The Non-Executive Director Appointment

Background to the appointment

Frederic Smart are a small, yet growing business with ambitious plans to grow within the logistics sector. The current board is made up of the CEO (also the majority shareholder) and the CFO. While they have previously benefited from informal support from a board advisor with M&A experience, they are now looking to bring in more consistent, structured input at board level.

The business is due to complete a restructure this summer that separates it from an agricultural trading division, allowing full focus on growth within logistics. With strong ambitions for the future, they are looking to appoint a Non-Executive Director who can bring relevant sector insight, challenge, and fresh thinking to help guide and support this next stage.

The successful individual will act as a sounding board to the leadership team—offering constructive challenge, taking the time to understand how the current business operates and supporting strategic decision-making. They will bring valuable external perspective on market trends and potential partnerships, as well as connections within the sector.

As the business scales, there is an ambition to gradually introduce more structure and discipline to board meetings and governance, while preserving the entrepreneurial, agile culture that has driven their success to date.

This role would suit someone who enjoys working closely with a small leadership team, adding value through experience, insight, and challenge—ultimately helping the business unlock its full potential.

Key Responsibilities

• Contribute to shaping the company’s strategic direction, with a focus on scaling the logistics business.
• Provide independent and constructive challenge, acting as a sounding board for the senior leadership team.
• Leverage industry experience to identify growth opportunities, including potential mergers and acquisitions.
• Offer insights and guidance on market expansion, operational efficiency, and financial performance.  
• Introduce relevant industry contacts and partnerships to support business development.
• Oversight of governance and regulatory compliance whilst ensuring risks are understood.
• Champion the company’s values and culture.

Person Specification

• Significant senior leadership or board-level experience within the logistics sector. Previous Non-Executive Director experience is desirable but not essential.
• Strong strategic acumen, with sound judgement and the ability to advise, guide, and challenge key business decisions.
• A proven track record of driving growth and transformation within the logistics sector; M&A experience is advantageous.
• Inclusive and thoughtful communication style, with the ability to ask insightful questions and encourage consideration of alternative strategies.
• Alignment with Frederic Smart’s values and a strong appreciation of its family-oriented, loyal culture. Willingness to support succession planning, cultural development, and employee engagement.
• A strong network of industry connections, with the ability to facilitate strategic introductions.
• A commitment to high ethical standards and a sound understanding of corporate governance and regulatory frameworks.

Commitment and Reward

The expected time commitment is approximately 20 days per year.

The proposed remuneration is £30,000 per annum.