Associate Director

This role is ideal for someone already working at Associate Director level, or for a highly capable Principal Ecologist ready to step up and take the lead.

Lead. Inspire. Deliver nature-based impact.

The Opportunity

We’re looking for an experienced and passionate Team Lead to join our thriving Manchester Ecology team at Associate Director level. This is a unique opportunity to shape the growth of a dedicated and talented group of ecologists, influence exciting projects across the North of the UK, and play a key role in delivering nature-positive solutions for our clients.

You’ll lead a team of skilled ecologists—ranging from graduates to senior consultants—while collaborating closely with technical specialists, the wider Sheffield team, and colleagues across disciplines. From day one, you’ll be helping to guide project delivery, develop client relationships, and ensure commercial success.

This role offers the perfect blend of leadership, technical delivery, mentoring, and strategic input—ideal for someone currently at Principal level looking to take the next step.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Lead and inspire a team of ecologists in our Manchester office, fostering an inclusive, high-performing culture
• Mentor and support junior colleagues, sharing your expertise and helping them thrive
• Deliver and sign off ecological surveys and assessments—including protected species and habitat surveys
• Own the financials of the Manchester ecology team, ensuring profitability and commercial awareness
• Manage ecology projects from inception through to completion, meeting deadlines and maintaining quality
• Collaborate with the national ecology team and other technical disciplines on projects across the group
• Engage directly with clients, providing trusted, expert ecological advice
• Drive business development, identify new opportunities, and build long-term relationships
• Work as part of multidisciplinary teams to deliver integrated, sustainable, nature-based solutions

About You

We’re looking for someone with the drive to lead and a commitment to ecology that makes a real difference. You’ll bring:

• A degree (BSc/MSc) in Ecology, Environmental Science, or a related field
• Ecological consultancy experience, ideally in a leadership or Principal role
• Proven ability to lead small teams and manage projects effectively
• Confidence in mentoring and developing junior team members
• Experience with financial and commercial aspects of consultancy work
• Strong communication skills and a collaborative, proactive mindset
• A passion for nature-based solutions and sustainable practices

Why Join Us?

At Cura Terrae, we want our people to thrive. In return for your passion and expertise, we offer:

• A warm, inclusive team culture
• Genuine flexibility and hybrid working options
• A structured progression pathway and ongoing professional development
• A competitive salary and industry-leading benefits package
• The opportunity to work on nationally significant and impactful ecological projects

Not sure you meet every requirement?

We’d still love to hear from you. If you bring relevant experience and a desire to lead, collaborate, and grow, we’re open to discussing how you could fit into our team.

What you’ll get from us…

The Cura Terrae group are committed to ensuring our employees thrive. We are proud of our values, diversity and inclusion, and the benefits we offer. Find out more about the benefits.

To apply please complete the application HERE, if you require any reasonable adjustments or have any questions contact the Recruitment team at [email protected]

-STRICTLY NO AGENCIES-

We do not accept CVs from third parties / agencies, and any applications received will be treated as the property of Cura Terrae. We will not be liable for any fees related to unsolicited CVs received.