The Chair Opportunity

This is an important appointment spanning the next 8 years+. We are seeking an individual with relevant experience at Board level to take the time to understand how the Group operates, building relationships with the key stakeholders, including the family, directors, and employees. The next 5 years will involve the management of succession as the two Managing Directors and 1 other director within Barnes Construction will retire. The Chair will guide the business and support the management teams over this important period, ensuring the business continues to grow sustainably, in line with its values for the long term. 

The Barnes Group have consistently grown over many years by adopting a respectful approach to all stakeholders. They take the long-term view to cautiously and steadily grow the business in line with agreed business plans so that all will benefit. This next phase will also see the organisation continue preparation for the eventual transition from a majority family-owned to a majority trust-owned organisation. The Chair will be a key custodian of The Barnes Group values over the transition period.

An outline of responsibilities is summarised below:

• Chair Board meetings on a two monthly cycle. The Barnes Construction, Bower Fuller Board meetings and relevant management meeting take place on the same day. 
• Chair The Barnes Group AGM.
  
  
• Liaison with Divisional Managing Directors:
  • Monthly management team meetings – key decisions are taken through this group.
  • Support on pay review and bonus discussions.
  • Agree direction and priorities relating to business planning.
  • Promote strong relations between divisions.
  • See through succession planned for 2 MD retirements. Ensure continued development of key staff throughout the organisation and, post 2029, support the new director team in early years of establishment.
  • Periodic advice and consultation (EG. recruitment, retention discussions and occasional disciplinary and performance issues).
  • Property matters when relevant.
  • Guardian of values and culture.
  • Build understanding of the clients and project mix (business development contribution not required).
• Liaison with the Finance Director:
  • Regular communication on routine matters and policy development including group staff, remuneration approach, financial plans and budgets, property, and investment matters.
  • Share transactions and dividend planning.
  • Liaison on social events, long service awards.
  • Approach to year-end results and financial reporting.
  • Group charitable donation strategy.
  • Cashflow strategy.
• Director's reviews:
  • Conduct annual and half year reviews. Agree appropriate objectives and bonus award with input from managing directors. The annual reviews will take place in January which is a very busy period.
• Shareholders:
  • Agree appropriate structure to update family shareholders.
  • In due course, input into Share Trust strategy.
  • Awareness of share purchase arrangements within the director and associate director group.
• Health and Safety, Environment and Quality (SHEQ):
  • Build understanding of current challenges and priorities, reporting obligations and legislative framework.
  • Contribution to policy development and communication.
• Limited liability partnerships:
  • Represent TBG investment interest.
• Spend up to 6 days on site visits per year.
• Attend key events (Christmas lunch and summer party).

Personal Qualities and Attributes

We are seeking an experienced professional with broad business experience. An interest in the built environment would be helpful. Board exposure with family and/or management-owned private companies is sought with an interest in supporting a values-led business to be successful and sustainable for the long term.

Experience and attributes sought include:

• A successful business career, with some experience of taking an organisation through periods of change.
• Experience of active succession planning.
• Board experience and some non-executive experience will be helpful.
• Strong financial literacy and a sound understanding of the economic and political environment.
• A strategic thinker. Carefully looking at the big picture, ensuring a steady approach to growth.
• Considered approach to decision making, with company values at the core.
• Calm and thoughtful under pressure.
• Approachable and respectful to all staff, promoting an environment where staff are valued and feel part of the ‘Barnes Group family’.
• A strong sense of fairness and open to alternative views.
• A genuine interest in people - seeking to understand individuals and their motivations.
• A humble, low-key approach and comfortable that slow change is valued.
• An interest in ensuring a positive contribution to the local environment.
• A collaborative approach, giving space to the Managing Directors, supporting them and the organisation to be successful.

Time Commitment is anticipated to be 70 - 80 days per year.