Ecology Team Manager - Nelson & Wellington

About the Company and the Role

SLR Consulting is a respected international environmental consultancy dedicated to delivering high-quality, tailored sustainability services. With nearly 200 staff based throughout New Zealand and over 800 across Asia Pacific, SLR supports a varied client base including business, regulatory, and government bodies. The company fosters a collaborative, inclusive 'One Team Culture' that values diverse perspectives to achieve outstanding outcomes.

We have an exceptional opportunity for an Ecology Team Manager within our Nelson & Wellington Ecology & Biodiversity teams. This leadership position involves overseeing 13 direct reports spread over both offices. The role focuses on driving technical excellence, fostering professional growth among senior staff, expanding business development activities, and inspiring a motivated, high-performing team aligned with SLR’s sustainability mission.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a team of 13 across the Nelson and Wellington Ecology & Biodiversity teams.
• Provide technical guidance, deliver training, and mentor team members to enhance capabilities.
• Ensure project delivery meets deadlines and budget requirements.
• Identify and engage prospective clients to promote Ecology & Marine consulting services.
• Support the growth and strategic development of the Ecology & Marine Practice consistent with SLR's values.
• Act as a motivating and approachable leader, encouraging collaboration and achieving financial and strategic targets.
• Authorize expense claims and timesheets, fostering disciplined time management within the team.
• Oversee commercial risk by reviewing project outputs and maintaining high standards of quality and compliance.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Ecology, Marine Science, or a closely related discipline.
• Extensive consulting experience, ideally 12 to 15+ years in Ecology or Marine Science, with expert proficiency in marine ecology preferred.
• Demonstrated success in securing, leading, and managing consulting projects.
• A robust network or client base capable of generating new business opportunities.
• Proven experience preparing environmental impact and risk assessments.
• Familiarity with New Zealand environmental laws, policies, guidelines, and standards.
• Strong commitment to health and safety, especially for fieldwork activities.
• Ability to cultivate long-lasting, trusted professional relationships.
• Consistent achievement of targets while supporting ongoing professional growth.
• Right to work in New Zealand (citizenship or relevant work permissions).
• Holds a valid driver’s license with a clean driving record.

Benefits and Culture

SLR prides itself on fostering a unique culture centered on collaboration, respect, and inclusivity. Our flexible working arrangements acknowledge individual needs whether working from the office, home, or a hybrid environment. We offer a comprehensive benefits package focused on supporting all our employees.

Additional Information

SLR is committed to equitable hiring practices using gender-diverse interview panels. Applicants are encouraged to state their preferred pronouns and request any necessary accommodations during the interview process. Unsolicited resumes from recruitment agencies will only be considered if the agency holds a preferred supplier agreement.