The Non-Executive Director Opportunity

Following the retirement of John Bullough in November 2021, the Board are looking to appoint a new Non-Executive Director.

Role Purpose:

To act as a representative of the shareholders and the Family Council on the various company boards. To help to guide and steer the business in accordance with the company’s Centenary vision, purpose, vision, ethos and strategic objectives.

To contribute appropriate independent oversight and constructive challenge to the executive team. Provide market knowledge, expertise and insights to the Board. Assist in the formulation and approval of strategy together with ongoing monitoring of performance. Oversight of financial controls & systems of risk management.

To provide appropriate levels of support, mentoring, advice and assistance to the CEO and other members of the management team.

All non-executive directors are asked to:

• Provide a creative contribution to the Board in areas such as strategy, investment policy and market knowledge;  
• Provide at Board level valuable external insight into the dynamics and dimensions of the market, bringing to the Board relevant contacts and specific knowledge of the sector;
• Probe, question and encourage the development and formulation of strategy;
• Support the CEO and other executive Directors in implementing the agreed strategy, offering advice and experience where required;
• Assist in maintaining the focus of the Board upon strategy and policy and the pursuit of strategic priorities and initiatives;
• Review general policy and performance of the Group against agreed Key Performance Measures and recommend appropriate means to enhance performance, manage risk and achieve corporate goals;
• Act in mentoring capacity to members of Howard team;
• Assist in ensuring the Company adheres to any statutory and legal requirements including areas of Company Law, Health & Safety, Audit and other areas of statutory compliance;
• Act in an Ambassadorial role for the Company within the local business environment, the property industry and beyond;
• Additionally, non-executive directors should be available to shareholders and other Directors for occasional ad hoc advice via telephone/email etc.

Specific Requirements:

The new NED will provide specific expertise across a number of areas which are detailed below:

• Background and experience in a client-centred context of commercial real estate development;
• Breadth of experience encompassing development, investment and/or fund management;
• A history supporting multi-generational organisations with a long-standing heritage;
• A patient approach to development with a focus on longevity and ESG;
• Ability to challenge, probe, encourage and inspire the Executive team from a position of past experience and sector knowledge;
• Relevant and current contacts and relationships that add value and depth to Howard Group;
• Corporate Governance experience;
• Strategic approach with commercial and business acuity;
• A strong desire to invest time in making a valuable contribution to this dynamic and exciting business.

Competencies:

• Integrity;
• Curiosity & Critical Thinking;
• Judgment & Decision Making;
• Relationship Building & Communication.

Time Commitment:

The requirements are flexible and may vary depending upon the specific needs of the business. However, there are a number of predicable & planned events, these include: 

• Board Meetings: 6 per year (typically half a day each plus Board pack reading);
• Sub-Committees: Rem Com and Nom Com (no Audit Committee). Each NED is likely to participate upon one sub-committee (typically 2 meetings per year at ½ day);
• Events: Directors are invited to attend various events during the year. These may include Family Office events, site visits, celebratory events. These are typically infrequent and perhaps 2 per year;
• Annual Board Review: Annual discussion and review of Board effectiveness and operation;
• Ad hoc updates: From time to time the Board meets (typically online) for brief updates from the senior management team.

In total, the time commitment is not expected to be greater than 10 - 12 days each year.