Principal Ecologist; Regional Deputy Team Lead

Location & Recruiter

Location:

Croydon or London, UK

Recruiter contact:
Andrea Gaffney

Environmental and social considerations are central to Mott Mac Donald’s purpose. Our environment and social business provides essential services and innovative solutions to anticipate clients’ needs across all sectors.

The role is at Principal Ecologist level and operates primarily from the Croydon office, with occasional site work. You will support the Ecology Team by integrating nature into development projects, ensuring high standards of ecological advice, and contributing to guidance and training activities.

• Act as deputy to the Regional Lead, overseeing staff wellbeing, mentoring, and career development for the Croydon and Reading teams.
• Line‑manage selected team members and collaborate with the Regional Lead, Area Leader and UK Ecology Team Leader on utilisation, role appointments, training and recruitment.
• Lead operational team briefings and meetings to maintain effective communication.
• Engage in projects across the full design‑to‑implementation life cycle, influencing scheme design and promoting best practice.
• Maintain office‑based duties while contributing to site work aligned with technical expertise.

• Degree in Ecology or a directly related subject (advanced degree an advantage).
• Over seven years’ experience in ecological consultancy (or equivalent).
• Full Member of the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management or equivalent; must be a Chartered Environmentalist, Chartered Ecologist or Chartered Biologist (or attain within 6 months).
• Strong communication skills for multidisciplinary teams, clients and regulators.
• Proficiency in report writing and experience reviewing ecological deliverables.
• Technical specialism (e.g., protected species mitigation licences or advanced botanical skills).

• People management experience.
• Proven project management skills.
• Experience of preparing costs and text for bids.
• Willingness to travel throughout the UK.
• Level 1 and 2 Bat Licence.

Mott Mac Donald Ltd. are not currently offering sponsorship to candidates under the Skilled Worker visa route in the UK. We welcome applications from candidates eligible for alternative immigration routes that do not require sponsorship.

The company offers a hybrid working policy that supports well‑being, flexibility and trust.

We promote fair employment procedures and provide an inclusive environment where everyone can contribute.

Support is available for disabled applicants or interviewees at reaso

• Employee pension match between 4.5% and 7%.
• Life assurance up to 4× basic salary (expandable to 6×).
• Income protection and absence support.
• Flexible benefits: increased life assurance, critical illness insurance, payroll savings.
• Annual bonus schemes linked to financial success.

• No external investors; culture of shared success.
• Stake and voice in business decisions for all employees.
• Progression in stake with career development.
• Direct pathway to ownership for senior roles.

• Private medical insurance for UK colleagues.
• Health cash plan.
• Access to Peppy for menopause support.
• Comprehensive wellbeing programme for staff and families.
• Salary flex options for health benefits (extendable to family).

• Minimum 33‑35 days holiday per year (incl. public holidays). Option to buy/sell leave.
• 35 days holiday after 5 years’ service.
• Employee saving schemes and high‑street retailer discounts.

• 26 weeks paid maternity and adoption leave, and 2 weeks paid paternity/partner leave.
• Shared parental leave matches maternity leave (up to 24 weeks at full pay).
• Up to five additional days for significant caring responsibilities (two paid).

• Primary annual professional institution subscription.
• Opportunities for technical and soft skill development through mentoring, formal training and self‑development.

• Membership in Advanced Employee Networks that support LGBTQ+, gender, race, ethnicity, disability and parent/carer communities.
• Opportunities to contribute to social outcomes within the community.