Role: 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
Salary: £90.000 - £120,000 depending on experience
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, that has doubled in size to c. 200 people during the past 3 years, and our client portfolio 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 agenda, improving connectivity, enabling the repurposing of high streets and town centres and delivering new homes for the people who need them most.
We are problem-solvers, can-doers and solution-drivers working collaboratively with our clients to provide proactive and strategic advice to identify and mitigate risks, deliver efficiencies and, ultimately, achieve deliverable consents and build projects that positively impact people’s lives and the world that we live in.
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. By fostering an environment where innovation thrives, the Head of Digital Solutions will ensure our people flourish, delivering exceptional value to clients and shaping the future of our industry.
Key Responsibilities:
Digital Strategy & Innovation
* 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.
Commercialisation & Revenue Growth
* 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.
Governance, Risk & Compliance
* 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.
* Take responsibility for others complying with policies and procedures (i.e. ISO9001 (Quality), ISO14001 (Environment) ISO45001 (Health & Safety) accreditations) and identify opportunities to improve the same. Demonstrates the right behaviours with respect to Health, Safety & Wellbeing for themselves and team members.
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.
* People Leadership Effectiveness: Gallup12 engagement scores and retention rates.
Competencies & Skills Required:
* Strategic Leadership: Ability to align digital initiatives with business objectives.
* Technical Expertise: Strong understanding of AI, automation, and software development.
* Commercial Acumen: Experience in monetising digital solutions and optimising business efficiency.
* Stakeholder Management: Ability to communicate and align digital initiatives across business units.
* Analytical & ROI-Focused: Ability to assess digital investments based on financial impact.
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.
* Innovation Mindset: Passionate about leveraging emerging technologies to create transformational change, eliminate mundane tasks, and enable talent to focus on value-added activities.
* Cultural Fit: A visionary leader who thrives in dynamic, fast-paced environments, promotes diversity of thought, and inspires teams to push the boundaries of what’s possible.
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.
With people at the core of our business, we offer employees an unrivalled career opportunity rather than simply a job. In a fast growing organisation, we train, develop and support our staff to grow and achieve their career goals. This is supported by a number of initiatives to look after the wellbeing of our employees whilst allowing employees to work flexibility and maintain a positive work life balance.
We offer an attractive benefits package to include :-
* Hybrid working
* Smart Working Policy
* Medical health plan
* Career progression
* 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