Director of Ecology – Scotland

Location: Edinburgh or Glasgow (Hybrid Working)

Salary: £75,000 – £85,000 (Dependent on Experience)

Contract Type: Full-time, 37.5 hours/week (flexible options available)

Eden Scott is proud to partner with Land Use Consultants (LUC) to appoint a Director of Ecology. This is a senior leadership opportunity within one of the UK’s most respected environmental and planning consultancies- an employee-owned business with nearly 60 years of experience shaping better futures for people, nature, and place.

LUC is entering an exciting phase of growth, driven by a bold 2024–2028 strategy that focuses on sustainable planning, climate resilience, and nature recovery, underpinned by a strong commitment to people and place. With established teams across the UK and a reputation for excellence in landscape architecture, ecology, and sustainability, they are investing in high-impact work that delivers meaningful change for biodiversity, climate, and communities.

About the Role

As Director of Ecology, you will assist the current director group in ensuring strategic development and delivery of LUC’s ecology services across Scotland and Northern England. You’ll collaborate with a multidisciplinary team on nationally significant projects- from renewable energy and regenerative agriculture to heritage restoration and green/blue infrastructure.

The role is based in either Edinburgh or Glasgow, with hybrid working (minimum two days per week in-office) and travel to sites, client offices, and other LUC locations.

Key Responsibilities

• Drive growth and delivery of ecology services in Scotland and Northern England
• Inspire and lead a team of ecologists
• Oversee ecological consultancy projects, ensuring quality, performance, and profitability
• Shape scientific and operational best practice across the discipline
• Represent LUC externally at industry events and contribute to thought leadership
• Collaborate with the Ecology Leadership Team to influence wider business strategy

About You

You are a confident and credible leader with a strong track record in Scottish ecological consultancy. You bring technical expertise, commercial insight, and a passion for nature-positive outcomes.

Essential:

• Significant leadership experience in ecological consultancy (or similar)
• Proven ability to win work, develop business, and lead teams
• Strong understanding of ecological survey methods, legislation, and planning policy (especially in Scotland)
• Excellent communication and project management skills
• Eligible to live and work in the UK

Desirable:

• Engagement in the Scottish nature conservation community
• Degree-level education or equivalent experience
• Proficiency in MS Office tools

What’s on Offer

• Competitive salary: £75,000–£85,000 (DOE)
• Flexible working arrangements, including part-time options (minimum 30 hours/week)
• Participation in LUC’s Employee Ownership Trust
• 7% Pension
• Supportive, inclusive culture with a strong focus on wellbeing
• Opportunities to lead high-profile, meaningful projects
• Long-term career progression and professional development

Next Steps

Your CV will never be sent without a confidential conversation first. We’ll talk through the role, the company, and your aspirations- no pressure, no obligation.

If you're ready to lead with purpose and help shape a thriving future for wildlife and people, we’d love to hear from you.

Please submit your CV via the link and we’ll be in touch shortly.