📍 UK-wide with monthly attendance in Peterborough 🕒 ~14 days per year 💼 Remuneration: Day rate based on experience
Play a Defining Role in Shaping Leadership Across the UK Food and Horticultural Supply Chain
MDS is a mission-driven, not-for-profit organisation committed to developing the next generation of leaders in the food and horticultural industries. Founded in 1986, we now work in partnership with over 60 member organisations, delivering accredited, high-impact development programmes that prepare talented individuals to lead in one of the UK's most vital and fast-moving sectors.
We are now seeking a Chair of the Board to provide strategic leadership during a pivotal phase of growth and innovation.
The Opportunity
As Chair, you will guide the Board in delivering MDS's mission-ensuring robust governance, strategic alignment and member value across all programmes. You will act as an ambassador for MDS, cultivating relationships across the agri-food industry and mentoring the executive leadership team.
This is a key leadership role requiring strategic oversight, effective facilitation and a passion for talent development.
Key Responsibilities
Lead the Board in fulfilling its governance and strategic oversight responsibilities
Chair Board meetings and facilitate effective, inclusive decision-making
Act as a trusted advisor and sounding board for the CEO, offering support and challenge
Champion MDS's values and promote the organisation externally
Ensure effective evaluation of Board performance and development
Oversee CEO performance reviews and ensure appropriate Board sub-committees are in place (e.g. NomCo, RemCo)
Maintain regular contact with Directors and senior staff to support strategic delivery
Who We're Looking For
We are seeking an experienced and highly credible leader, ideally with deep roots in the UK agri-food industry - someone who understands the unique dynamics of the food supply chain and brings a strong, active network they can leverage to support MDS's mission and visibility.
The ideal candidate will be a natural ambassador: passionate about developing people, championing opportunity and promoting the value that MDS brings to individuals, businesses and the sector as a whole. You will have the presence and influence to represent MDS confidently across a wide range of audiences from Boardrooms to industry forums.
Strong strategic and governance capabilities, with sound judgement and facilitation skills
A deep personal commitment to talent development and supporting early-career professionals
A track record of promoting initiatives or organisations with enthusiasm and credibility
Experience mentoring or advising executive leaders
High emotional intelligence, with the ability to bring people together and drive consensus
A genuine belief in the MDS mission and the ability to amplify its reach and impact
Term and Remuneration
Approx. 14 days per year
Includes 1 day/month in Peterborough and time for quarterly Board meetings
Day rate based on experience
One-year renewable term, up to a maximum of six years
How to Apply
If you're a strategic, people-focused leader who shares our passion for developing the future leaders of the UK food and horticultural industries, we'd love to hear from you.
To express interest or arrange a confidential conversation, please contact Lucy at MorePeople who will be managing all applications on 01780 480530 or email lucy@morepeople.co.uk.
