Principal/Technical Director Ecology Data Manager – Automation, Innovation & Digital Ecology Systems –

Location: Flexible across U.K
Role type: Full-time
Specialism: Ecology, Data Automation & Digital Innovation

The role

SLR has a great opportunity for a Principal/Technical Director Ecology Data Manager l to join our fast-growing, expert team in Southampton.

It's an exciting time within SLR's Ecology team. The joining of SLR and Wardell Armstrong brings together a team of approximately 200 ecologists distributed across the UK and Ireland. Our experienced consultants provide expert advice on ecological and environmental issues affecting a broad range of habitats and protected species.

Ecology is changing. The scale of environmental challenges and the volume of data we now collect demands smarter, faster, more integrated digital solutions. This role is your chance to shape that future, influencing how ecological science is delivered across Europe. You won’t just be supporting ecologists; you’ll be empowering them with tools that transform what’s possible.

We’re looking for a forward‑thinking Principal/Technical Director Ecology Data Manager to lead the next generation of digital transformation in ecological assessment, habitat mapping, and protected species work across Europe. If you’re someone who thrives at the intersection of ecology and technology and you’re excited by the idea of building tools, writing code, and designing smarter systems this role puts you right at the centre of that evolution.

The ecology team works alongside several other environmental professionals within the organisation, including planners, archaeologists, arboriculturists, landscape architects and engineers across Europe.

About us

SLR are global leaders in Sustainability Solutions, helping our clients achieve their sustainability goals. We are a consultancy with over 4,000 employees across 6 regions in over 125 countries. Our ‘one team’ culture is at the heart of our business, providing a collaborative and supportive environment for professional development.

Along with competitive salaries, our staff enjoy a comprehensive benefits package with a company pension plus excellent healthcare offering, travel and life insurance and a structured career framework with regular reviews offering outstanding opportunities for progression. Alongside 25 day’s annual leave, with additional flexible bank holidays, we offer flexible, agile and hybrid working which enables staff to tailor hours worked around core hours, with family friendly policies help balance the needs of professional and home life.

The Opportunity

You will be the driving force behind automation and efficiency within our European ecology function. Working closely with our European Ecology and Biodiversity Practice Lead, you’ll design and implement innovative digital solutions that streamline ecological workflows, enhance data quality, and unlock new analytical capabilities.

This is a role for someone who wants to build, not just maintain. You’ll have the freedom to experiment, prototype, and deploy new systems that reshape how we collect, analyse, and deliver ecological data.

What You’ll Lead

Automation of ecological workflows — from habitat classification to protected species data processing, reporting, and mapping.
Development of new digital tools and systems, including scripts, dashboards, and data pipelines.
Innovation in ecological data management, identifying opportunities to improve speed, accuracy, and consistency across European projects.
Integration of ecological datasets from multiple countries, ensuring interoperability and high data standards.
Collaboration with ecologists across Europe, understanding their needs and translating them into practical, scalable digital solutions.
Technical leadership, helping shape our long‑term digital ecology strategy.

What You’ll Bring

Strong experience in ecology, environmental data, or biodiversity assessment.
Proficiency in coding and automation (e.g., Python, R, SQL, JavaScript, or similar).
Experience developing data systems, tools, or workflows ideally within an environmental or scientific context.
A passion for innovation, problem‑solving, and improving how ecological work is done.
Ability to work collaboratively with technical and non‑technical colleagues across multiple countries.

Culture & Inclusion at SLR

We are committed to being an equal opportunities employer, and our expectations go beyond purely complying with legislation. Through our Regional C&I Committees, Global Council and Employee Networks, we foster an inclusive environment where all people regardless of their background can thrive.

We welcome applications from all individuals, regardless of their background, including those from groups that are currently under-represented at SLR, such as people identifying as 2SLGBTQI+, Indigenous peoples, ethnic minority groups, women, and people with visible or invisible disabilities, including those who are neurodivergent.

Should you require any special adjustments throughout the recruitment process with us, please let us know. As a Disability Confident Committed employer, we seek to ensure all applicants have equitable support when applying to SLR.

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