Head of Strategic Growth - Utilities

Head of Strategic Growth Utilities

Location: Manchester, Leeds or Birmingham

Full Time - Permanent

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 the Utilities Sector at Ardent is responsible for increasing market share, client base, and revenue across utilities sub‑sectors, including electricity transmission and distribution, water, gas, hydrogen, and carbon capture and future markets. This role focuses on enhancing the company’s profile within the sector, building and maintaining key client relationships, and driving growth across all services and geographies. Success will be measured by achieving revenue growth at acceptable profit margins and expanding market share within the utilities sector, positioning Ardent as the market‑leading enabler in this sector.

Key Responsibilities

• Sector Growth and Development: Design and implement growth strategies targeting various utilities sub‑sectors, including electricity transmission and distribution, water, gas, hydrogen, and carbon capture. Identify and secure new business opportunities within these sub‑sectors and emerging markets. Collaborate with Managing Directors and Heads of professional service delivery to align sector‑specific growth initiatives with overall company objectives.
• Client Relationship Management: Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including utility providers, regulatory bodies, infrastructure developers, and private sector organizations. Serve as the lead representative for Ardent in the utilities sector, identifying opportunities for long‑term partnerships with multidisciplinary consultancies, contractors, and other relevant partners. Develop a deep understanding of client needs to tailor Ardent’s services and offerings effectively.
• Market Analysis and Opportunity Identification: Conduct thorough market analysis to identify trends, emerging opportunities, and regulatory changes within the utilities sub‑sectors. Develop strategies to capitalize on major infrastructure projects in the UK and Ireland. Monitor competitor activities and market shifts to position Ardent as a market leader in utilities consultancy.
• Revenue and Market Share Growth: Drive revenue growth at acceptable profit margins, focusing on achieving measurable increases in market share across the utilities sector. Work with professional service delivery teams and the Growth team to ensure proposals align with sector needs and support overall profitability. Monitor and report on pipeline development, total addressable market, revenue targets, and market share expansion.
• Profile Building and Industry Engagement: Enhance Ardent’s visibility and reputation within the utilities sector, including electricity, water, gas, hydrogen, and carbon capture. Represent the company at industry events, conferences, and networking forums to strengthen Ardent’s profile. Collaborate with the marketing team to create targeted campaigns that highlight Ardent’s expertise and achievements within the utilities sector.

Skills & Experience

• Strategic Thinking: Ability to develop and execute sector‑specific growth strategies that align with company objectives. Demonstrated success in identifying and capitalizing on growth opportunities across multiple utilities sub‑sectors.
• Client Relationship Expertise: Strong existing network and profile across the Utilities sector. Proven ability to build and sustain senior‑level relationships with key stakeholders, including government bodies, regulatory agencies, and private sector clients. Skilled at negotiating high‑value contracts and fostering long‑term partnerships.
• Sector Knowledge: Deep understanding of electricity transmission and distribution, water, gas, hydrogen, and carbon capture in the UK and Ireland. Familiarity with regulatory frameworks, funding mechanisms, and key players in these sub‑sectors.
• Commercial Acumen: Strong understanding of revenue growth, profit margins, and pricing strategies. Ability to collaborate with service delivery teams to ensure sector initiatives are commercially viable and aligned with P&L responsibilities.
• Communication and Influence: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to influence internal and external stakeholders effectively. Confident presenter at industry forums, client meetings, and internal strategy sessions.
• Market Analysis and Insights: Expertise in conducting market research and analysis to identify trends and opportunities. Ability to translate market insights into actionable strategies.

Pay Range and Compensation Package

• 25 days of annual leave (with options to buy or carry over)
• Enhanced maternity and paternity pay
• 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.

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