Head of Digital Solutions
Location: London, Warrington, Birmingham or Leeds with travel as required (we offer Hybrid working supported by a Smart Working Policy)
Full Time or Part Time: Full Time
Directorate: Digital Solutions
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.
Purpose of Role:
To position Ardent as a global leader in digital innovation in the delivery of land, consenting, and engagement services, driving transformative change that enhances operational efficiency, fuels profitability growth, and maximises shareholder value. This role will spearhead the creation of cutting-edge digital solutions that eliminate mundane tasks, enabling the brightest talent to focus on high-impact, value-driven work.
Key Responsibilities:
* Develop and execute a comprehensive digital roadmap aligned with business objectives.
* Lead the ongoing development of our industry-leading land, consents and engagement platform, Atlas.
* Ensure Ardent remains at the forefront of digital innovation in our industry and develops a reputation as a digital pioneer.
* Identify, assess, and prioritise digital innovations based on ROI potential.
* Leverage AI, automation, and software solutions to drive efficiency and reduce future headcount needs.
Leadership & Team Management
* Lead and manage a cross-functional team of AI specialists, software developers, and business analysts.
* Foster a culture of innovation, accountability, and performance across the business.
* Ensure the team has the necessary resources, skills, and development opportunities.
Operational Efficiency & Cost Reduction
* Implement internal digital solutions that optimise processes, increase automation, and reduce operational costs.
* Develop digital tools to improve average revenue per person by increasing efficiency.
* Continuously analyse and improve internal workflows using data-driven insights.
* Develop strategies to market and monetise internal digital solutions for external clients.
* Drive commercial pricing strategies with revenue teams to deliver maximum commercial benefit from digital solutions developed.
* Identify new revenue streams through digital product offerings.
* Work with tender and marketing teams to position digital solutions as a competitive differentiator.
Business Alignment & Stakeholder Engagement
* Collaborate with executive leadership team and Directorate/Department Heads to align digital projects with business objectives.
* Engage with key stakeholders to understand pain points and prioritise high-impact innovations that have the most material impact to the business.
* Ensure seamless integration of digital solutions into existing business processes.
* Ensure all digital developments comply with data protection regulations (GDPR, ISO 27001, etc.).
* Manage technology risks, cybersecurity, and regulatory compliance.
* Implement governance frameworks to track digital investments and measure their effectiveness.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs):
* Efficiency Gains: Reduction in operational costs and future headcount through automation, increasing both gross margin and average revenue per person.
* Revenue Growth: Increase in external revenue from digital solution commercialisation.
* ROI on Digital Initiatives: Measured improvement in profitability per digital investment.
* Adoption Rate of Digital Tools: Internal and external usage metrics.
* Client Delight: Feedback from internal teams and external clients.
Cultural Fit:
* Values Alignment: Demonstrates commitment to our core values and ethical standards.
* Collaboration: Fosters strong, cross-functional relationships across geographies and teams.
* Adaptability: Thrives in dynamic environments and embraces continuous change.
* Inclusivity: Promotes diversity of thought and inclusive team environments.
* Innovation Mindset: Encourages creativity, experimentation, and continuous learning.
Ideal Candidate Profile:
* Experience: Background in digital transformation, AI, or technology leadership, with a proven track record of delivering innovative digital solutions that drive business growth and operational efficiency.
* Industry Knowledge: Demonstrated success in professional services, with a deep understanding of how digital strategies can enhance client value and increase profitability.
* Leadership: A dynamic leader with experience managing multidisciplinary teams across AI, software development, and business analysis, fostering a culture of innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement.
* Commercial Acumen: Strong ability to identify and capitalise on new revenue opportunities, driving external growth and maximising shareholder value through digital innovation.
* Strategic Influence: Skilled at engaging with C-suite stakeholders, shaping digital roadmaps that align with business objectives, and influencing strategic decisions.
Ardent is an equal opportunities employer that is committed to inclusion and diversity. We positively encourage applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of race, colour, religion or belief, age, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability status or other legally protected characteristics.
We offer an attractive benefits package to include :-
* Smart Working Policy
* Medical health plan
* Coaching
* Cycle to Work
* Electric Car Scheme
* Enhanced maternity and paternity pay
For more information, please see our services page on our website at www.ardent-management.com
Interested? Get in touch!
Should you be interested in hearing more about the position or wish to send your cv in to people@ardent-management.com or contact Stuart Thomas stuartthomas@ardent-management.com
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