a visible and regular presence at these sites. A full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle with business insurance is essential.

Additional Information

At Thomson, we strive to be the very best at what we do—for our clients and for each other. We value all individual’s unique skills and experiences, and work together to deliver exceptional service. Our people are our greatest asset. We live and breathe our RISE values – Respect, Integrity, Support and Excellence—and we are constantly evolving, with your voice helping shape our future. We actively promote a healthy work-life balance, offering flexibility and a supportive environment where people can thrive. We embrace new challenges, work collaboratively, and celebrate success together. We are passionate about career development. You’ll have access to industry-accredited external training, specialist-led internal training, opportunities to work across disciplines and the chance to contribute to and lead high-profile, once-in-a-lifetime projects. We also offer a competitive benefits package, including:

• 25 days annual leave
• Enhanced stakeholder pension scheme
• Life insurance
• Discounted gym membership
• Paid professional memberships
• Clothing allowance
• Performance-related rewards and long service awards
• Free parking

Thomson are committed to fostering diversity and inclusion in our workplace. We proudly embrace equal opportunities for all applicants, regardless of race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or national origin. If you require any support with your application, whatever the circumstance, please let us know.