Technical Director–Ecology (RPS) Based: Glasgow/Edinburgh/Inverness What is the Purpose of the role? As Technical Director–Ecology, you will lead our Scottish terrestrial ecology team, comprising 15 professionals across Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Inverness. This role is pivotal in shaping 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. Your day‐to‐day will be varied—ranging from writing technical reports and responding to planning applications, to developing fee proposals and presenting to statutory consultees. You’ll be expected to manage your own workload and that of your team, balancing routine tasks with high‐impact problem‐solving. A strong understanding of the Scottish planning system and statutory requirements is essential, especially for defending planning applications. You’ll be a visible leader, engaging with internal and external stakeholders, and acting as a subject‐matter expert across multidisciplinary projects. You will be responsible for 15 staff across 3 offices, managing 150–170 active projects in Scotland, ranging from £3,000 to £500,000. In the short term, you’ll establish leadership across the Scottish ecology team, build key relationships, and support recruitment to address current resourcing gaps. You’ll also begin contributing to project delivery and strategic planning. In the medium term, you’ll drive team performance, meet utilisation targets and lead delivery of high‐value projects. You’ll introduce fresh ideas, enhance client engagement, and support business growth through tenders and technical leadership. In the long term, you’ll shape the strategic direction of ecology services in Scotland, influence business KPIs including profitability and staff retention, and play a key role in expanding our client base and project portfolio. Core Capabilities As RPS Tetra Tech recruits using core capabilities, these are the key areas of skills, responsibilities, and experience required to successfully perform this role. Technical Delivery

Be technically excellent with a deep understanding of the Scottish and UK ecology market. Have led the ecology aspects of large‐scale projects, with key reporting skills including EIAR, HRA, and understanding of NPF4 and the emerging BNG market within Scotland. Experience of the DCO process of Public Local Inquiry desirable. Review technical reports from staff within the Scotland team and wider GB business, provide due diligence input to clients and quality‐ensure the input from staff into multidisciplinary projects. Mentor junior staff within the ecology team and contribute to the internal training programme.

Financial Management

Accountable for the financial health of the Scottish ecology portfolio, overseeing project budgets ranging from £3,000 to £500,000. Ensure profitability and manage cost control, including revenue forecasting, margin protection, and scope management. Make informed decisions on bidding for work and risk management, keeping the broader business objectives in view.

Project Management

Maintain strategic oversight of approximately 150–170 active projects per year within the Scottish business. Ensure quality, compliance, and timely delivery; provide senior‐level input to major projects. Support fee proposals, manage client expectations, and ensure technical outputs meet legislative requirements and client needs. Apply ecological expertise to deliver innovative, compliant solutions for complex problems.

Team Leadership

Lead a team of 15 ecologists across three offices, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and professional growth. Handle recruitment to meet increased demand and develop staff through training, mentoring, and strategic initiatives. Represent the Scottish ecology team at Senior Ecology Team meetings.

Stakeholder Relationship Management

Build and maintain relationships with a wide range of stakeholders, both internally as a subject‐matter expert and externally with statutory consultees, clients, and partners. Represent the business in high‐stakes planning and consultation scenarios.

Training, Qualifications, or Equivalent Work Experience

Must hold Chartered Ecologist (CEcol) qualification OR be willing to work towards achieving this as soon as possible. Protected species license, experience of mitigation on large‐scale infrastructure projects, and a recognised specialism are beneficial.

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