Head Of Strategic Growth

Description:

Ardent is the UK’s leading provider of land, consent management, and stakeholder engagement services supporting major infrastructure and regeneration projects. With a workforce of 200+ professionals across offices in London, Birmingham, Warrington, Leeds, Glasgow, and Dublin, we specialize in transport, renewables, utilities, and regeneration.

We work collaboratively with clients to deliver proactive and strategic advice that mitigates risks, achieves deliverable consents, and enables life-improving infrastructure. Our key areas of expertise include transport, net zero initiatives, urban regeneration, and major infrastructure development across the UK and Ireland.

Role Overview:

As the Head of Strategic Growth - Transport, you will be responsible for driving Ardent’s market share, client base, and revenue across all transport sub-sectors, including roads, rail, light-rail, aviation, and ports. This is a senior leadership position, reporting directly to the Group Managing Director, with a focus on business development, client engagement, and strategic expansion.

Your key objective will be to enhance Ardent’s profile in the transport sector, build strong long-term client relationships, and develop winning strategies that drive sector growth and revenue at acceptable profit margins.

Key Responsibilities:

Sector Growth & Development

✅ Develop and implement strategic growth plans for road, rail, light-rail, aviation, and ports.
✅ Identify and secure new business opportunities across the UK and Ireland.
✅ Work closely with service delivery teams and Managing Directors to align sector growth initiatives with company objectives.

Client Relationship Management

✅ Build and maintain high-value relationships with key industry stakeholders, including:

• Government agencies
• Transport authorities
• Infrastructure developers
• Private sector organizations
  ✅ Act as Ardent’s lead representative for the transport sector, developing partnerships with major consultancies and contractors.
  ✅ Understand client needs and tailor Ardent’s services and solutions accordingly.

Market Analysis & Business Development

✅ Conduct in-depth market research to identify industry trends, emerging opportunities, and regulatory changes.
✅ Develop targeted strategies to capitalize on major UK and Ireland infrastructure projects.
✅ Monitor competitor activity and market shifts to maintain Ardent’s position as a market leader.

Revenue & Market Share Growth

✅ Drive revenue growth and profit margins while expanding Ardent’s market share.
✅ Work with the Bid Manager and service delivery teams to develop compelling proposals that align with sector needs.
✅ Monitor and report on pipeline development, revenue targets, and market expansion.

Profile Building & Industry Engagement

✅ Enhance Ardent’s reputation in the transport sector through industry engagement.
✅ Represent Ardent at conferences, networking events, and industry forums.
✅ Deliver thought leadership articles, podcasts, and public speaking engagements to establish Ardent as a key industry player.
✅ Collaborate with the marketing team to create targeted campaigns that promote Ardent’s expertise.

Internal Collaboration & Leadership

✅ Share market insights with senior leadership and develop strong relationships across teams.
✅ Work closely with Heads of Strategic Growth, Marketing, and Bids to ensure a collaborative work-winning approach.
✅ Demonstrate strong leadership skills with the ability to build and lead a team as the sector expands.

Key Competencies & Skills:

✅ Strategic Thinking – Ability to design and execute growth strategies that align with Ardent’s long-term objectives.
✅ Client Relationship Expertise – Strong existing network and connections in the transport sector.
✅ Sector Knowledge – In-depth understanding of roads, rail, light-rail, aviation, and ports in the UK and Ireland.
✅ Commercial Acumen – Strong grasp of revenue growth, profit margins, and pricing strategies.
✅ Market Analysis & Insights – Ability to identify industry trends and translate them into actionable strategies.
✅ Communication & Influence – Confident public speaker, able to engage internal and external stakeholders effectively.

Experience & Qualifications:

✅ Extensive experience in business development, client management, or strategic growth roles within transport or infrastructure.
✅ Proven track record of building and expanding client bases in the transport sector.
✅ Established network and relationships with key players in roads, rail, light-rail, aviation, and ports.
✅ Strong understanding of regulatory frameworks, funding mechanisms, and market drivers.

Cultural Fit:

We are looking for someone who embodies the Ardent mindset:

🚀 Entrepreneurial Spirit – A proactive leader who seeks and seizes opportunities.
💡 Client-Centric Approach – A problem-solver who understands client needs and delivers tailored solutions.
🤝 Collaborative Team Player – Works well in a matrix structure, aligning sector growth with company-wide objectives.
📊 Results-Driven – Focused on achieving measurable growth and expanding market share.
🌍 Integrity & Ethics – Operates with honesty, transparency, and professional ethics.

What We Offer:

🎯 Hybrid Working & Smart Working Policy – Flexible working arrangements
🏥 Medical Health Plan – Comprehensive healthcare benefits
📈 Career Progression & Coaching – Support for professional development
🚴 Cycle to Work Scheme – Sustainable commuting options
🚗 Electric Car Scheme – Green travel incentives
👶 Enhanced Maternity & Paternity Pay – Family-friendly policies
🌟 A Dynamic, High-Growth Environment – Opportunity to shape the transport sector within a leading consultancy