Director of Ecology

Director of Ecology - Inverness

Salary: £65,000 - £75,000 + Car Allowance + Profit Share + Equity Potential
Location: Inverness (Hybrid & Flexible Working)

We're supporting a respected environmental consultancy in Inverness as they look to appoint a Director of Ecology to help lead the next phase of the business's growth.

This is a rare opportunity for an experienced ecology leader to take on a genuinely influential role within a well-established and growing consultancy. Working alongside the existing Directors, you'll play a central role in shaping business strategy, driving commercial performance, developing the ecology team, and strengthening the company's position across Scotland's environmental sector.

This role is ideally suited to an ambitious Associate Director, Technical Director, or established Director seeking greater autonomy, influence, and long-term rewards.

The Opportunity

As Director of Ecology, you will be responsible for the strategic and operational leadership of the ecology team while helping to guide the wider direction of the business.

You'll oversee project delivery, team performance, financial management, business development, and client relationships, ensuring the continued growth and success of the ecology division.

The consultancy delivers a diverse portfolio of work across:

• Renewable energy developments
• Peatland restoration projects
• Woodland creation schemes
• Habitat restoration initiatives
• Major infrastructure projects
• Housing and mixed-use developments
• Biodiversity enhancement and nature recovery projects

You'll have significant input into future growth plans, recruitment strategy, service development, and market expansion while retaining involvement in technically interesting and high-profile projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for the ecology team and wider business.
• Lead, develop and mentor Principal Ecologists, Senior Ecologists and Consultants.
• Work closely with fellow Directors to develop and deliver business objectives.
• Drive business growth through client development, networking and new opportunities.
• Take ownership of the financial performance of the ecology division.
• Maintain and develop key client relationships.
• Oversee quality assurance and technical excellence across all ecological outputs.
• Support major project delivery across renewable energy, infrastructure, habitat restoration and development sectors.
• Contribute to company-wide decision making and long-term business planning.
• Represent the business externally with clients, partners and industry stakeholders.

About You

We're looking for an experienced ecological leader with a strong technical background, commercial awareness, and a track record of successfully managing teams and growing business performance.

Essential

• Approximately 15+ years' experience within ecological consultancy or a related discipline.
• Extensive knowledge of UK wildlife legislation, planning policy and ecological assessment.
• Proven experience leading multidisciplinary ecology teams.
• Strong commercial acumen and business development capability.
• Experience managing client portfolios and delivering revenue growth.
• Track record of successfully delivering complex ecological projects.
• Excellent leadership, mentoring and people management skills.
• Strong report writing, communication and stakeholder engagement abilities.
• Full UK driving licence.
• Protected species licences.
• Full membership of CIEEM or equivalent professional standing.

Desirable

• Experience leading ecology teams within a consultancy environment.
• Experience within renewable energy, peatland restoration or habitat creation sectors.
• Previous responsibility for departmental budgets, forecasting and business planning.
• Existing client network within Scotland.
• Experience contributing to company strategy and growth.

Salary & Benefits

• Car Allowance
• Profit Share Scheme
• Potential for long-term equity participation
• Regular salary reviews
• Hybrid and flexible working arrangements
• 25 days annual leave plus public holidays
• Professional memberships paid
• Ongoing leadership and business development support

Why Join?

This is a genuine opportunity to influence the future direction of an established and growing environmental consultancy.

You will join the senior leadership team with responsibility for shaping strategy, driving growth, developing people, and strengthening the company's reputation across Scotland. The role offers the autonomy and influence expected of a Director position, alongside the chance to build a lasting legacy within a business that values both commercial success and environmental impact.

For ecology professionals seeking a leadership role with real authority, strategic input, and long-term progression, this represents a standout opportunity.

For a confidential discussion or further information, please get in touch.