Technical Lead – Marine Ecology

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Arup is an independent firm of designers, planners, engineers, architects, consultants and technical specialists, working across every aspect of today’s-built environment.

Organizations and governments are becoming increasingly aware of the global nature crisis, their impact on it, and the need to move towards a nature-positive future. Our integrated nature solutions use nature’s own systems as a design guide, achieving healthier, more resilient environments that support and protect people and communities.

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The Opportunity We are seeking an experienced and forward-thinking Technical Lead – Marine Ecologist to drive the growth, quality, and sustainability of our Marine Ecology offering across the UK and Europe. This strategic role requires strong technical expertise in Marine Ecology, coupled with the ability to map market opportunities, build client relationships, and strengthen internal capabilities to meet growing demand.

The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in ensuring our Marine Ecology service line is commercially robust, technically excellent, and aligned with client needs and future market drivers.

Key Responsibilities Include:

Map out existing and potential Marine Ecology opportunities within the UK and European markets, identifying client drivers, sector challenges, and emerging opportunities.

Build strong relationships with major clients, understanding their needs and positioning the organisation as a trusted advisor in Marine Ecology. Critically assess current skills, expertise distribution, and potential within the existing ecology team. Audit the Marine Ecology supply chain, including partners, subcontractors, and collaborators, to ensure capacity and quality alignment. Conduct a full gap analysis to inform reskilling, recruitment, and strategic workforce planning for the marine ecology team.

Secure and deliver new Marine Ecology lead roles on major projects, ensuring the marine ecology function is self-sustaining and profitable. Provide subject matter expertise and oversight on complex marine ecology projects, ensuring delivery excellence and regulatory compliance.

At Arup, you belong to an extraordinary collective – in which we encourage individuality to thrive. Our strength comes from how we respect, share, and connect our diverse experiences, perspectives and ideas.

You will have the opportunity do socially useful work that has meaning – to Arup, to your career, to our members and to the clients and communities we serve.

Is this role right for you?

We are looking for people with the following skills –
· Degree (and ideally postgraduate qualification) in Marine Ecology, Marine Biology, Environmental Science, or a related discipline.
· Chartered status (CEnv, CEcol or equivalent) desirable.
· Proven track record in Marine Ecology, with extensive project and technical leadership experience across UK and/or European waters.
· Strong understanding of regulatory frameworks, policy drivers, and best practice in marine ecology and marine environmental management.
· Demonstrated ability to build and sustain client relationships at senior levels.

Not ready to apply just yet, or have some questions? Please email Eni Makobe at  Please note, to ensure we remain GDPR compliant do not send your CV directly to us via this email.

What we offer you:

At Arup, we care about each member’s success, so we can grow together.

Guided by our values, we provide an attractive total reward package that recognizes the contribution of each of our members to our…