Associate director - planning & engagement - solar & renewables

Associate Director – Solar and Renewables - Planning & Engagement Location: Leeds with travel as required (we offer Hybrid working supported by a Smart Working Policy) Full Time or Part Time: Full Time Directorate: Planning & Engagement Salary : Negotiable Although our Engagement team delivers services across the transport, regeneration, utilities and renewable sectors we are looking for someone with extensive experience in relation to both renewables and specifically the solar sector.

This need reflects the volume of opportunities Ardent are being invited to tender for and our strategic ambition to further explore this sub sector.

The candidate will be expected to full fill the following responsibilities: Develop and manage comprehensive communication, consultation, and engagement strategies for large-scale solar and renewable energy projects.

Lead the pre-application consultation processes for Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs), including managing the Statement of Community Consultation.

Coordinating inputs from Ardents engagement team and our strategic partners as required whilst acting as the single point of contact for the client on all things engagement related.

Oversee the analysis and management of consultation feedback, and prepare statutory Consultation Reports for Development Consent Order applications.

Utilise extensive knowledge of legislation, policy, and guidance relating to pre-application consultation for NSIPs and Town and Country Planning Act (TCPA) planning applications.

Possess the ability to choreograph examinations in public for NSIPs, with prior experience being a significant advantage.

Balance project delivery with a focus on detail, innovation, and achievement, ensuring successful project outcomes.

Engage in business development activities, representing the company in a senior capacity and fostering relationships within the industry.

This will include a robust involvement in prospect mapping, bid writing and the wider work winning process.

Technical Knowledge, Skills & Experience Required: Demonstrated experience in delivering consultation and engagement exercises for renewable energy projects, specifically large-scale solar projects in the UK and or Ireland.

A proven track record in developing and implementing successful communication and engagement strategies in the development and infrastructure sector.

Entrepreneurial skillset with strategic thinking capabilities and a passion for renewable energy and infrastructure development.

Excellent communication skills, capable of effectively engaging with a diverse range of stakeholders.

Strong project management skills, with the ability to lead teams and manage multiple projects simultaneously.

Certification of qualifications relating to consultation, engagement or marketing would be valuable but not essential.

Behavioral Skills Required (Based on our Values) : Thirst for Knowledge (We embrace opportunities to learn and improve for personal and professional growth) - Demonstrate a strong commitment to the development of yourself, and your people, for your role in a growth company and future role.

Coach and mentor others (or actively engage with your Coach) to have a deep understanding of their knowledge and experience.

Actively supporting with areas of development and career goals, extending beyond a technical remit and actively developing your business knowledge on an on-going basis.

Own It (We do what we say we will.

We own our individual actions, are accountable for them and take pride in adding value) - Act like it matters, take pride and caring about the outcome of people in your team, or who you work with, and your clients objectives.

Be the Difference (Focus energy to make things happen.

Be beyond process.

Stand up, Stand out) - Be confident in your decisions and implementing them, taking into account the wider structure and objectives of the business, working with or alongside peers across the business.

Be more than any other competent person in your role.

Enjoy the Journey (Have fun, be engaged and be proud to be Ardent) - Translating goals and visions of the business into meaningful objectives for your team in a positive and engaging manner (delivering excellence in your own objectives), demonstrating your commitment to Ardent and the wellbeing and development of your team and colleagues.

Understand the needs of your people and colleagues to have, purpose/fulfilment, personal growth, engagement, team culture and fair pay.

Adapt (We drive change and innovation to deliver growth and new opportunities in an ever-changing world) - As a growth company Ardent is all about change.

You must be a change maker.

Demonstrate ability to drive and/or implement change to enable Ardent to continue to excel.

Listen to your team and people you work with to actively search for opportunities to create change.

Exhibit a resilient attitude, communicate key information in a clear and engaging way to influence others..

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 :- 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 [email protected] or contact Stuart Thomas [email protected]