Freshwater Ecology Growth Lead

Freshwater ecosystems are under increasing pressure, and the need for innovative, science-led solutions has never been greater. We're looking for an experienced and ambitious Freshwater Ecology Growth Lead to drive the growth, influence and technical excellence of our freshwater ecology practice. 

This is more than a technical leadership role. It's an opportunity to shape the future of freshwater ecology within one of the UK's leading environmental and infrastructure consultancies, influence major projects of national significance, and build a thriving team that delivers meaningful outcomes for rivers, wetlands, lakes and aquatic environments.

If you're passionate about freshwater ecology, enjoy building client relationships, and are excited by the challenge of growing a high-performing team, we'd love to hear from you.

The Opportunity

As our Freshwater Ecology Growth Lead, you'll provide strategic direction for the growth, capability and delivery performance of the freshwater ecology team.

Working closely with senior leaders across Nature Services, you'll help shape our market approach, develop client relationships, identify new opportunities and ensure technical excellence across a diverse portfolio of projects.

You'll combine your ecological expertise with commercial insight to grow our presence across major infrastructure, water, transport, energy and environmental programmes while helping clients navigate complex environmental challenges and deliver positive outcomes for freshwater habitats and species.

Why This Role Matters

You'll help:

• Influence some of the UK's most significant infrastructure and environmental projects.
• Shape how freshwater ecology is integrated into sustainable development.
• Build and grow a nationally recognised freshwater ecology practice.
• Mentor and develop the next generation of freshwater ecologists.
• Strengthen relationships with major clients, regulators and industry stakeholders.
• Drive innovation in ecological assessment, monitoring and environmental delivery.

What You'll Be Doing

Driving Growth and Market Development

• Develop and deliver a clear growth strategy for freshwater ecology aligned with wider business and sector priorities.
• Identify market opportunities, emerging trends and future client needs.
• Build a strong pipeline of opportunities across infrastructure, water, energy and transport sectors.
• Support strategic bids, framework opportunities and major pursuits.
• Bring freshwater ecology expertise into early client discussions to help shape practical, proportionate solutions.
• Develop new service offerings and contribute to thought leadership within the industry.
• Leading Client Relationships
• Act as a trusted advisor to key clients and stakeholders.
• Build long-term relationships across major infrastructure and environmental programmes.
• Collaborate with sector and account leaders to identify cross-disciplinary opportunities.
• Represent the freshwater ecology practice at industry events, client forums and conferences.
• Help clients solve complex environmental challenges through innovative and outcome-focused approaches.
   

Building a High-Performing Team

• Provide visible leadership across the freshwater ecology community.
• Support recruitment, succession planning and capability development.
• Create opportunities for technical growth, mentoring and knowledge sharing.
• Foster a collaborative, inclusive and high-performing culture.
• Develop and strengthen national networks of freshwater specialists.

Ensuring Excellence in Delivery

• Provide strategic oversight across the freshwater ecology portfolio.
• Work closely with project managers and technical leads to ensure projects are delivered safely, efficiently and profitably.
• Monitor performance, resource requirements, quality standards and delivery risks.
• Share lessons learned and embed continuous improvement across the practice.
• Champion innovation, digital tools and smarter ways of working.

About You
You'll be an experienced freshwater ecologist who enjoys combining technical leadership with business growth and client engagement.

Essential Experience

• Strong track record of leading teams through growth, change or business transformation
• Significant experience within freshwater ecology and the UK environmental sector
• Experience working on major infrastructure projects and understanding complex consenting environments
• Strong knowledge of UK freshwater ecology legislation, policy and best practice
• Proven ability to develop client relationships and identify new business opportunities
• Experience supporting successful bids, frameworks or strategic project growth
• Excellent communication, influencing and stakeholder management skills
• Collaborative leadership style with the ability to inspire and develop teams

Desirable Experience

• Chartered status or membership of a relevant professional body (CIEEM, CIWEM or equivalent)
• Experience leading freshwater ecology inputs for nationally significant infrastructure projects
• Established relationships with regulators, infrastructure clients and environmental stakeholders
• Knowledge of innovative monitoring techniques, digital tools or emerging ecological technologies
• Experience developing new service lines or technical offerings
• Industry profile through publications, conferences, professional groups or technical guidance

We offer:

• The opportunity to shape and lead a nationally recognised freshwater ecology practice
• A key role influencing major infrastructure and environmental programmes across the UK
• Access to multidisciplinary teams including aquatic ecology, environmental assessment, engineering, GIS, natural capital and water specialists
• Leadership development and career progression opportunities
• Support for professional memberships and chartership
• A collaborative culture that values innovation, knowledge sharing and technical excellence

Join Us and Make a Lasting Impact
Freshwater environments are among our most valuable natural assets. This is your opportunity to lead a team that's helping to protect, restore and enhance them while shaping the future direction of freshwater ecology across some of the UK's most complex and exciting projects.
If you're ready to combine technical credibility, strategic leadership and business growth, we'd love to hear from you.

Apply today and help create healthier freshwater environments for generations to come. 

Imagine a better future for you and a better future for us all.

Work on landmark projects around the world and embrace opportunities to make an even bigger impact in the communities you care about. What if you could do the