Overview
Technical Director – Ecology role at RPS. You will lead our Scottish terrestrial ecology team, comprising professionals across Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Inverness. This role shapes the strategic direction, technical excellence, and operational performance of the ecology function in Scotland.
You will oversee a diverse team ranging from graduates to Associate Directors, ensuring high-quality delivery across a broad portfolio of projects.
Responsibilities
* Lead the Scottish terrestrial ecology team (approximately 15 staff across 3 offices) and manage 150–170 active projects in Scotland, with project values ranging from £3,000 to £500,000.
* Write technical reports, respond to planning applications, develop fee proposals, and present to statutory consultees. Manage your own workload and that of the team, balancing routine tasks with high-impact problem-solving.
* Maintain a strong understanding of the Scottish planning system and statutory requirements; defend planning applications when required.
* Act as a visible leader, engaging with internal and external stakeholders and serving as a subject matter expert across multidisciplinary projects.
* Provide senior-level input on major projects and ensure quality assurance of ecological inputs within multidisciplinary teams.
* Mentor junior staff and contribute to internal training programs through the Senior Ecology Team.
* Oversee recruitment to address resourcing gaps and support delivery of strategic objectives in Scotland.
* Support delivery of fee proposals, client management, and ensure outputs meet legislative and client needs.
* Lead delivery of high-value projects, drive client engagement, and contribute to business growth through tenders and technical leadership.
* Shape the strategic direction of ecology services in Scotland and influence profitability, staff retention, and client base expansion.
Core Capabilities & Qualifications
* Must hold Chartered Ecologist (CEcol) qualification or be willing to work towards achieving this as soon as possible. This qualification will be supported by RPS Tetra Tech.
* Beneficial to have a protected species licence, experience with mitigation on large-scale infrastructure projects, and a recognised specialism that adds value to win and deliver work.
* Technical Delivery: deep understanding of the Scottish and UK ecology market; experience leading ecology aspects of large-scale projects; reporting skills (EIAR, HRA); familiarity with NPF4 and the emerging BNG market in Scotland; experience with DCO or Public Local Inquiry is desirable.
* Financial Management: accountable for the financial health of the Scottish ecology portfolio, including budgets from £3,000 to £500,000; responsibility for profitability, cost control, revenue forecasting, margin protection, and scope management.
* Project Management: strategic oversight of 150–170 active projects per year; provide senior input on major projects; support fee proposals and manage client expectations; ensure outputs meet legislative and client needs.
* Team Leadership: lead a team of 15 ecologists across three offices; foster collaboration, performance, and staff development; involvement in recruitment and strategic initiatives; represent the team at Senior Ecology Team meetings.
* Stakeholder Relationship Management: build relationships with internal disciplines and external stakeholders, including statutory consultees, clients, and partners; strong network of industry contacts and knowledge of the Scottish planning system.
Recruitment & Work Environment
We have a Preferred Supplier List of trusted partners for recruitment and do not acknowledge speculative CVs from agencies not on this list.
Employment Details
* Seniority level: Director
* Employment type: Full-time
* Job function: Information Technology
* Industries: Business Consulting and Services
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