Job description
Glasgow or Edinburgh (Hybrid)
£67,500 - £80,000 FTE (dependent on experience)
A leading, employee-owned environmental consultancy is seeking a Director of Ecology to join its established Scottish team. With nearly 60 years of experience shaping places for the better, the business has built a strong national presence across planning, landscape, ecology and environmental assessment. An ambitious 2024 to 2028 strategy is now driving further growth, particularly across Scotland and Northern England, and this appointment will play a pivotal role in delivering that vision.
The ecology team operates nationally, supporting projects that range from energy generation and regenerative agriculture to historic building restoration and green and blue infrastructure strategies. Work spans diverse environments from upland habitats to dense urban centres, with projects frequently involving protected species and complex planning considerations. The team combines technical rigour with genuine enthusiasm for applying emerging ecological principles in practical, commercially viable ways.
The successful candidate will join the Ecology Leadership Team and contribute directly to the strategic direction and continued growth of the discipline. The role involves leading and inspiring an established team of ecologists and ornithologists, driving operational and scientific best practice, and ensuring high-quality delivery across a varied project portfolio. Full accountability for resourcing, financial performance and client relationships sits within the remit, alongside a strong emphasis on work winning and business development across Scotland and Northern England. There is also an expectation to represent the business externally within industry forums and the wider conservation community.
Candidates will be degree qualified or possess equivalent experience and will bring significant leadership experience within UK ecological consultancy. A strong understanding of ecological survey and assessment methods, legislation and policy, and the Scottish development planning process is essential. Demonstrable success in business development and commercial delivery is required, as is the ability to operate credibly at senior level with clients and multidisciplinary colleagues. A full UK driving licence is necessary.
The role is based in either Edinburgh or Glasgow, operating within a hybrid model with a minimum of two days per week in the office. Travel to sites and other offices will form part of the position. Flexible working arrangements are actively supported, with part-time options considered down to 30 hours per week.
As an employee-owned business, the organisation offers the opportunity to participate in management and ownership through its Employee Ownership Trust, reinforcing a collaborative and accountable culture at senior level.
This represents a significant leadership opportunity at a time of strategic growth, offering the platform to shape both regional delivery and national direction within a respected consultancy.
About us: Allen & York have been matching purposeful people with purpose-led organisations for 30 years. We partner with our clients and candidates on roles that build an understanding of climate change, promote sustainability and create inclusive and responsible organisations, working towards a sustainable world for us all. Committed to inclusiveness in the workplace, we aim to increase diversity across all areas and therefore welcome applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of their ethnicity, race, gender, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, age, or whether or not they have a disability. Let's help build a better world, together.
