Commercial Contracts Director

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Role Informa on

Job Title Commercial Contracts Director

Directorate (and Team) TBC

Location (supported by Hybrid Working) London (potentially Birmingham)

Full Time or Part Time Full time

Company Overview

Ardent is the UK’s leading provider of land, consent management and stakeholder engagement services

to support major infrastructure and regeneration projects from concept to delivery.

We are Project Managers, Chartered Surveyors, Engagement specialists and Land Referencers, based in

London, Birmingham, Manchester, Warrington, Leeds, Glasgow and Dublin and supporting projects

throughout the UK and Republic of Ireland.

Established in 1992, we are a high-growth business with a client portfolio that includes some of the

biggest players across our four core sectors of transport, renewables, utilities and regeneration.

We are passionate about delivering life-improving change for communities and future generations and

we are proud to play a key role in facilitating and delivering the UK and Ireland’s net zero and growth

agendas, improving connectivity, enabling the repurposing of high streets and town centres and

delivering new homes.

We are problem-solvers that are outcome focused working collaboratively with our clients to provide

strategic advice and services that identify and mitigate risks, deliver efficiencies, delivering buildable

consents and then implementing those consents to positively change people’s lives and the world that

we live in.

Role Purpose

Our Ardent purpose is - Delivering life improving change for communities and future generations.

Projects Division Purpose

To be accountable for consistent, high-quality, commercially effective delivery of all Ardent projects,

ensuring strong governance, client delight, risk mitigation, commercial performance, across the

organisation.

 What - Ensure all Ardent projects are delivered in a strategically aligned consistent way,

maximising client delight, mitigating risk, maximising commercial outcomes.

 Why - To support the delivery of life-improving change for communities and future

generations, enable service expansion and long-term client retention, win future work, and

deliver sustainable commercial returns that support Ardent’s growth strategy and cash-flow

stability.

 How – Set clear project visions and ensure alignment of resources, communication,

governance, and reporting, with accountability for tracking performance and leading

continuous improvement across all projects.

Role Scope and Authority

To be the accountable individual for effective contractual delivery of all projects across the whole

Ardent organisation, to ensure market leading contractual governance (compliance and improving

Ardent commercial and contractual governance to achieve this outcome), commercial outcomes

(Ardent commercial and contractual), people engagement (Ardent team) and risk mitigation (Ardent

risks). The role extends from NDA and contract review at tender stage, through contract

award/negotiation and signature, to effective contract delivery. The role requires outstanding

communication skills to engage the Projects team along with project resources across the Ardent

organisation and to provide support to effectively engage and resolve contractual challenges with

Divisional Heads and Executive Board members. With a remit to cover British Isles/ROI Wide.

Key interdependencies & relationships:

 Report to: Head of Projects

 Head of Growth Division and Strategic Leads

 Head of Professional Service Division and Strategic Leads

 Head of Corporate Services and Strategic Leads

 Ardent General Counsel

The Commercial Contracts Director will play a critical role in evolving Ardent’s project contractual

delivery capability to operate effectively at increased scale, complexity, and pace. This includes

strengthening contractual and commercial governance maturity, embedding commercial data-led

decision-making, and developing future-ready project commercial leadership capability to support

growth across sectors and geographies. The role will shape how Ardent consistently delivers high-

quality, commercially successful projects in an increasingly complex delivery and risk environment.

Values Alignment & Shared Commitment

The Commercial Contracts Director is an ambassador of the Ardent values, promoting a culture of

integrity, collaboration and excellence, inspiring a commitment to inclusivity, change and innovation.

Ardent Values

 Thirst for knowledge - We embrace every opportunity to learn, grow and continuously improve

 Own it - We do what we say we will do. We own our individual actions, are accountable for them,

and take pride in adding value

 Be the difference - Focus energy to make things happen. Go beyond process. Stand up, Stand out

beyond being competent in role

 Enjoy the journey - Have fun, be engaged and be proud to be Ardent

 Adapt - We drive change and innovation to deliver growth and new opportunities in an ever-

changing world

Key Accountabili es, Responsibili es & Outcomes

The role is characterised by strategic contractual oversight, governance leadership, commercial decision-

making, senior stakeholder engagement, and capability development across the project community.

Owning contractual negotiation, contractual adherence and maximising commercial gains from

contracts.

Accountabilities Outcome

Lead and direct full contract Own the drafting, negotiation, execution, and change control of all client,

and NDA lifecycle supplier, and partner agreements (including NDAs), ensuring they reflect

management. Ardent’s scope, protect commercial interests, and remain fully deliverable.

Support PADs throughout tendering and delivery to ensure optimal positions

are achieved.

Set and enforce Ardent’s Define acceptable positions on indemnities, liability, reliance, IP/licensing,

contractual risk strategy warranties and PI, and guide PADs in managing commercial issues, claims,

and disputes throughout the project lifecycle.

Secure commercial Proactively protect Ardent’s rights regarding delay, disruption and additional

entitlements and manage services through early notices, evidence packs, and structured resolution

claims. under the contract.

Strengthen contract Provide PADs and PAMs with contract-specific tools, templates, guidance,

governance and capability and coaching to ensure consistent contract administration and high-quality

across PADs/PAMs. commercial contract execution, without duplicating wider project

governance responsibilities held elsewhere.

Provide clear contractual Ensure accurate and timely contract-related inputs — such as commercial

insights to support project positions, entitlements, risks, obligations, and issues — are fed into project

and portfolio reporting. and portfolio reporting led by the Head of Projects, supporting escalation

and decision-making.

Lead cross-functional Ensure that bids, project delivery, and organisational decision-making are

commercial alignment across commercially optimised through close collaboration with Growth,

Professional Services and Finance.

Growth, Professional

Services, and Finance.

Core Competencies (Expected of Everyone) Outcome

Integrity Trust is established and maintained

with colleagues, clients, and

Upholding high standards of honesty, fairness, and ethical stakeholders through reliable, ethical,

behaviour in all actions and decisions. Acting consistently with and transparent conduct.

stated values and commitments, even when faced with

pressure or personal risk.

Respect diversity An inclusive, respectful culture is

fostered where people feel valued and

Understanding, valuing, and respecting individual differences. decisions are made objectively and

Treating people fairly and with dignity regardless of without bias.

background, identity, or role, and creating an inclusive

environment where diverse perspectives are welcomed.

Safety A safe working environment is

maintained, with risks effectively

Understanding and applying safety practices and procedures managed and productivity achieved

to protect people, assets, and operations. Identifying risks and without compromising safety.

hazards and taking appropriate action to minimise harm.

Resilience Performance and professionalism are

sustained during periods of stress,

Managing pressure, change, and setbacks in a positive and uncertainty, or change.

professional manner. Maintaining focus, effectiveness, and

emotional control during challenging situations.

Executive Leadership Competencies Outcome

Courage of convictions Important issues are addressed openly,

leading to better decisions, integrity in

Demonstrating the confidence and personal courage to action, and stronger organisational

raise difficult issues, challenge constructively, and stand outcomes.

by well-reasoned decisions, even in the face of

opposition.

Customer focus Customer satisfaction, trust, and long-term

relationships are strengthened through

Understanding and anticipating customer needs and responsive and value-driven delivery.

ensuring products, services, and solutions deliver value

and exceed expectations. Advocating for the customer

perspective within the organisation.

Motivating others High levels of engagement, enthusiasm,

and performance are evident across

Inspiring and energising others to perform at a high level individuals and teams.

by demonstrating enthusiasm, commitment, and belief in

shared goals. Adapting approaches to motivate different

individuals.

Teamwork & collaboration Strong collaboration enables effective

delivery, improved problem-solving, and

Working collaboratively with others to achieve shared achievement of common goals.

objectives. Building positive relationships, sharing

information, and contributing actively to collective

success.

Driving for results Clear goals are achieved, and performance

outcomes are consistently delivered

Demonstrating determination and accountability in despite challenges.

achieving objectives. Setting high standards, persisting

through obstacles, and taking ownership of outcomes.

Business / Commercial acumen Decisions are commercially sound and

aligned with organisational priorities and

Understanding business, financial, and commercial financial sustainability.

principles and applying this knowledge to inform

decisions and actions. Recognising how individual work

contributes to organisational performance.

Visioning A clear and compelling direction supports

sustainable growth, innovation, and

Identifying long-term commercial goals and future successful implementation of strategic

opportunities and translating them into clear strategic initiatives.

direction. Encouraging innovation and continuous

improvement.

Influencing & Persuading Ideas and decisions gain traction, key

stakeholders are aligned, and progress is

Shaping thinking and outcomes by presenting clear, well- achieved without reliance on authority

reasoned perspectives that encourage others to adopt a alone. Critical priorities move forward

course of action. Demonstrating confidence, preparation, through trust, credibility, and well-judged

and persistence by tailoring messages to different influence, resulting in stronger decisions

audiences, focusing on what matters most, and balancing and more effective delivery.

compromise with conviction to achieve meaningful

impact

Continuous Learning Capability and confidence grow over time,

enabling individuals and teams to adapt to

Maintaining a commitment to ongoing learning and change, improve performance, and

professional growth. Actively seeking opportunities to respond effectively to new challenges.

develop knowledge and skills, reflecting on experience, Learning is embedded into day-to-day

and encouraging others to learn, grow, and adapt in work, strengthening resilience, innovation,

response to changing demands. and long-term organisational effectiveness.

Technical Outcome

Competencies

Bidding, Contracts Bidding: Apply knowledge and experience to maximise potential value of

and Contract project bids won and minimise future commercial delivery risks

Management

Contracts – Ensure new contracts are optimised for commercial returns and

levels of commercial risk are acceptable

Contract Management – Guide Project resources during the Project Delivery

lifecycle to maximise commercial opportunities and minimise commercial risk.

Maintain a focus on Client Satisfaction and ensure that Ardent effectively

manages contract change and delivery issues.

Strategic Business & Strategic Alignment: The ability to link every project initiative to measurable

Portfolio strategic outcomes (growth (new clients, large portfolio, new services), reliable

Management cash flow, or high profit, employer brand i.e. high-profile project).

Portfolio Governance: Establishing and maintaining a commercial framework

for project execution, prioritisation, and resource allocation across multiple

project directors.

Benefits Realisation Management: Ensuring that the cumulative outcomes of all

projects translate into realised business value and return on investment.

Commercial Awareness: Quantifying the business impact of project decisions

and understanding how choices ripple across divisions.

Advanced Risk and Strategic Risk Discipline: Shifting from reactive issue-handling to proactive risk

Scenario Planning strategy, including real-time analysis of business risks presented by committed

projects.

Delivery Framework Lean Process Optimisation: Streamlining organisational workflows to eliminate

Mastery inefficiencies and maximise collective output across all project teams.