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

Hours
Full Time - Standard working hours with flexibility to support project needs

Salary
Competitive salary commensurate with experience

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 full ecology team, you will select and coordinate appropriate specialists to deliver successful project outcomes across sectors such as energy, water, renewables, defence, and transport.

In this role, you will act as the main client contact, represent AECOM at meetings, site visits, and stakeholder discussions, and provide mentorship to ecology team members. You will contribute to project bidding, initiation, delivery, and reviews, ensuring technical excellence and compliance with wildlife legislation. Working within a collaborative and inclusive environment, you will be part of a team of around 150 experts across the UK and Ireland, delivering national and international projects.

AECOM offers a flexible hybrid working model, career development opportunities, technical practice networks, and a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your well-being and professional growth. Join us to help deliver sustainable legacies that positively impact communities and the environment worldwide.

Experience
- Demonstrable experience in planning and delivery of ecological services on UK or Ireland projects
- Experience leading ecology on major projects, ideally including DCO schemes and examination phases
- Proven ability to manage technical outputs and client relationships on complex infrastructure projects

About you
- Confident and proactive ecology lead with strong problem-solving skills
- Excellent communicator able to represent the company at client and stakeholder meetings
- Committed to mentoring and supporting ecology team members
- Proactive approach to Health and Safety
- Passionate about innovation and continuing professional development
- Embraces diversity and inclusion, contributing positively to team culture

Qualifications
- Membership of a relevant professional institution (e.g., CIEEM) with evidence of working towards Chartership
- Well-developed understanding of relevant wildlife legislation and planning regimes
- Commitment to ongoing professional development and innovation in ecological consultancy