Principal Land Access Consultant

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Job Title Principal Land Access Consultant

Directorate (and Team) Land Referencing

Location (supported by Hybrid Working) Birmingham/ London/ Manchester/ Leeds

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, Warrington, Leeds, Glasgow and Dublin and supporting projects throughout the

UK and 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.

The Principal Consultant role at Ardent exists to drive and deliver life-improving change for

communities and future generations. As a pivotal figure within the organisation, this position ensures

that Ardent remains at the forefront of supporting major infrastructure and regeneration projects

across the UK and Ireland.

Expected outcomes from someone joining in this capacity include enhanced team engagement, a focus

on quality, improved commercial performance, and a steadfast commitment to health, safety, and

wellbeing. Additionally, the role champions inclusivity by fostering a culture where diversity and

equality are not only respected but prioritised, making Ardent a workplace where everyone can thrive.

The Principal Consultant’s leadership is expected to inspire a shared commitment to excellence,

innovation, and positive change throughout the organisation.

Key performance indicators for this role centre around people leadership—measured by engagement

levels, commercial success, quality of technical output and the maintenance of a safe and supportive

working environment. Ensuring inclusivity is a core metric, ensuring that the workplace remains

welcoming and fair for all. Metrics for people leadership further include a commitment to learning,

aligned with Ardent’s value of a ‘Thirst for Knowledge’, promoting ongoing professional development

and continuous improvement. Furthermore, adherence to the Quality Management System (QMS)

ensures that all work meets the highest standards, supporting Ardent’s reputation for excellence and

reliability in the delivery of its services.

Values Alignment & Shared Commitment

The Principal Consultant 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

 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 Accountabilities, Responsibilities & Outcomes

Accountabilities and / or Responsibilities Outcome

Help boost team engagement by suggesting Support the assistant people leader in surpassing

and supporting targeted initiatives, keeping engagement and inclusivity KPIs.

track of progress regularly, and contributing to

a welcoming and inclusive work environment

Liaising with landowners and colleagues, Strengthen relationships and improve delivery for the

advising technically on land referencing client, resulting in smoother project delivery and

technical outputs to clients and junior reduced conflicts through a projects lifecycle.

members of the team. Supporting cross-working between Ardent’s

Directorates and increasing awareness and position of

Land Referencing team within the project team and

wider business

Develops skills in assessing client needs and Display confidence in advising and reporting to clients

understanding their objectives in order to and inputting to client meetings in a manner that

proactively advise on next steps and/or to fosters client confidence and help to develop a

foresee and mitigate risks or identify positive working relationship.

opportunities. Provide guidance and advice to

clients in a technical capacity, demonstrating

leadership traits including taking ownership of

tasks.

Demonstrates the ability to manage and Offer valuable support and recognise when it's

resolve conflicts diplomatically, finding important to help peers and supporting the People

common ground among stakeholders. Leader in delivering the Directorate and team

objectives.

Develop the ability to align communication

efforts with the organisation's goals and

strategies.

Accountabilities and / or Responsibilities Outcome

Engages their team as an Assistant People By engaging their team as an Assistant People Leader,

Leader, championing our core values, consistently embodying the Ardent vision and

embodying the Ardent vision, and demonstrating all facets of effective leadership—

demonstrating a comprehensive including embracing a coaching and learning culture

understanding of what it means to be an and actively serving as a Coach—the following

effective People Leader. outcomes are achieved:

Embracing a coaching and learning culture, Teams experience increased motivation and

role modelling those behaviours, actively engagement, leading to improved overall

engaged as a Coach, and supporting the performance.

development of junior team members

The adoption of a coaching and learning culture

fosters ongoing professional development, resulting in

enhanced skills and capabilities within the team.

Promote a culture of wellness within your By championing best practice health and safety

team to identify health and wellbeing early behaviours and fostering a culture of wellness within

and proactively engage with People & Culture the team, People Leaders / Assistant People Leaders

to address any concerns. create an environment where risks are identified and

addressed proactively.

Prompt reporting of near misses and accidents

ensures swift resolution and continuous improvement

in safety standards. Early identification of health and

wellbeing issues, coupled with proactive engagement

with People & Culture, leads to improved overall

wellbeing, enhanced team morale, and reduced

absenteeism.

Encourages regular communications on Health By encouraging regular communication regarding

& Safety issues and performance within your Health & Safety issues and performance and ensuring

teams. that all team members are equipped with appropriate

PPE and necessary resources when working on site.

Responsibility for ensuring team members This leads to enhanced awareness and adherence to

have the right PPE and resources when

Accountabilities and / or Responsibilities Outcome

working out on site, meeting both safety standards, a reduction in workplace incidents,

organisational and client objectives. and improved overall team wellbeing. The outcome is

a safer, more compliant working environment that

supports employee welfare and organisational

objectives.

Key Competencies, Skills & Experience

Competency, Skills & Experience Outcome

Experienced in building effective working Enhance cross-functional teamwork and faster, more

relationships with clients and other aligned decision-making, leading to increased project

stakeholders, both internally and externally. efficiency, resulting in improved team collaboration

and strategic alignment across projects and increased

client delight scores.

Help inspire, develop, and empower high- Assist in fostering a high performing, engaged team by

performing teams enhancing productivity and promoting a culture of

trust and accountability

Ability to identify the need for new resource Demonstrates strong strategic workforce planning by

within your team with consideration for the proactively identifying and addressing resource gaps

wider resource requirements of the within the team, while considering the broader needs

Directorate. Capable of sourcing candidates of the Directorate. Effectively sources high-quality

for these positions by building networks candidates by leveraging extensive industry networks,

within the industry. ensuring timely recruitment and alignment of team

capabilities with organisational objectives. This results

in a well-resourced, agile team capable of meeting

project demands and supporting overall business

growth.

Contributes to winning work on a regular Proactively contributes to the organisation’s growth by

basis, through producing winning tenders consistently producing high-quality, successful tenders

(subject to Director sign off). Demonstrates (with Director approval), thereby securing new

projects. Demonstrates a strong ability to foster lasting

Competency, Skills & Experience Outcome

an ability to win repeat business from client relationships, leading to repeat business and

existing clients. strengthening client trust and loyalty.

Demonstrates an ability to deliver all Effectively manages and delivers all technical Land

technical elements of a projects Land Referencing aspects of projects by providing informed

Referencing requirements, understand and advice to both internal teams and external

advising internally and externally. stakeholders.

Awareness of differing consenting regimes

and land team deliverables across DCO, CPO

and TWAO projects.

The ability to work within parameters of Demonstrates strong judgement by effectively

delegated authority within the project to operating within delegated authority, ensuring

ensure open thinking while managing levels decisions are made at the appropriate level while

of decision making, ensuring projects work to fostering an environment of open-mindedness and

agreed budget and scope. innovation. Exhibits excellent team collaboration skills

by actively listening to and thoughtfully analysing input

Identifying differences between scope and from all team members, resulting in well-considered

client requests. Raising potential variations decision-making and enhanced team engagement.

with the Project Account Manager / Director,

client and Finance Director as necessary. Has strong analytical skills by promptly identifying

discrepancies between project scope and client

Listen to suggested solutions by all members requirements and proactively addresses these by

of the team and have the ability to analyse communicating potential variations to the Project

suggestions. Account Manager / Director, client and Finance

Director when needed, ensuring project alignment and

client satisfaction.

What we offer

We are a purpose, and values led business with a strong focus on personal growth and opportunities to

contribute to impactful infrastructure and regeneration projects across the UK and Ireland, living our

purpose in delivering life improving change for communities and future generations.

We promote a supportive and collaborative culture, where our people are empowered through

coaching, hybrid working, and a healthy work-life balance. Our commitment to professional

development is clear, from supporting early-career professionals to enabling progression through

professional qualifications and continuous learning, living our Thirst for Knowledge value. We provide

purposeful work, which includes our contributions to the UK’s net zero agenda and community

regeneration, and seek people who value the opportunity to solve complex challenges in a culture that

thrives on innovation.

We’re a fast-growing business with a culture centered on learning, innovation, and opportunity.

Through our company-wide coaching programme, we empower our people with faster, personalised

career development, a deeper connection to our culture and values, and greater ownership of their

progression.

We’re looking for curious, ambitious individuals who thrive in a dynamic, purpose-driven environment,

where learning, openness, trust, and collaboration are at the heart of everything we do. We also know

the importance of enjoying the journey, which is why we value social connection and having fun along

the way.

We offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support the health and wellbeing, engagement,

and work-life balance of our team. From day one, our people have access to hybrid working, 25 days of

annual leave (with options to buy or carry over), enhanced maternity and paternity pay, and a company

pension scheme.

We provide Benenden Health Care, offering mental health support, 24/7 GP services, physiotherapy,

optical and dental cover, and personal accident protection (depending on level). Additional benefits

include the Cycle to Work scheme, electric car leasing, recognition awards, long service leave, and a

discretionary annual bonus scheme, all designed to ensure our people feel valued and supported.

We’re proud to be an equal opportunities employer, and we’re passionate about creating a workplace

where you’re empowered to bring your authentic self to work every day.

We are committed to building a diverse, inclusive team where everyone belongs. We welcome talent

from all backgrounds and actively encourage applications from underrepresented groups.

If you’re ready to grow with a business that’s scaling rapidly and making a real impact, you’re in the right

place!

To apply or learn more about this opportunity, please submit your CV to recruitment@ardent-

management.com