Non Executive Director in Kent, Maidstone

About Make UK

Make UK is the voice of modern British manufacturing — a 130‐year‐strong organisation championing the sector and supporting manufacturers to thrive. We represent businesses of all sizes across the UK, providing advocacy, insight and world‐class support services, engaging with over 27,000 businesses directly and via affiliate partners, including in specialist sectors such as Defence, Steel, Electrify and Aluminium. Make UK is one of the country's most important and prestigious employer associations and has grown its prominence and influence significantly in recent years.

As a member of the senior B5 group of representative bodies alongside the British Chambers of Commerce, Institute of Directors, Federation of Small Businesses and Confederation of British Industry, Make UK engages directly with the Prime Minister and No.10, Cabinet Ministers and the opposition parties on the major issues that drive Britain's economy. Make UK is also a commercial organisation operating highly successful business services. We provide professional support services (advice, consultancy and training) in HR and Employment Law and Environmental, Health and Safety. With a focus on the sector's future skills base, Make UK has established itself as a leading national provider of engineering and manufacturing apprenticeships through its Apprentice Training Centre in Birmingham, as well as owning and operating several award‐winning conference centres in Warwickshire, London and Bristol.

As a not‐for‐profit, member‐led organisation, Make UK plays a dual role:

• Representation & Policy Influence: We advocate for UK manufacturers on the issues that matter most, shaping policy and promoting a competitive, innovative and sustainable industrial base.
• Commercial Services: We deliver HR, employment law, health and safety, sustainability and training services that enable our members to operate effectively and responsibly.

This blend of mission‐driven and commercial activity ensures long‐term financial sustainability, enabling reinvestment in member services and maintaining the strength of the manufacturing voice. Our values underpin everything we do: Inclusivity & Diversity • Integrity • Innovation • Collaboration.

Role

As a Non‐Executive Director of Make UK, you will work closely with fellow Board members, the Chief Executive and the Executive Team to:

• Refine and support the development of Make UK's strategic direction
• Oversee risk, governance and financial stewardship
• Ensure that resources are aligned with Make UK's mission and strategy
• Contribute to the effectiveness of the Board and its committees
• Champion the interests of UK manufacturers and act as an ambassador for the sector

Remuneration & Time Commitment

The appointment will require 12–14 days per year, including Board and Committee meetings, a strategy day and preparation time, as well as occasional evening events. Meetings are held at Broadway House, London SW1, and also at other Make UK venues across the UK. Travelling expenses are covered when attending in person.

Remuneration: £17,000 p.a.

Responsibilities

• Act impartially and in the best interests of Make UK
• Ensure compliance with legal, regulatory and governance requirements
• Provide input into strategy, risk and financial planning
• Scrutinise governance and financial decisions
• Challenge and support the Executive Team
• Ensure performance metrics are appropriate and monitored
• Bring external expertise and an independent perspective
• Participate in mandatory training and performance review
• Uphold Make UK's culture and values

Person Specification

We are seeking an experienced and values‐driven individual with:

• Demonstrable Non‐Executive experience and contribution at Board level
• Strategic thinking and an understanding of the stakeholder landscape for a membership organisation
• Strong communication skills and diplomacy
• Integrity, sound judgement, independence and an objective perspective
• An understanding of the challenges facing UK manufacturing
• Commitment to Make UK's mission and values
• Experience in organisations where there is a balance of commercial and mission‐driven objectives

We are particularly keen to hear from candidates who bring strong governance, oversight and people‐centred leadership skills, with the ability to contribute effectively to areas such as organisational culture, strategic risk, financial stewardship/ audit and international engagement. We are looking to fill two Non‐Executive Director roles, one imminently and one towards the end of the year.

Diversity & Inclusion

Make UK welcomes applications from all backgrounds, especially under‐represented groups.

How to Apply

To apply, please submit a maximum 2‐page CV and a 2‐page covering letter outlining your interest in the role and the skills you would bring to the Board. Please include 2 referees in your application – they will not be contacted without your consent and only if you are shortlisted.

Application deadline: 16 April 2026

Interviews: London, w/c 6 & 8 May 2026