Location
Croydon, with hybrid working options across UK and Ireland offices including Manchester, Leeds, Basingstoke, Newcastle, Glasgow, Cambridge, Nottingham, Bristol and Liverpool (other UK locations may be considered).

Hours
Full Time - Flexible hybrid working model

Salary
Competitive salary with a comprehensive benefits package tailored to support your future and well-being.

About the Role
Join AECOM’s dynamic Nature team as an Associate Director and take the lead on major ecological projects, including Development Consent Order (DCO) schemes. You will plan, manage, report, and defend technical ecology outputs to clients, project teams, and stakeholders through relevant planning regimes. Supported by a full ecology team, you will select and coordinate appropriate teams to deliver high-profile infrastructure projects across sectors such as energy, water, renewables, defence, and transport. Your role will include acting as the ecology lead, providing technical advice, supporting project bidding and delivery, liaising with internal teams on scheduling and budgets, and mentoring ecology colleagues. You will be the main client contact, representing AECOM at meetings, site visits, and stakeholder discussions. This is an opportunity to contribute to impactful projects that uplift communities and enhance lives while working within a forward-thinking, inclusive environment that values innovation and professional growth.

About AECOM
We are the world’s trusted infrastructure consulting firm, delivering professional services throughout the project lifecycle. Our teams are driven by a common purpose to deliver a better world through technical and digital expertise, equity, diversity and inclusion, and commitment to environmental, social, and governance priorities. At AECOM, you will thrive with career development opportunities, flexible working, technical practice networks, and a supportive culture.

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.
- Proven ability to manage project deliverables, budgets, and client relationships.
- Experience mentoring and supporting ecology team members.

About you
- Confident and proactive ecology lead with strong problem-solving skills.
- Committed to innovation, continuing professional development, and health and safety.
- Excellent communication skills with ability to represent the company at client and stakeholder meetings.
- Enthusiastic about working collaboratively across multidisciplinary teams in a hybrid working environment.

Qualifications
- Membership of an appropriate professional institution (e.g., CIEEM) with evidence of working towards Chartership.
- Well-developed understanding of relevant wildlife legislation.
- Commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.
- Willingness to embrace AECOM’s values and contribute to a positive workplace culture.