Ardent
Commercial Contracts Director

How your CV stacks up
Upload your CV to see how well it fits this job role
?%
Full Job Description: Commercial Contracts Director
Role: Commercial Contracts Director
Location: Birmingham / London
Type: Full Time - Permanent
Salary: Competitive
About Us:
Ardent is the UKās 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 Commercial Contracts Director will be accountable for the effective contractual delivery of all projects across the Ardent organisation. The role involves managing the full contract lifecycle, from NDA and contract review at tender stage through to contract award, negotiation, signature, and delivery. This position requires outstanding communication skills to engage the Projects team and resolve contractual challenges with Divisional Heads and Executive Board members. The role covers the British Isles and ROI, ensuring market-leading contractual governance, commercial outcomes, and risk mitigation.
Key Responsibilities:
- Contract Lifecycle Management: Lead and direct full contract and NDA lifecycle management, including drafting, negotiation, execution, and change control of all client, supplier, and partner agreements.
- Commercial Risk Strategy: Define acceptable positions on indemnities, liability, IP/licensing, warranties, and PI. Guide PADs in managing commercial issues, claims, and disputes throughout the project lifecycle.
- Claims Management: Proactively protect Ardentās rights regarding delay, disruption, and additional services through early notices, evidence packs, and structured resolution under the contract.
- Contract Governance: Strengthen contract governance and capability across PADs/PAMs, providing tools, templates, guidance, and coaching for consistent contract administration and high-quality execution.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Ensure bids, project delivery, and organisational decision-making are commercially optimised through close collaboration with Growth, Professional Services, and Finance.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Engage with Divisional Heads and Executive Board members to resolve contractual challenges and ensure alignment on project delivery.
- Commercial Data Analysis: Embed data-led decision-making in project commercial leadership to support growth across sectors and geographies.
- Continuous Improvement: Lead continuous improvement initiatives across all projects, ensuring alignment of resources, communication, governance, and reporting.
Reasons to use Rodeo
Iām in my final year doing Economics and I donāt know whether to apply for grad schemes now or do a masters first. What do you think?
Honest answer ā it depends on where you want to end up. A lot of top grad schemes (Big 4, civil service, banking) donāt need a masters. Letās look at the ones youād be competitive for now, and we can decide if a masters actually adds anything.
Also worth knowing: most autumn 2026 applications are open now. Timing matters more than you think.
Start with a chat, not a search bar
Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet ā that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
Graduate Consultant ā 2026 Scheme
Why you're a good match
StrongYour economics background and your summer at a regional bank line up with what PwC looks for on the consulting scheme. Applications close in four weeks.
See breakdownIt searches the market for you
Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Why you're a good match
Youāve got the grades and the economics background, and your bank internship is exactly the experience this scheme looks for. Apply soon ā deadlines close within the month.
Experience fit
Your summer at the bank plus your econometrics coursework map directly to the day-one responsibilities on this scheme ā client modelling, market briefings, and deal support.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right ā and where to focus when applying.
Skills & Competencies:
- Strong Organisational and Time-Management Skills: Ability to manage multiple priorities, deadlines, and tasks efficiently and effectively.
- Excellent Written English, Formatting, and Attention to Detail: Proficiency in drafting, reviewing, and editing complex documents with precision and clarity.
- Ability to Work Under Pressure and to Deadlines: Proven track record of maintaining high performance levels in fast-paced, deadline-driven environments.
- Good Interpersonal and Coordination Skills: Ability to build and maintain relationships with internal teams, clients, and stakeholders, ensuring effective communication and collaboration.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook): Strong command of Microsoft Office applications for document creation, data analysis, presentations, and email communication.
- Experience in Administrative or Coordinator Roles: Previous experience in roles involving bids, proposals, marketing, or projects, demonstrating the ability to support complex processes.
- Experience in Fast-Paced, Deadline-Driven Environments: Demonstrated ability to thrive in environments where quick decision-making and adaptability are crucial.


Get help with your application
Your very own career expert that helps elevate your application to the next level.
Desirable:
- Familiarity with Bid Management or Document Management Software: Knowledge of tools and software used for managing bids and documents, enhancing efficiency and accuracy.
- Knowledge of Public Sector Procurement Processes (OJEU/Find a Tender Service): Understanding of public sector procurement regulations and processes, providing insight into compliance and standards.
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:
š Weāre proud to be an equal opportunities employer, and weāre passionate about creating a workplace where youāre 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.
š If youāre ready to grow with a business thatās scaling rapidly and making a real impact, youāre in the right place!
āIt took my CV and asked me questions relevant to understanding what kind of jobs to suggest for me. Suggestions were almost perfect. Jobs were exactly what Iāve been looking for.ā
Jessica, London
Skills
Location