Associate Director - Land Referencing

Ardent; West Midlands; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days annual leave

Enhanced maternity and paternity pay

Benenden Health Care

Cycle to Work scheme

Electric car leasing

Recognition awards

Long service leave

Discretionary annual bonus

Job summary

Ardent is seeking an Associate Director for the Land Referencing division in the UK to lead major infrastructure and regeneration projects, setting strategic direction, delivering commercial results, and upholding health, safety and inclusivity standards.

The role requires strategic thinking, strong leadership, and expert people management to drive performance, client satisfaction, and compliance with ISO standards while championing a culture of quality and continuous improvement across the team.

Qualifications

• Senior leadership experience in land referencing/infrastructure consultancy.
• Strong track record delivering major projects on time and within budget.

Responsibilities

• Lead multi-disciplinary projects from initiation to delivery.
• Drive commercial outcomes through tender strategies and contract changes.
• Establish trusted advisor status with clients and stakeholders.
• Ensure compliance with ISO9001/ISO14001/ISO45001 and QMS.
• Promote continuous improvement and innovation across teams.

Skills

Project Management

Leadership

Business Development

Client Engagement

Tendering

Job description

Full Job Description: Associate Director Land-Referencing Job Description (May to need be accessed via Desktop or our Careers website: https://www.ardent-management.com/current-vacancies )

Full Time - Permanent

Division: Land Referencing

About Us:

Ardent is the UK’s leading provider of land, consent management, and stakeholder engagement services, supporting major infrastructure and regeneration projects from concept to delivery. We are passionate about delivering life-improving change for communities and future generations.

Role Purpose:

The Associate Director is crucial for leading and shaping transformative change for communities and future generations. As a senior leader, you will set the strategic direction for major infrastructure and regeneration projects, drive team engagement, uphold quality standards, deliver commercial results, and maintain a commitment to health, safety, and wellbeing. You will champion inclusivity, promoting diversity and equality within the workplace.

This role requires strategic thinking, technical expertise, and exceptional people management skills to meet key performance indicators centered on leadership, commercial achievements, technical excellence, and maintaining a supportive working environment. The Associate Director also models ongoing learning and professional development and ensures adherence to the Quality Management System (QMS)

Key Responsibilities:

• Project Management:
• Execute the roles of Project Account Manager for small to medium multi-disciplinary projects and Project Director for single service projects.
• Ensure successful delivery and effective oversight of projects, maintaining alignment with client objectives and project goals.
• Commercial Outcomes:
• Deliver successful project outcomes by adhering to tender strategies, maintaining financial discipline, and negotiating contract changes.
• Identify and implement opportunities for commercial improvements and efficiencies.
• Thought Leadership:
• Establish yourself as a trusted advisor through visible leadership, inspiring confidence in colleagues and clients.
• Foster a culture of expertise, innovation, and continuous improvement within the team.
• Policy Implementation:
• Apply expertise to select and implement appropriate policies and procedures, ensuring best practice and compliance.
• Regularly review and update policies to reflect current standards and regulatory requirements.
• Client Engagement:
• Lead client meetings, provide expert technical advice, and deliver commercially sound solutions.
• Develop and maintain strong client relationships to ensure client satisfaction and repeat business.
• Compliance:
• Ensure adherence to Ardent’s ISO9001, ISO14001, and ISO45001 standards, promoting a culture of accountability and best practice.
• Model exemplary Health & Safety behaviors and ensure compliance across all projects.
• Pursue operational efficiencies through innovative technologies and alignment with the commercial strategy.
• Implement process improvements to enhance project delivery and operational performance.

Skills & Experience:

• Relationship Building:
• Enhance cross-functional teamwork and decision-making, leading to increased project efficiency and client satisfaction.
• Build and maintain effective working relationships with clients, stakeholders, and team members.
• Leadership Skills:
• Inspire, develop, and empower high-performing teams, creating a culture of trust and accountability.
• Provide mentorship and coaching to junior team members to support their professional growth.
• Business Development:
• Write and win tenders, secure new business, and foster relationships with existing and potential clients.
• Represent the company at industry events and networking opportunities to promote Ardent’s services.
• Service Promotion:
• Understand and promote Ardent’s services to drive business growth and enhance client offerings.
• Identify opportunities for cross-selling and expanding service delivery to existing clients.
• Vision Communication:
• Communicate the organisation’s vision, purpose, and values to motivate teams and foster a shared sense of direction.
• Ensure alignment of team goals with the strategic objectives of the organisation.
• Profitability Analysis:
• Conduct in-depth profitability analysis for projects and make data-driven recommendations for commercial optimisation.
• Monitor project budgets and financial performance to ensure alignment with business targets.
• Lead the development of pricing strategies that consider market dynamics, client value, and competitive advantage.
• Implement pricing models that drive profitability and market competitiveness.

Pay Range and Compensation Package:

• 25 days of annual leave (with options to buy or carry over)
• Enhanced maternity and paternity pay
• Benenden Health Care (mental health support, 24/7 GP services, physiotherapy, optical and dental cover, personal accident protection)
• Cycle to Work scheme, electric car leasing, recognition awards, long service leave, discretionary annual bonus scheme

Equal Opportunity Statement:

We’re proud to be an equal opportunities employer, and we’re passionate about creating a workplace where you’re empowered to bring your authentic self to work every day. We are committed to building a diverse, inclusive team where everyone belongs. We welcome talent from all backgrounds and actively encourage applications from underrepresented groups.

If you’re ready to grow with a business that’s scaling rapidly and making a real impact, you’re in the right place!

Please email [e-mail]