At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead social value advisory projects and build strong client relationships.
- Company: Join Ridge, a leading Built Environment Consultancy focused on sustainability.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, flexible working, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team that values quality, ingenuity, and partnership.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the built environment while growing your professional skills.
- Qualifications: Degree in a relevant field and experience in social value or related sectors.
The predicted salary is between 49500 - 60500 £ per year.
We are seeking an experienced, commercially minded and self-motivated professional to join our Social Value team as an Associate.
This role is dedicated to the growth and delivery of client facing social value advisory service.
Internal social value programmes, corporate responsibility activities and business wide impact initiatives are managed through a separate arm of the function and do not form part of this role’s responsibilities.
This is a senior, client facing role responsible for securing, leading and delivering social value advisory commissions across the built environment.
Working alongside colleagues from across the Partnership, you will help clients understand, embed and maximise social value outcomes within projects, programmes and organisations.
Reporting to the Head of Social Value, you will play a key role in growing the Social Value Advisory service through business development, client relationship management and the successful delivery of high-quality consultancy services.
Supported by a team of Project Consultants, a Researcher and Social Value Coordinator, you will lead commissions from opportunity through to delivery, ensuring successful commercial, technical and client outcomes.
This role would suit an entrepreneurial individual who enjoys building client relationships, identifying opportunities and developing innovative solutions to complex social challenges.
Key Responsibilities
- Work winning, internal collaboration and market development
- Identify, develop and convert opportunities for Social Value Advisory services.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with existing and prospective clients.
- Develop a pipeline of opportunities across key sectors.
- Represent the business at industry events, conferences and networking activities.
- Support the development and implementation of service growth plans.
- Contribute to thought leadership, market positioning and business development initiatives.
- Develop strong relationships across key disciplines and regional teams.
- Act as the primary point of contact for Social Value Advisory services across the business.
- Work proactively with colleagues to identify opportunities to integrate social value into client commissions.
- Support multidisciplinary bid teams by shaping social value approaches and identifying additional advisory opportunities.
- Educate and upskill colleagues on the value and application of social value advisory services.
- Collaborate with discipline leads to develop integrated solutions that respond to client challenges.
- Support the development of sector-specific propositions and service offerings.
- Act as an ambassador for Social Value Expertise across the business.
- Client leadership
- Act as a trusted advisor to clients on social value, social impact, stakeholder engagement and responsible business matters.
- Build long-term client relationships that generate repeat business and referrals.
- Provide strategic advice to senior client stakeholders.
- Ensure high levels of client satisfaction across all commissions.
- Project/technical leadership and delivery
- Provide technical leadership across a range of social value, social impact and responsible business commissions.
- Act as Project Lead on advisory commissions.
- Scope, mobilise and oversee projects from inception through to completion.
- Manage project programmes, budgets, resources and risks.
- Provide expert advice to clients throughout the project lifecycle.
- Ensure technical outputs are robust, proportionate and aligned with current legislation, policy and industry best practice.
- Apply social value principles to support improved outcomes for clients, communities and stakeholders.
- Contribute to the development of innovative approaches, methodologies and tools.
- Team leadership
- Direct and coordinate the activities of Project Consultants, Researchers and Coordinators across the social value function.
- Allocate resources effectively across commissions.
- Support capability development and knowledge sharing across the team.
- Promote collaboration across multidisciplinary project teams.
- Contribute to recruitment and team development activities as required.
- Commercial management
- Prepare and review fee proposals, scopes of service and project budgets.
- Monitor project profitability and commercial performance.
- Support forecasting and pipeline reporting activities.
- Identify opportunities for additional services and commission growth.
- Ensure compliance with internal commercial processes and procedures.
- Service development
- Contribute to the continuous improvement of the Social Value Advisory offer.
- Develop and refine methodologies, tools and templates.
- Monitor emerging legislation, policy and industry best practice.
- Identify new service opportunities and market trends.
- Support the development of technical guidance, intellectual property and service innovation.
- Strengthen the integration of social value services across the wider business.
Person Specification
Essential
- Degree level qualification in a relevant discipline.
- Experience working within the built environment sector.
- Significant experience within social value, ESG, sustainability, regeneration, socioeconomics, stakeholder engagement or related fields.
- Experience undertaking or overseeing Equality Impact Assessments, Social Impact Assessments or Socio-Economic Assessments.
- Demonstrable experience of securing and delivering consultancy commissions.
- Strong commercial awareness and business development capability.
- Experience managing client relationships and leading projects.
- Excellent communication, facilitation and presentation skills.
- Strong report writing and quality assurance experience.
- Ability to work independently whilst leading multidisciplinary teams.
- Strong organisational and project management skills.
- Experience supporting public sector clients.
- Knowledge of social value policy, public procurement and planning frameworks.
About us
We are Ridge, a Built Environment Consultancy. We help our clients transform the quality and sustainability of the built environment.
Our 1,400+ people bring a vast range of skills, delivering a professional mindset, gritty discipline and a genuine passion to every one of the thousands of projects they undertake each year.
They’re the foundation of our success - they drive our vision, embody our values and separate us from the competition.
Come and join us if you’re hungry to be part of an exceptional team - if you put quality first - if you’re motivated by ingenuity and if you’re always aspiring to be the very best.
- Quality
- THE CORNERSTONE OF OUR BUSINESS.
From concept to execution, our work is driven by passion, technical expertise and an uncompromising commitment to excellence - delivering solutions that stand the test of time.
We don’t need - or want - to be the biggest.
Just the best.
- Ingenuity
- AS STANDARD.
We question assumptions and look beyond the obvious - applying technical depth and creativity to solve problems that matter.
We find better ways today, then improve on them tomorrow.
- Partnership
- BUILT ON TRUST. GROWN OVER TIME.
Since 1946, strong relationships have shaped everything we do. We listen, challenge with care, and stay with you for the long haul - turning shared goals into lasting impact.
- Aspiration
- THE FIRE IN OUR BELLY.
We start with a vision - then push the boundaries of what’s possible. With bold ideas and a clear view of the future, we turn ambitions into meaningful outcomes.
Your benefits
The benefits package we have put together for you supports every aspect of your life.
Annual leave
A healthy holiday allowance that starts at 25 days pa, plus the option to buy, carry over or sell.
Community spirit
You can take three volunteering days each year to spend time on causes close to your heart.
Mental health
Mental Health First Aiders are here to support you, backed up by Unum’s Help@hand app.
Financial benefits
A path to peace of mind: life assurance, pension scheme and income protection.
Physical wellbeing
Your health is a priority for us too, so we offer medical insurance, private GP access and discounted gym membership.
Flexible working
Our flexible approach to hybrid working is there to suit you, your family and your team.
Career development
A pathway at Ridge that’s focused on your professional, personal or educational aspirations.
Extra benefits
Performance bonus, car allowance and more based on your role - and progression.
We believe that everyone performs their best when they feel like they belong and can be their true selves at work.
As an equal opportunities’ employer, we will support you to ensure you have everything you need to be successful and achieve your best in your career at Ridge.
If you’d like to discuss accessibility, accommodations or adjustments during your application and selection process, please contact us at workwithus@ridge. co. uk and we will work with you to ensure you feel included and supported.
A polite note to Recruitment Agencies
We enjoy great relationships with our agency partners within our framework, and fully believe in the value of a blended approach to finding the best talent.
However, we are recruiting for this role directly and aren’t seeking support from agency partners at this time – any unsolicited CV introductions won’t be honoured, and we won’t grant candidate ownerships on any introduction that you make for roles that haven’t been briefed and released to you by our Talent Acquisition team.
We are committed to nurturing strong partnerships within our agency framework, but there are occasions where we looking to enlist the help of others.
If you would be interested in working with us in the future, please send a message to workwithus@ridge. co. uk
, and we’ll reach out to you should there be an opportunity.
A polite note to recruitment agencies
We are recruiting for this role directly and aren’t seeking support from our agency partners.
Any unsolicited CV introductions won’t be honoured, and we won’t grant candidate ownership on any introductions you make for roles that haven’t been briefed and released to you by our Talent Acquisition team.
If you are a recruitment agency who doesn’t currently work with Ridge but would like to, please send a message to workwithus@ridge. co. uk, and we’ll reach out to you should there be an opportunity.
Note to recruitment agencies
We are recruiting for this role directly and aren’t seeking support from our agency partners.
Any unsolicited CV introductions won’t be honoured, and we won’t grant candidate ownership on any introductions you make for roles that haven’t been briefed and released to you by our Talent Acquisition team.
If you are a recruitment agency who doesn’t currently work with Ridge but would like to, please send a message to workwithus@ridge. co. uk
, and we’ll reach out to you should there be an opportunity.
Documents
Associate - Social Value in Salford employer: Ridge & Partners LLP
At Ridge, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a dynamic and collaborative work culture in our Winchester office. Our Mechanical Design Engineers benefit from diverse project exposure across various sectors, along with ample opportunities for professional growth and development within a supportive team environment. With a focus on sustainability and innovation, we empower our employees to make a meaningful impact while enjoying a fulfilling career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate - Social Value in Salford
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Ridge & Partners LLP.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Ridge & Partners LLP!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Ridge & Partners LLP, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Ridge & Partners LLP or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Associate - Social Value in Salford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Ridge & Partners LLP:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Ridge & Partners LLP! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ridge & Partners LLP
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
