Principal Consultant - Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG)

Principal Consultant - Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) About our client Our client is an award-winning sustainability consultancy focused on creating resilient, future-ready places. Through innovation, collaboration and specialist expertise, they help organisations tackle complex challenges such as climate resilience, net zero, circular design, social value and nature protection. Their approach goes beyond compliance, enabling clients to deliver meaningful environmental and social impact. The role This London-based (hybrid) position offers the opportunity to lead and deliver biodiversity-focused projects that generate measurable positive outcomes while meeting client and commercial objectives. You will manage projects from inception to completion, contribute technical expertise to multidisciplinary teams, and play a key role in growing the biodiversity and ecology service offering. Key responsibilities You will lead ecology and biodiversity inputs across planning-related projects, ensuring high-quality delivery of assessments such as PEAs, BNG assessments and BREEAM ecology reports. The role involves undertaking and reviewing complex technical work, including EcIAs, HRAs and protected species reports, alongside leading field surveys such as UKHab and bat surveys. You will be responsible for Biodiversity Net Gain calculations and habitat mapping using QGIS and the Statutory Biodiversity Metric. In addition, you will manage client relationships, contribute to business development activities, and support the growth of the nature team. This includes mentoring junior colleagues, line managing team members, and collaborating with internal and external stakeholders to deliver successful project outcomes. Requirements You will hold a degree in ecology, environmental science or a related field (with an MSc desirable), and have experience delivering biodiversity and ecological consultancy projects. You should be confident using QGIS, undertaking BNG assessments, and producing high-quality technical reports Membership of CIEEM (or working towards it) is desirable, alongside excellent organisational, communication and project management skills. A proactive, self-motivated approach and a genuine enthusiasm for nature conservation are key. What's on offer A competitive salary and discretionary bonus, enhanced pension, and flexible hybrid working (including limited international remote working). You'll also benefit from structured training and development, wellbeing and lifestyle benefits, and the opportunity to be part of a collaborative, inclusive team shaping industry best practice. For more information, please apply in confidence or contact the lead consultant, David Mattinson