Principal Ecologist

The opportunityEMEC is an established environmental consultancy delivering ecology, land management and project management services across infrastructure, development and the public and private sectors. Our work ranges from specialist environmental consultancy to major multidisciplinary projects, bringing together our own teams, subcontractors and partners to deliver practical solutions for clients and lasting benefits for nature. As a wholly owned subsidiary of Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust, all our profits go directly to supporting its work for nature.

We are looking for a Principal Ecologist to lead our Ecology team and join EMEC's Senior Management Team. This is a senior leadership role with responsibility for the overall performance and development of our Ecology service. You will lead an experienced team, maintain high technical standards and make sure we have the skills, capacity and processes needed to deliver consistently for our clients and develop our people.

The role goes beyond technical ecology. Working closely with the Consultancy Director and other members of the Senior Management Team, you will contribute to the direction and management of EMEC and take responsibility for delivering agreed areas of our strategy and business plan. You will use project, financial and operational information to understand how the Ecology team is performing, anticipate future requirements and make decisions about priorities, resources and development.

You will retain an important technical role, providing senior ecological judgement, oversight and quality assurance, particularly on complex or higher-risk work. However, we don't expect the Principal Ecologist to personally hold every technical specialism within the team. Our Senior Ecologists will take lead roles in particular technical areas and team leadership, allowing the Principal to focus on the overall quality, capability and performance of the Ecology service.

You will also work closely with our Project Management and Land Management teams, helping EMEC make the most of its combined expertise and ensuring Ecology plays a strong role in our major projects and integrated delivery.

What you'll be doing

Lead the Ecology department and take overall responsibility for its performance, quality, capacity and development.

Line manage and develop our Senior Ecologists, supporting them to lead people and areas of technical expertise within the wider team.

Lead the professional development of the Ecology team, ensuring people have clear development plans and access to training and experience, while building the skills and capability EMEC needs for the future.

Set clear priorities and expectations for the team and create an environment in which people can perform well and develop professionally.

Plan Ecology resources and capability against current workload, pipeline, seasonality and future business needs.

Monitor and report on the performance of the department through appropriate operational, commercial and people KPIs.Maintain overall responsibility for the technical quality of EMEC's ecological work, supported by Senior Ecologists and technical specialists.

Set and maintain high standards, ensuring the right technical, quality and delivery processes are in place and drive continuous improvement.

Provide senior technical advice and judgement on complex, unusual or higher-risk work.

Oversee the delivery and commercial performance of the Ecology portfolio and intervene where projects, resources or client delivery are off track.

Work closely with Project Management and Land Management colleagues on major projects, tenders and integrated delivery.

Support the development and maintenance of key client relationships and contribute senior ecological input to…