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- Tasks: Lead project teams and manage land services for key infrastructure projects.
- Company: Ardent is a top UK provider of land and stakeholder engagement services for major projects.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, career progression, medical plans, and enhanced parental leave.
- Why this job: Join a people-centric company focused on impactful change and personal development.
- Qualifications: Experience in team leadership, stakeholder engagement, and land negotiation required.
- Other info: We value diversity and encourage applications from all backgrounds.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Location: London, Birmingham or Leeds with travel as required (we offer Hybrid working)
Full Time or Part Time: Full Time
Directorate: Land Assembly - Utilities
Company Overview:
Ardent is the UK’s leading provider of land, consent management and stakeholder engagement services to support major infrastructure and regeneration projects from concept to delivery. We are Project Managers, Chartered Surveyors, Stakeholder Engagement Consultants and Land Referencers, based in London, Birmingham, Warrington, Leeds, Glasgow and Dublin and supporting projects throughout the UK and Ireland. Established in 1992, we are a high-growth business, and our client portfolio includes some of the biggest players across our four core sectors of transport, renewables, utilities and regeneration. We are passionate about delivering life-improving change for communities and future generations.
Purpose of the role:
Ardent is seeking an experienced Associate/Associate Director to manage project teams and oversee the day-to-day operations of land services for our clients. This role is critical in ensuring cohesive delivery and support for key infrastructure projects. Leveraging your extensive experience, you will provide strategic advice to renewables developers, transport, and utilities authorities, defining the land strategy from project inception through to survey access, landowner engagement, and negotiation of land agreements, including the use of compulsory powers when necessary.
In alignment with Ardent’s values, you will ensure high-quality service, manage client relationships, and oversee the commercial delivery of workstreams. As a people-centric organisation, you will support the Senior Leadership team in people leadership and engagement, including the daily management, coaching, and mentoring of team members. As part of our fast-growing organisation, you will embrace change, collaborate with the wider team, and drive continuous development and innovation, while also having the opportunity to shape the future of Ardent.
Technical Knowledge, Skills & Experience Required:
- Experienced in leading a team of professionals to deliver a high quality service and meet project deadlines.
- Able to identify and articulate risks, propose recommended mitigations and escalate as appropriate.
- Acting as Project Account Manager, providing strategic advice to inform land acquisition approach, risk identification & land strategy and advice to clients in a technical capacity.
- Provide competent and professional support for the assembly of land on projects.
- Confident presenting complex and technical information to multiple stakeholders.
- Experienced in stakeholder engagement and landowner negotiation.
- To be able to provide advice to clients in relevant area of expertise.
- Have the ability to deal with challenging landowners and stakeholders in a professional and competent way.
- Experienced in leading small tender submissions, engaging other areas of the business for technical support as required.
- Leading on the negotiation of agreements.
- Complies with all relevant legislation and guidance notes where applicable.
Ardent is an equal opportunities employer that is committed to inclusion and diversity. We positively encourage applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of race, colour, religion or belief, age, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability status or other legally protected characteristics.
With people at the core of our business, we offer employees an unrivalled career opportunity rather than simply a job. In a fast growing organisation, we train, develop and support our staff to grow and achieve their career goals. This is supported by a number of initiatives to look after the wellbeing of our employees whilst allowing employees to work flexibility and maintain a positive work life balance.
We offer an attractive benefits package to include:
- Hybrid working
- Smart Working Policy
- Medical health plan
- Career progression
- Coaching
- Cycle to Work
- Electric Car Scheme
- Enhanced maternity and paternity pay
For more information, please see our services page on our website at www.ardent-management.com
Interested? Get in touch!
Should you be interested in hearing more about the position or wish to send your cv in to people@ardent-management.com or contact Stuart Thomas at stuartthomas@ardent-management.com
Associate / Associate Director employer: Ardent
Contact Detail:
Ardent Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate / Associate Director
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Ardent's core sectors, especially transport, renewables, and utilities. Understanding their projects and client needs will help you tailor your conversations during networking or interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Leverage LinkedIn to connect with current employees at Ardent. Engaging with them can provide insights into the company culture and expectations, which can be invaluable during your application process.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience in stakeholder engagement and landowner negotiation. Be ready to share specific examples that demonstrate your ability to manage complex relationships and deliver results.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your leadership skills by discussing any previous experience in managing teams or projects. Highlight how you've supported team development and fostered a collaborative environment, as this aligns with Ardent's values.
We think you need these skills to ace Associate / Associate Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Associate/Associate Director position at Ardent. Tailor your application to highlight how your experience aligns with their needs.
Craft a Tailored CV: Your CV should reflect your relevant experience in project management, stakeholder engagement, and land services. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to lead teams and manage client relationships effectively.
Write a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for the role and the company. Highlight your strategic advice capabilities and your experience in negotiating land agreements. Make it clear why you are a great fit for Ardent's values and mission.
Proofread and Edit: Before submitting your application, carefully proofread your documents for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which is crucial for this role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Ardent
✨Understand the Company and Its Values
Before your interview, take some time to research Ardent and its core values. Familiarise yourself with their projects in land assembly and stakeholder engagement, as well as their commitment to community improvement. This will help you align your answers with their mission and demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
As an Associate/Associate Director, you'll be expected to lead teams and manage projects. Prepare specific examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led a team, managed client relationships, or navigated complex negotiations. Highlight your ability to mentor and coach others, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Given the technical nature of the position, be ready to discuss your knowledge of land acquisition strategies, risk management, and stakeholder engagement. Brush up on relevant legislation and best practices in the industry, as you may be asked to provide insights or solutions to hypothetical scenarios during the interview.
✨Demonstrate Your Problem-Solving Skills
The role requires identifying risks and proposing mitigations. Think of examples where you've faced challenges in previous roles and how you approached solving them. Be prepared to discuss your thought process and the outcomes, showcasing your analytical skills and ability to think on your feet.
