Independent Non-Executive Director
Head office Woking – Hybrid
About us
A privately owned Company, James Walker Group provides solutions in sealing, rail track fixation and vibration attenuation. Our three trusted global, industrial brands; James Walker, edilon)(sedra and Tiflex offer high performance products and systems based on advanced materials technology and engineering.
Through decades of investment in people, research and development, manufacturing facilities, technology and distribution infrastructure, we have developed a reputation for high quality products and services. Today the Group employs circa 2,000 people and has a manufacturing and sales presence in 30 countries.
The Position
James Walker Group Ltd is seeking an experienced Non-Executive Director to join its Group Board to ensure high standards of Governance in the business. The ideal candidate will bring significant expertise in directing engineering businesses, with seasoned exposure to products, materials and engineering applications. The role demands independent judgement, strategic foresight, leadership, and an understanding of private ‘family business’ dynamics. In addition, the successful candidate will similarly interact with the Boards of the respective Strategic Business Units (SBUs) – James Walker, edilon)(sedra and Tiflex.
Key responsibilities
Attend Group Board meetings four times a year and the Annual General Meeting. Also attend specific meetings to consider the strategic direction for the Group (normally two per year). In addition to the Group Board meetings there is a requirement to attend quarterly board briefings, the Remuneration Committee and a minimum of 50% of SBU Board meetings (James Walker and edilon)(sedra SBUs) and support projects requiring the input of independent executives or related activities; requiring the NED to spend approximately 25 days per annum Specific responsibilities include:
Strategic Leadership.
* Assist in the research, analysis and formulation required in setting the future strategies of the Group and its Strategic Business Units (SBUs), including strategies on joint ventures, acquisitions and divestitures.
* Actively participate in the formulation and holding the executives accountable for the execution of the organisation's strategic plans and ensure progress is monitored against achieving the strategic plans and the direction agreed by the Board.
* Represent the values, views and opinions of the shareholders
Governance.
* Ensure the Board focuses on its fiduciary duties and that appropriate consideration is given to the interests of all stakeholders when formulating and executing its plans.
Performance Management.
* Assist the Board in achieving a balance of focus on addressing short term business issues and long-term plans, determining the appropriate allocation of time and prioritisation of resources to meet both the short- and long-term objectives of the Group.
Market insights.
* Provide relevant market and sector knowledge and expertise when considering external advice for the Group and provide access to a network of personal contacts and known advisors to facility constructive networking with other outside organisations.
Board Support
* Act as a sounding board to support the Executive Group Board members.
* As required act as a business coach/mentor to an identified senior executive(s) in the business.
* Act as an independent executive where projects require such leadership.
Executive Remuneration.
* Advise on executive level remuneration and incentive schemes participating in the remuneration committee.
Technical/Job specific skills required
Essential
* Ability to probe incisively, challenge effectively and offer support & guidance as appropriate.
* A high level of critical thinking.
* Creating or leading a customer focused agenda in a technology or engineering environment.
* Leading strategy development in changing market conditions.
* Financial and commercial acumen.
* Knowledge and experience of delivering business improvement and implementation of business strategy.
* Independence of thought and judgement.
Preferred
* Experience in identifying and introducing emerging technologies and products.
* Making successful acquisitions and divestitures.
* Understanding of emerging markets where JWG is targeting expansion.
* Implementing major transformation Digitalisation projects.
* Knowledge and experience of leading-edge Human Resources Management.
Experience
Essential
* A demonstrated aptitude in directing engineering businesses, with seasoned exposure in products, materials and engineering applications.
* Operated at an executive level with a demonstrated background in successfully implementing growth and business change.
* Experience on multiple Boards, high knowledge of Corporate Governance, no potential conflicts of interest with JWG activities.
* Exposure to operating in an international business environment.
* A passion and belief in engaging and enabling people to deliver high performance, with a background of creating and implementing successful initiatives.
* A personal style that is able to engage individuals at all levels of the business and an approach of “walking the talk”.
* Ability to understand the nuances of and relate to a “Family” owned business, appreciating the differing values that shareholders attribute to this.
* Unambiguous desire to commit to 9 years.
Preferred
* A portfolio of NED appointments in relevant industries.
* Exposure to dealing with emerging markets especially Far East.
* Experience of businesses in the Rail Track sector.
* Experience of operating in a contracting environment.
* Multi-lingual capability.
* Exposure and understanding of digitalisation.
* A broad experience of Human Resource skills.
* Able to reflect diversity within the Group Board.
* Experience of working in a business that wants to maintain independent private company status.
* Experience of driving environmental sustainability in a commercial setting.
Application End Date: 17/01/2025