Ecology Team Lead

Join us in shaping a future where nature and business thrive together

At Thomson, our purpose is simple but powerful: to enable nature and business to thrive together.

We’re building a reputation as the UK’s most innovative, pragmatic and fast-growing environmental consultancy. Our ambition is to be the first choice for clients and the employer of choice for environmental professionals.

With offices across the UK, our multidisciplinary experts deliver exceptional outcomes across terrestrial and freshwater ecology, hydrology, GIS, ecological contracting and arboriculture.

Job Description

Are you an experienced Senior or Principal Ecologist ready to step into a leadership role where you'll have a genuine impact on people, projects, and business performance? 

We're looking for a passionate and ambitious Team Lead to join our growing Ecology team. This is an exciting opportunity to lead a talented group of ecologists, drive project success and contribute to the wider leadership of the Ecology team. As a key member of the Ecology Leadership Group, you'll help shape the future of our service while continuing to apply your own technical expertise on complex and rewarding projects.

This role offers the perfect blend of: 

• People leadership and team development 

• Technical delivery and project oversight 
• Commercial and client engagement 

You'll be empowered to make decisions, solve challenges, develop talent, and create a high-performing culture that enables both people and projects to thrive.

What You’ll Be Doing 

Lead and Inspire Your Team 

You'll provide day-to-day leadership for the Cardiff team of ecologists, creating an environment where people feel supported, motivated, and empowered to perform at their best. You'll lead daily operations and project delivery ensuring high levels of performance through a collaborative and solution-focused culture. You’ll develop team members and champion wellbeing and a strong safety culture. 

Deliver Technical Excellence 

As an experienced Senior or Principal Ecologist, you'll continue to play an active role in project delivery and technical leadership. You’ll act as Project Manager or Project Principal on major projects, produce high-quality products and review technical work to maintain quality standards.

Drive Commercial Success 

Working closely with colleagues you'll help secure new opportunities, preparing proposals and quotations. You will build strong and lasting client relationships. 

Ready to Lead? 

If you're looking for a role where you can inspire people, deliver exceptional work, and play a key part in the growth of a successful ecology business, we'd love to hear from you.

Qualifications

We're looking for someone who combines strong ecological expertise with a natural ability to lead and influence others. 

You'll likely have: 

• Technical expertise within terrestrial ecology with an ecological degree or similar
• Significant experience within ecological consultancy 

• Experience managing projects and client relationships 

• Strong leadership, coaching, and communication skills 

• Commercial awareness and an understanding of project profitability 

• A proactive and solution-focused mindset 

• The ability to balance technical excellence with operational delivery 

• A passion for developing people and creating high-performing teams

This role will be based at our office in Cardiff. We support hybrid working; however, you will need to have a visible and regular presence. A full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle with business insurance is essential.

Additional Information

Working at Thomson

At Thomson, we strive to be the very best at what we do—for our clients and for each other.

We value all individual’s unique skills and experiences, and work together to deliver exceptional service.

Our people are our greatest asset. We live and breathe our RISE values – Respect, Integrity, Support and Excellence—and we are constantly evolving, with your voice helping shape our future.

We actively promote a healthy work-life balance, offering flexibility and a supportive environment where people can thrive. We embrace new challenges, work collaboratively, and celebrate success together.

We are passionate about career development. You’ll have access to industry-accredited external training, specialist-led internal training, opportunities to work across disciplines and the chance to contribute to and lead high-profile, once-in-a-lifetime projects.

We also offer a competitive benefits package, including:

• 25 days annual leave
• Healthcare cash plan
• Enhanced stakeholder pension scheme
• Life insurance
• Discounted gym membership
• Paid professional memberships
• Clothing allowance
• Performance-related rewards and long service awards
• Free parking

Apply today and be part of Thomson’s journey.

Thomson are committed to fostering diversity and inclusion in our workplace. We proudly embrace equal opportunities for all applicants, regardless of race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or national origin. If you require any support with your application, whatever the circumstance, please let us know.

Adler and Allan are committed to fostering diversity and inclusion in our workplace. We proudly embrace equal opportunities for all applicants, regardless of race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or national origin. If you require any support with your application, whatever the circumstance, please let us know.