At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop the construction practice, advising on non-contentious matters.
- Company: High-calibre, commercially focused law firm in growth mode.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, performance-related bonus, and flexible remote working options.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for business development and mentorship.
- Why this job: Take ownership of a practice and engage with clients on high-value projects.
- Qualifications: 8+ years PQE in non-contentious construction with strong client-handling skills.
The predicted salary is between 100000 - 150000 £ per year.
A high‑calibre, commercially focused law firm in growth mode is looking to appoint an experienced non‑contentious construction lawyer to join as Head of Construction. This senior, practice‑defining opportunity is for a solicitor with 8+ years’ PQE who has built a strong foundation in non‑contentious work and is ready to lead. The role offers a substantial and varied workload and invites candidates to bring their own client relationships or professional network.
Responsibilities
- Leading and developing the construction practice.
- Advising developers, funders, contractors, consultants and occupiers on the full range of non‑contentious construction matters.
- Drafting and negotiating construction contracts (including JCT, NEC and bespoke forms).
- Advising on development agreements and funding structures.
- Providing strategic, commercially grounded advice throughout the project lifecycle.
- Mentoring junior team members and contributing to the wider development of the practice.
- Pursuing business development opportunities and collaborating closely with colleagues across real estate, finance and other practice areas on complex, multi‑disciplinary matters.
Qualifications & Skills
- Confident and technically strong construction solicitor with substantial experience in non‑contentious matters across a range of project types and procurement routes.
- Excellent drafting skills and deep familiarity with JCT, NEC and bespoke contracts.
- Experience advising developers, funders, employers and contractors.
- Strong client‑handling skills and commercial awareness.
- Track record of delivering pragmatic, clear advice and the ability to manage your own workload while supporting the development of others.
- Entrepreneurial mindset, strong communication skills, attention to detail, collaborative approach and ambition to play a meaningful role in shaping and growing a practice.
Benefits
- Opportunity to take genuine ownership of a construction practice within a supportive and collaborative environment.
- Substantial and varied workload from day one.
- Direct engagement with clients on complex and high‑value matters.
- Competitive salary and performance‑related bonus.
- Genuine flexibility on location including fully remote working for the right candidate.
- Strong cross‑practice collaboration and business development scope, especially for those bringing existing client relationships or a strong network.
Head of Construction in London employer: Ardent
Join a high-calibre, commercially focused law firm that champions growth and innovation in the construction sector. With a supportive and collaborative work culture, you will have the opportunity to take genuine ownership of the construction practice while enjoying a competitive salary, performance-related bonuses, and the flexibility of fully remote working. This role not only offers substantial and varied workloads but also encourages mentorship and cross-practice collaboration, making it an ideal environment for professional growth and meaningful contributions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Construction in London
✨Join Construction Networks
Get yourself involved in local construction networks or industry events. They often have job boards, and networking can lead to unadvertised positions. Plus, it’s a great way to meet potential future colleagues!
✨Show Off Your Skills on Site
If you’ve done any hands-on work, whether it's through internships or personal projects, make sure you can showcase it. Consider volunteering for local construction projects or getting involved in community build days; it’s a solid way to demonstrate your skills and build connections.
✨Utilise Construction Job Sites
Don't just rely on the big job boards. Look at niche construction job sites—many companies prioritise these for full-time roles. Apply through these sites, but don’t forget to reach out directly to companies you admire, like Ardent, to express your interest!
✨Tailor Your Application for Full-Time Roles
Make your application stand out by tailoring it specifically for full-time positions. Highlight how your previous projects align with the company's work. At StudySmarter, we encourage you to demonstrate your commitment and long-term interest in the industry when applying for roles like Head of Construction at Ardent.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Construction in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:In the construction industry, it's essential to highlight any hands-on experience you have. Whether it’s past projects you've worked on or specific roles you've held, make sure your CV emphasises your practical skills and contributions to construction sites.
Include Certifications and Qualifications:Don’t forget to list any certifications relevant to construction, like CSCS cards or other safety qualifications. These can really set you apart from other candidates and show that you’re serious about health and safety on-site.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Construction:When writing your cover letter for a construction role, focus on your problem-solving capabilities and teamwork. Construction relies heavily on collaboration, so mention how you’ve worked successfully with others to complete projects on time and within budget.
Adapt Your CV Format to the Field:Ensure your CV is clear and easy to read, with sections dedicated to skills such as project management, technical abilities, and site supervision. Construction roles often require a blend of technical know-how and soft skills, so make sure both are highlighted effectively.
How to prepare for a job interview at Ardent
✨Brush Up on Technical Knowledge
For a construction role, it's crucial we have a solid grasp of industry standards, safety protocols, and specific tools used on-site. Make sure you're familiar with relevant regulations and can talk confidently about them, as these often come up in interviews.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Since this is a full-time position, be ready to discuss any previous construction projects you've worked on. Bring a portfolio or have detailed descriptions that highlight your role, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them—this’ll show you’re not just book-smart but also practically savvy.
✨Understand the Team Dynamics
Construction is all about teamwork, so prepare to discuss how you interact with different stakeholders like architects, engineers, and contractors. Maybe think of examples from past experiences to illustrate your ability to communicate and collaborate effectively.
✨Prepare for On-the-Spot Problem Solving
Be ready for some practical questions or scenarios where you'll need to demonstrate your problem-solving skills. Interviewers might present you with a hypothetical construction issue to solve, so practice articulating your thought process clearly and logically—this could really set you apart!
