Overview
Head of Operations – Restoration Ecology role at Habitat Assessment & Restoration Ltd (HAR). Ideally based in Scotland, but other locations will be considered. Senior member of the leadership team reporting to HAR's Managing Director.
Role Description:
We are seeking a Head of Operations – Restoration Ecology to join the HAR team. This is a senior leadership position, responsible for planning, delivering, and ensuring the successful completion of complex island restoration projects across our diverse client base.
You will be responsible for coaching and leading project teams and ensuring they are engaged in challenging work that supports their professional development. In addition to delivering projects on time, within budget, and meeting QHSE targets, you will manage key client relationships to ensure delivery exceeds client expectations and lead colleagues by example.
You’ll be expected to be technically excellent, with a deep understanding of the UK ecology sector, and have led practical ecological/or nithological surveys, and preferably the compensation aspects of large-scale projects.
Key responsibilities of the role include:
* Lead and manage day-to-day operations to ensure Health, Safety, Environment, and Quality Assurance standards are met.
* Direct projects (budgets and cashflow), attend key client and stakeholder meetings.
* Report on project progress against KPIs, identify opportunities to develop, innovate and improve.
* Oversee multiple programmes of work to ensure resources are scheduled and allocated across all projects.
* Provide advice on ecological issues within one's own area of expertise, and on a broad range of technical, strategic and regulatory requirements.
* Support high-quality business development tenders and proposals.
* Undertake performance management of assigned team members and provide technical and general training at staff and project meetings.
* Identify improvement opportunities, scope research projects and contribute to the development of innovative survey and habitat restoration practices.
Here’s what we’re looking for:
* Advanced degree in Ecology and Conservation, Environmental Science, Marine Biology or related field.
* Membership of an appropriate professional institution and working towards or obtaining Chartered Ecologist or Chartered Environmentalist status.
* Experience of the DCO process for major infrastructure projects, the Habitat Regulations Assessment and Biodiversity Net Gain.
* Operational and business acumen, demonstrated through previous experience (e.g., project delivery, client account/framework management, operations, commercial, finance and P&L management).
* Team player who champions HAR’s values and leadership behaviours and builds relationships as a trusted business partner.
* Critical thinker who can solve complex problems and deliver initiatives to drive continuous improvement.
* Experience in leading, mentoring and line management of project teams.
* Experience in developing new business and supporting bid and tender preparation.
* Experience in writing and reviewing/verifying technical reports.
* Excellent communication skills with the ability to build effective working relationships with customers, stakeholders, local communities, regulatory agencies, NGOs, and other wildlife conservation organisations.
* Willingness to travel and support fieldwork in the UK, the Channel Islands and internationally.
Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion:
We recognise the value of a workforce in which people from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to introduce fresh ideas and contribute to the business goals. We are committed to providing a diverse and inclusive environment, with inclusive employment policies that include progressive and flexible working arrangements.
At HAR, we are passionate about the environment, our people, their safety, well-being, and development. If you share our values, believe in sustainability and are motivated by making a real difference, HAR is the right place for you.
If you meet some of the requirements above or have transferable skills you believe would benefit us, we would be delighted to hear from you.
Next steps:
If you would like to apply for this role, please email us with some basic information about yourself and your interests, along with a copy of your CV. We will review all applications promptly. For applications and/or to arrange an informal conversation to discuss the role before applying, please email ian.cain@habitat-restoration.com.
The closing date for applications is November 10th, 2025.
Details
* Seniority level: Executive
* Employment type: Full-time
* Job function: Management and Manufacturing
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