Principal/Technical Director - Ecology & Biodiversity

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 (our grades run from Graduate - Project – Senior – Associate – Principal – Technical Director) 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

You'll lead the delivery of complex ecological projects, providing technical direction and strategic oversight across a range of sectors. Working closely with clients and multidisciplinary teams, the role includes:

• 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 collagues 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

SLR's ‘One Team’ culture is at the heart of our business, providing a collaborative and supportive environment where people can develop and grow. Through a structured career framework, regular performance reviews, and support towards chartership, professional qualifications and licences, we offer excellent opportunities for long-term career progression. Our flexible benefits and reward package includes:

• 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

You'll bring:

• 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.