Associate Director - Ecology

Assystem

  • London
  • Permanent
  • Full-time
  • 23 days ago
  • Apply easily
Company DescriptionAssystem is a global engineering and digital services company that plays a key role in large infrastructure projects, especially those related to complex, highly regulated industries. In the infrastructure sector, Assystem works across various domains to support the design, construction, operation, and maintenance of critical infrastructure.As global challenges related to climate change, biodiversity loss, and sustainable development intensify, the role of ecological expertise has never been more critical. Our growing ecology practice is at the forefront of delivering practical solutions that promote environmental resilience, biodiversity conservation, and responsible land use.We support a wide range of projects—from infrastructure development and renewable energy to habitat restoration and environmental planning—by integrating ecological principles into every phase of design and decision-making. Our team of ecologists work closely with clients, communities, and stakeholders to ensure that development and conservation go hand in hand.With a strong focus on innovation, regulatory compliance, and long-term ecological health, we are committed to advancing a more sustainable and nature-positive future.Job DescriptionKey Responsibilities:Team and Practice Leadership
  • Lead, mentor, and manage a team of ecologists, including senior, mid-level, and junior staff.
  • Ensure team resourcing aligns with project demands, managing workloads and recruitment as needed.
  • Champion best practice in ecology, H&S, quality assurance, and compliance with legislation and guidance.
Project Oversight and Technical Direction
  • Oversee delivery of ecological input into a range of projects (e.g., housing, infrastructure, renewables, energy).
  • Provide high-level technical advice and review of key reports including EcIAs, HRAs, mitigation strategies, and BNG assessments.
  • Support risk management across the ecology portfolio and ensure robust QA processes are in place.
Strategic and Commercial Management
  • Develop and implement practice growth plans in line with the company’s wider strategic goals.
  • Lead or support work-winning activities including tendering, fee proposals, client pitches, and framework bids.
  • Monitor project profitability, resourcing forecasts, and overall performance of the ecology practice.
Stakeholder and Client Engagement
  • Act as a senior point of contact for clients, collaborators, regulators, and partners.
  • Build and maintain strong professional networks and relationships to support business development.
  • Represent the ecology discipline internally and externally at industry events, conferences, and forums.
QualificationsEssential Requirements:
  • Degree in Ecology, Environmental Science, or a related subject.
  • Two European Protected Species licenses
  • Significant experience in applied ecological consultancy or similar.
  • Strong understanding of UK ecology legislation, planning policy, and best practice (including EIA, HRA, BNG).
  • Experience in managing teams, budgets, and multidisciplinary project delivery.
  • Membership of CIEEM (Will required Full Membership to be obtained).
  • Excellent commercial awareness, business planning, and client engagement skills.
  • Strong report writing, communication, and leadership capabilities.
  • Full UK driving licence.
Additional InformationDesirable:
  • Protected species mitigation experience.
  • Experience contributing to large-scale infrastructure projects (e.g., NSIPs).
  • Familiarity with ecology-related digital tools (e.g., GIS, BNG Metric).
What We Offer:
  • Leadership role within a respected and growing environmental practice.
  • Supportive, collaborative team environment.
  • Hybrid/flexible working arrangements.
  • Competitive salary and bonus structure.
  • Career development pathways, training budgets, and professional support.
We are committed to equal treatment of candidates and promote, as well as foster all forms of diversity within our company. We believe that bringing together people with different backgrounds and perspectives is essential for creating innovative and impactful solutions. Skills, talent, and our people’s ability to dare are the only things that matter !. Bring your unique contributions and help us shape the future.

Assystem