Location
Croydon (Hybrid working model with flexibility to work from office, remote location or client site)

Hours
Full Time

Salary
Competitive salary and benefits package

About the Role
Join AECOM’s dynamic Nature team as an Associate Director and Major Projects Ecology Lead, shaping the future of environmental consultancy on high-profile infrastructure projects. You will lead ecological services on major projects, including Development Consent Order (DCO) schemes, managing technical outputs and liaising with clients, project teams, and stakeholders through relevant planning regimes. Supported by a comprehensive ecology team, you will select and coordinate appropriate teams to deliver project objectives across sectors such as energy, water, renewables, defence, and transport. Your role includes acting as Lead Verifier/Approver for technical ecology deliverables, mentoring ecology team members, and representing AECOM at client meetings, site visits, and stakeholder discussions. You will contribute to project bidding, initiation, delivery, and reviews, while supporting regional and national ecology teams during quieter periods. At AECOM, you will thrive in an inclusive, forward-thinking environment with access to career development, flexible hybrid working, technical practice networks, and personalised benefits designed to support your well-being and future growth.

Experience
- Demonstrable experience in planning and delivery of ecological services on projects in the UK or Ireland
- Experience working on DCO schemes, including examination phases, is highly desirable
- Proven ability to lead ecology teams and manage complex projects
- Experience mentoring and supporting ecology team members

About you
- Confident and proactive with strong leadership and communication skills
- Committed to innovation, continuous professional development, and a proactive approach to Health and Safety
- Able to work collaboratively across multidisciplinary teams and engage effectively with clients and stakeholders
- Enthusiastic about contributing to an inclusive and diverse workplace

Qualifications
- Membership of an appropriate professional institution (e.g., CIEEM) with evidence of working towards Chartership or equivalent
- Well-developed understanding of relevant wildlife legislation and environmental planning frameworks