Head of Strategic Growth

Full Job Description: Head of Strategic Growth - Transport (May to need be accessed via Desktop or our Careers website: )

Role: Head of Strategic Growth - Transport

Location: Birmingham, Manchester, Leeds, London Or Glasgow

Full Time - Permanent

Directorate: Growth

Salary: Competitive

About Us:

Ardent is the UK's leading provider of land, consent management, and stakeholder engagement services, supporting major infrastructure and regeneration projects from concept to delivery. We are passionate about delivering life-improving change for communities and future generations.

Role Purpose:

The Head of Strategic Growth for Transport is responsible for increasing Ardent's market share, client base and revenue across all transport sub-sectors, including roads, rail, light-rail, aviation and ports. This role focuses on enhancing the company's profile within the sector - including for land, consent management and stakeholder engagement services - building and maintaining key client relationships and driving growth across all services and geographies. Success will be measured by achieving revenue growth, expanding market share and developing our long-term pipeline within the transport sector.

Key Responsibilities

• Sector Growth and Development:
  Design and implement Growth strategies
  across Road, Rail, Light rail, Aviation and Portsub-sectors.
  Identify and secure new business
  opportunities. Collaborate with Managing Directors and
  Heads of Service to align growth initiatives with
  company objectives.
• Client Relationship Management:
  Build and maintain senior-level relationships
  with government, infrastructure, and private
  sector stakeholders. Act as Ardent's lead representative in the
  transport sector.
  Deepen understanding of client needs to
  tailor service delivery.
• Market Analysis and Opportunity Identification:
  Conduct market research to identify trends,
  emerging opportunities and regulatory changes.
  Develop strategies to capitalise on major
  infrastructure projects in the UK and Ireland.
  Monitor competitor activity and market shifts.
• Revenue and Market Share Growth:
  Drive revenue growth at sustainable margins.
  Collaborate with service delivery and bid
  teams to ensure proposals align with sector
  needs.
  Monitor and report on pipeline, revenue, and
  market share targets.
• Profile Building and Industry Engagement:
  Enhance Ardent's visibility and reputation across roads, rail, light rail, aviation and ports. Represent the business at conferences, industry events and forums. Produce thought-leadership content and collaborate with marketing on targeted campaigns.
• Internal Knowledge Sharing and Collaboration:
  Share market insights with senior leadership
  and operational teams. Collaborate with Strategic Growth, Marketing
  and Bid teams to ensure joined-up work-winning.
  Develop people-leadership capability to support future sector and regional growth.

Skills & Experience

• Strategic Thinking:
  Develop and deliver Sector Growth Strategies aligned with Ardent's goals. Proven experience in Strategic Planning, Business Growth, and Diversification within transport or infrastructure sectors. Strong analytical thinking, market evaluation, and decision-making skills to drive revenue, market share, and resilience.
• Client Relationship Leadership:
  Experienced in building and sustaining Senior-level relationships across government, infrastructure developers, and private clients. Exceptional stakeholder management, relationship-building, and negotiation skills, with experience engaging at board or executive level. Ability to foster long-term partnerships that enhance reputation and influence.
• Sector Expertise
  : In-depth sector knowledge of the UK and Ireland transport landscape, including policy, regulatory, and funding frameworks. Strong industry awareness and project delivery experience within complex infrastructure environments.
• Commercial Acumen:
  Experienced in aligning sector initiatives with commercial objectives to ensure sustainable growth. Solid financial literacy, including P&L management, pricing strategy, margin control, and investment appraisal. Ability to balance commercial ambition with sound financial governance and risk awareness.
• Communication and Influence:
  Advanced communication, presentation, and influencing skills. Confident in engaging senior stakeholders, clients, and industry forums. Skilled in building alignment and motivating teams through clear, strategic messaging.
• Market Insight and Foresight
  : Strong research, data interpretation, and critical thinking skills. Proven ability to translate insight into actionable Strategy that keeps Ardent agile and ahead of emerging opportunities.

Pay Range and Compensation Package:

Hybrid working

25 days of annual leave (with options to buy or carry over)

Enhanced maternity and paternity pay

Company pension scheme

Benenden Health Care (mental health support, 24/7 GP services, physiotherapy, optical and dental cover, personal accident protection)

Cycle to Work scheme, electric car leasing, recognition awards, long service leave, discretionary annual bonus scheme

Equal Opportunity Statement:

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
  -
  or reach out to
  Savanna Poselay at -