Nature & Biodiversity Lead – join our mission to help design places for all life

Do you dream of using your scientific expertise for the good of all life? And is your intuitive approach to design to ask yourself: What would nature do? Because at SLA nature-based design studio, this is not a metaphor; this is how we design and see the world.

If you want to apply your knowledge, people skills, and commercial insights at the intersection of design, sustainability, and award-winning projects, then look no further.

Our mission
At SLA we base our projects on fieldwork and on-site analyses to design places for all life. We learn from nature and its processes in everything we do. Through curiosity, interdisciplinary collaboration, and a hands-on approach, we connect people with nature – and in doing so, create resilient, livable environments that support life in all its forms.

Now, we are looking for a Nature & Biodiversity Lead to strengthen and scale our science-based profile across three offices and a growing international portfolio.

When nature drives strategy
This strategic and commercially significant role sits at the nexus of biology, design, and business. As Nature & Biodiversity Lead, your focus is on advancing SLA’s natural science foundation and embedding biodiversity and ecosystem thinking across urban development and landscape projects; in Denmark, internationally as well as throughout our key markets Canada, UK, UAE, Denmark and Norway.

You lead, shape and support an interdisciplinary professional community of 10-12 colleagues - plant designers, ecologists, urban landscape engineers and nature managers - helping the group grow, connect, and thrive across our Copenhagen, Aarhus, and Oslo offices. You’ll be collaborating closely with Lead Designers and Project Directors as you help define project approaches that combine ecological insight with commercial feasibility, ensuring SLA delivers high-value, science-driven solutions.

You will report to Alexandra Vindfeld Hansen, R&D Director & Partner. She will guide you through a smooth and thorough introduction to both SLA and your new role, ensuring you feel confident and well-supported from day one.

In this role you will

·       Drive the strategic development of nature-based projects and strengthen SLA’s market position

·       Lead and develop SLA’s natural science expertise and knowledge across three offices

·       Provide professional leadership to the interdisciplinary natural science community (biologists, planting designers, and nature managers)

·       Collaborate with Project Directors and Portfolio Directors, contributing to strategic decisions, project operations, content, and staffing

·       Guide project outcomes and help SLA win new opportunities, shape client relationships, and expand our international nature-based portfolio

A scientist at heart with a mind for strategy and commercial understanding
We are looking for a highly experienced nature and biodiversity lead who can analyze ecological conditions, conduct and oversee fieldwork across different environments, and translate findings into design input, reports, and clear communication for colleagues, clients, and collaborators.

The role also includes contributing biological expertise to interdisciplinary analyses, strategies, and design projects (in Denmark and internationally), integrating biodiversity, ecosystem services, and nature-based solutions into urban development. You’ll also be advising stakeholders on biodiversity strategies, legislation, and relevant certification systems, and developing and applying methods, tools, and internal processes to strengthen SLA’s cross-project biodiversity work.

You likely hold a Master of Science within biology, ecology, natural sciences, or a related field, and your background could be from consultancy, engineering, the public sector, or a private advisory environment. We are open to most profile combinations, but experience from the advisory area is an advantage.

Your knowledge and commercial insight allow you to translate scientific expertise into practical value for clients, while your experience advising stakeholders helps shape complex projects with confidence.

You don’t have to speak Danish, but fluency in English is required.

The person behind the degree
We imagine that you are someone who thrives in a culture of trust and high professionalism, guiding highly specialized experts with respect and clarity. Pragmatic and collaborative, you turn ambition into realistic impact, confidently presenting in executive settings and navigating complex challenges. You create structure, shape your role, and drive development forward, all while leading with a servant mindset that prioritizes the success of others over ego.

How to succeed in the role
In this role, success means seeing SLA’s natural science community thrive, with biodiversity and ecological expertise fully integrated into projects from the start. You will help the professional community grow and develop while raising the visibility of nature-based solutions across the studios. Your work will also strengthen SLA’s reputation as a trusted advisor in urban development.

Will you join our mission?
The only thing left is for you to submit your motivated CV via the “Apply Now” button by March 5th. We review applications on an ongoing basis, so feel free to send yours as soon as possible. You can read more about what a motivated CV should include here.

We are working with Konsulenthuset Ballisager A/S on this recruitment. If you have any questions about the position, you are welcome to contact Senior Consultant Charlotte Novella at cno@ballisager.com or by phone at +45 3063 1246.

About SLA
SLA is an internationally awarded nature-based design studio with offices in Copenhagen, Aarhus, and Oslo. We combine deep anthropological insight and rigorous biological research with high artistic ambitions and award-winning design expertise.

Our culture is built on servant leadership, respect across disciplines, and freedom with responsibility. We value strong professional communities, work-life balance, and an engaged social environment.