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Join the GearForm group and support an employee-owned award-winning enterprise as an independent Chair of Trustees
About Us
GearForm Limited owns and oversees the companies within the GearForm group and is headquartered in Wadhurst, East Sussex. In 2022, the group became an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT), creating a business owned for the benefit of its employees. Today we employ more than 300 people worldwide across the UK, Poland, The Netherlands, USA and Colombia.
Employee ownership is central to how we operate. Our Advisory Council, made up of elected employee representatives from across the group, ensures our employee-owners (who we call Partners) have a voice in shaping our future. We are committed to strengthening employee ownership whilst making a positive contribution to our communities and protecting the environment for future generations.
What We Do
Our businesses are internationally recognised for developing high-performance outdoor products with sustainability at their core. We foster a supportive, flexible working environment where people can do their best work, offering competitive benefits and a hybrid approach to working.
Nikwax Limited develops and manufactures care products and material systems for outdoor clothing, footwear and equipment. By developing and producing our products in-house, we deliver exceptional quality and innovation while keeping sustainability at the heart of everything we do. We are proud to be the only outdoor company to receive both the Queen's Award and the King's Award for Enterprise in Sustainable Development, and have been recognised as one of the Sunday Times Best Places to Work 2025. Since 1977, we have remained committed to reducing our environmental impact and maintaining carbon-balanced operations.
Páramo Limited designs durable, high-performance outdoor clothing that helps people stay comfortable in all conditions. Ethical manufacturing is integral to our business, with our garments produced by our skilled team at our factory in Bogotá, Colombia. This partnership not only delivers exceptional products but also creates meaningful employment opportunities and lasting social impact.
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Join us and become part of a purpose-driven, employee-owned Group with a proud heritage and ambitious future.
The Role
Ensure that the GearForm Employee Ownership Trust is operated for the benefit of the Groups’ employees by overseeing and motivating the Board of Trustees and supporting the CEO ensuring all work to the best of their abilities, therefore supporting GearForm to fulfil its potential and to continue to grow sustainably for the future.
This is a self-employed, fixed-term appointment for an initial three-year term, with the option to renew for a further term by mutual agreement. The role requires approximately one day per month, including quarterly meetings and preparation time. You will be expected to attend our offices in Wadhurst, East Sussex, at least four times a year.
This Role Involves
- Chairing the Board of Trustees meetings effectively, engaging Trustees, and ensuring collective decisions benefit beneficiaries.
- Establishing and building a strong, constructive relationship with the CEO, holding them accountable for objectives whilst supporting them through challenges.
- Appraising the Board of Trustees continuously, identifying competency gaps, and requesting development assistance.
- Facilitating change and resolving conflicts with other governing bodies and wider stakeholders.
- Conducting and leading the annual CEO appraisal and consulting on remuneration.
- Monitoring that decisions taken at meetings are actioned.
- Acting as an organisational figurehead alongside the CEO, focusing on charitable initiatives and the Sustainability Strategy.
- Providing leadership to the business and Board of Directors to realise Employee Ownership Trust (EOT) benefits for the GearForm group.
- Ensuring the Board monitors business risks, including financial stability, cash flow, and capital expenditure.
- Ensuring appropriate documentation is received prior to meetings and highlighting information shortfalls to support informed decision-making.
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You Will Have
- Relevant governance board experience, preferably in employee ownership (EO).
- Proven communication skills and confidence in scrutinising decisions.
- Proven leadership experience, including working in a coaching capacity.
- Experience of developing business strategies.
- A strong understanding of financial and accounting terminology and figures.
- A degree or equivalent level qualification.
We are passionate and committed to being an inclusive and diverse employer, encouraging different perspectives and experiences to make us a more innovative and creative workplace.
The Rewards
- Contribute towards helping to shape the future for our employee owners and wider stakeholders.
- Work with an award-winning international group with values that you can believe in.
- Friendly and informal environment.
- Be part of an employee-owned business where you can clearly see the effect of your efforts.
To Apply
Please send an up-to-date CV and cover letter including details of your daily rate to recruitment@nikwax.co.uk by the 16th August 2026.
Please see our applicant privacy policy here: https://www.nikwax.com/download/JobApplicantPrivacyNotice_20180511.pdf
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