Associate Director - Consents Management
Associate Director - Consents Management

Associate Director - Consents Management

Full-Time 60000 - 80000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead consent management for major infrastructure projects and mentor a high-performing team.
  • Company: Join Ardent, the UK's leading provider of land and consent management services.
  • Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, 25 days annual leave, enhanced pay, and health support.
  • Other info: We value diversity and encourage applications from all backgrounds.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on significant projects while developing your career in a supportive environment.
  • Qualifications: Experience in project management and knowledge of complex planning processes required.

The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.

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. Established in 1992, we are a fast-growing, purpose-led business working at the heart of the UK and Ireland’s net zero, growth and regeneration agendas.

This is a senior, high-impact role within an emerging and specialist discipline. You’ll lead the strategic management of Development Consent Orders (DCOs), Transport and Works Act Orders (TWAOs) and other major consents, integrating them seamlessly into design, procurement and construction. You’ll work at the centre of multi-disciplinary teams – planners, engineers, environmental specialists, legal advisers, land teams and engagement professionals – ensuring consents are not just achieved, but are buildable, compliant and deliverable.

As a people leader, you’ll also play a key role in developing capability, shaping our Consent Management offering and living our values every day.

What you’ll do:

  • Lead the end-to-end management of consent programmes across major infrastructure and regeneration projects
  • Develop and maintain consent roadmaps, programmes, risk registers and dependencies
  • Coordinate and integrate multi-disciplinary inputs to deliver high-quality, audit-ready consent documentation
  • Provide senior leadership on statutory consultation and engagement activity
  • Manage DCO/TWAO risks, issues and dependencies to reduce programme uncertainty
  • Lead post-consent implementation, including condition/requirement discharge and construction readiness
  • Embed consent obligations into design and construction activity
  • Mentor and develop project managers and junior team members
  • Drive innovation, continuous improvement and best practice in consent project management
  • Champion health, safety, wellbeing, inclusion and high performance

About you:

You’ll be an experienced leader with a strong background in project management within major infrastructure or regulated environments, and a good understanding of complex planning and consenting processes. You’ll bring:

  • Proven experience managing complex, multi-disciplinary programmes
  • Knowledge of DCO, TWAO or other major consent regimes
  • Experience integrating consents into design and construction delivery
  • Strong stakeholder management and communication skills
  • The ability to lead, inspire and develop high-performing teams
  • Excellent organisational, analytical and problem-solving capabilities
  • A commitment to learning, improvement and quality

Why join Ardent?

We’re a values-led business with a strong focus on culture, learning and impact. You’ll have the opportunity to work on some of the UK and Ireland’s most significant infrastructure and regeneration projects while developing your career in a supportive, collaborative environment.

We offer:

  • Hybrid working from day one
  • 25 days’ annual leave (with buy/carry-over options)
  • Enhanced maternity and paternity pay
  • Company pension scheme
  • Benenden Health Care (including mental health support and 24/7 GP access)
  • Cycle to Work and electric car leasing schemes
  • Recognition awards, long service leave and discretionary annual bonus
  • A company-wide coaching programme and clear development pathways

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 motivated by purpose, thrive on complexity and want to play a defining role in delivering buildable consents that make a real difference, we’d love to hear from you.

To apply or find out more, please submit your CV to recruitment@ardent-management.com

Associate Director - Consents Management employer: Ardent

Ardent is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and supportive work environment in Manchester, where you can lead impactful projects that contribute to the UK's net zero and regeneration goals. With a strong emphasis on employee development, hybrid working options, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion, you'll find ample opportunities for growth while being part of a values-driven team dedicated to making a meaningful difference in the community.
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Contact Detail:

Ardent Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Associate Director - Consents Management

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Understand their values and how they align with your own. This will help you stand out and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.

✨Tip Number 3

Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain your experience and how it relates to the role of Associate Director – Consents Management. Highlight your leadership skills and ability to manage complex projects effectively.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at Ardent and contributing to our mission.

We think you need these skills to ace Associate Director - Consents Management

Project Management
Development Consent Orders (DCO)
Transport and Works Act Orders (TWAO)
Stakeholder Management
Communication Skills
Multi-disciplinary Coordination
Risk Management
Analytical Skills
Problem-Solving Skills
Organisational Skills
Leadership
Mentoring
Continuous Improvement
Health and Safety Awareness

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Associate Director - Consents Management role. Highlight your project management experience and any relevant knowledge of DCOs and TWAOs to catch our eye!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about consent management and how your background makes you the perfect fit for our team. Keep it engaging and personal!

Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As a senior role, we want to see your leadership style. Share examples of how you've led teams or projects in the past, especially in complex environments. This will help us understand how you can inspire and develop others at Ardent.

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our careers website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. We can't wait to see what you bring to the table!

How to prepare for a job interview at Ardent

✨Know Your Consents Inside Out

Make sure you’re well-versed in Development Consent Orders (DCOs) and Transport and Works Act Orders (TWAOs). Brush up on the latest regulations and case studies relevant to major infrastructure projects. This will show your depth of knowledge and commitment to the role.

✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills

Prepare examples that highlight your experience in leading multi-disciplinary teams. Think about specific challenges you've faced and how you inspired your team to overcome them. This is crucial for a senior role like Associate Director.

✨Engage with Stakeholders

Be ready to discuss your approach to stakeholder management. Have examples of how you’ve successfully navigated complex relationships and ensured effective communication. This will demonstrate your ability to integrate consents into design and construction seamlessly.

✨Emphasise Continuous Improvement

Talk about how you drive innovation and best practices in consent project management. Share any initiatives you’ve led that improved processes or outcomes. This aligns perfectly with Ardent’s values and their focus on learning and impact.

Associate Director - Consents Management
Ardent
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