Associate Director

Overview

Lead land assembly projects for utilities, overseeing delivery, finances and stakeholder relations.

Key Responsibilities

• financial management
• team coaching
• business development
• stakeholder liaison
• technical advisory
• project delivery

Tasks

The Associate Director will work as a Project Account Manager in the Land Assembly team supporting Project Directors in delivering land assembly services for nationally significant projects. The role provides strategic and technical input across land acquisition, compensation, programme management, and stakeholder engagement. The Associate will manage day-to-day project delivery, lead the team, maintain clear client communication, and contribute to financial and programme management, ensuring compliance with statutory requirements and best practice. This position provides the opportunity to further develop expertise in compulsory purchase, land rights, and compensation, while contributing to the growth and reputation of Ardent’s Land Assembly Directorate. -Project Hygiene: Lead the financial requirements for the project, ensuring invoicing, debts, and time sign-off are completed on time. Exceed forecasted commercial performance for the project and support the directorate and business WIP and debtors KPIs. -People Leadership: Act as a coach/mentor to team members. Engage in line management and provide technical advice/CPD to increase the team's knowledge base and performance. Improve staff knowledge to handle more complex work, enhancing team retention and engagement scores. -Growth: Engage in business development and cross-selling to support the wider growth of the team and business. Expand instructions or bring in new clients to secure further revenue and deliver against forecasts. -Communication: Liaise with landowners and handle public enquiries to strengthen stakeholder relationships and improve public trust, resulting in smoother project delivery and reduced conflicts or delays during examination. -Technical Knowledge: Lead and support the delivery team with technical advice and provide guidance to clients regarding DCO/CP processes and compensation. Deliver instructions effectively and efficiently, building client and stakeholder confidence, and ensuring fair, timely resolution of claims. -Project Delivery: Manage projects and project teams alongside the Project Director, ensuring project delivery and outcomes are met. Exceed client expectations through client delight scores and maximize team performance.

Requirements

• communication
• project management
• technical expertise
• market knowledge
• people leadership
• relationship building

What You Bring

-Interpersonal Skills: Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing to various audiences. Clear and concise communication leads to successful project outcomes and reporting. -Project Management: Experience in managing land programmes, risk registers, and commitment registers. Clear tracking of obligations and risks supports robust project governance. -Technical Expertise: Knowledge of DCOs, CPO/CA processes, compensation framework, stakeholder engagement, and negotiation. Exceed client expectations by finding solutions and efficiencies to deliver major infrastructure projects on time or ahead of schedule. Lead complex negotiations and secure agreements. -Market Knowledge: In-depth knowledge of the Utilities Infrastructure market and awareness of policy changes. Provide sound technical advice to clients, improving client delight scores and fostering repeat business. -People Leadership: Strong leadership skills to inspire, develop, and empower high-performing teams. Lead an engaged team, increase productivity, and create a culture of trust and accountability at both project and team levels. -Relationship Building: Experienced in building effective working relationships with clients and stakeholders, both internally and externally. Enhance cross-functional teamwork and faster, more aligned decision-making, leading to increased project efficiency and improved collaboration.

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Benefits

✨ Enhanced maternity and paternity pay ✨ Hybrid working ✨ Company pension scheme ✨ 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 💼 Salary: Competitive ✨ 25 days of annual leave (with options to buy or carry over)

About Ardent

-Founded with a mission to provide high-quality consultancy in project management and cost management. -Offers expertise across a wide range of industries, ensuring projects are delivered on time and within budget. -Specializes in large-scale, complex projects in sectors such as infrastructure, residential, and commercial development. -Known for its deep understanding of cost management, delivering value for clients through tailored solutions. -Typical projects include construction of transport hubs, residential complexes, and energy-related infrastructure. -A trusted partner for both public and private sector projects, with a reach across the UK and beyond. -Approach blends technical expertise with a client-centric mindset, ensuring successful project outcomes. -Prides itself on building long-lasting relationships with clients, providing consistent support across all stages of a project.

Sector Specialisms