Mark Knight
Doncaster,South Yorkshire
Summary
Executive leader with over 30 years of experience in decision-making, board governance, and strategic leadership. Expertise in mergers and acquisitions, diversity advocacy, and operational excellence. Proven ability in financial management, P&L oversight, and change management, driving organizational success and sustainable growth through effective team development and customer satisfaction.
Overview
39
39
years of professional experience
42
42
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Chief Executive Officer
Gleeson Homes Limited
Sheffield, South Yorkshire
07.2022 - 06.2026
- Executed corporate social responsibility initiatives, strengthening public image and reputation.
- Ensured financial stability through rigorous budget management practices.
- Fostered employee morale with proactive communication and effective leadership.
- Developed sustainable partnerships to enhance industry relationships.
- Oversaw risk management strategies to mitigate potential business threats.
- Implemented operational efficiencies, streamlining workflow processes.
- Established performance metrics to drive workforce excellence and support organisational growth.
- Championed product innovation for competitive differentiation in marketplace.
Group Managing Director
Gleeson Homes Limited
Sheffield, South Yorkshire
09.2019 - 06.2022
- Managed all people and functional departments at Gleeson Homes, encompassing circa 750 individuals.
- Oversaw complete business operations from land acquisition to final scheme adoptions.
- Restructured organisation into regional management teams supported by a streamlined central service team.
- Implemented growth plans, increasing housing stock from 1,100 to 2,000 by June 2022.
- Navigated Brexit, COVID-19, and market fluctuations to enhance profit and cash flow.
- Developed talent initiatives catering to all skill levels from labourer to RMD.
- Achieved +89% employee engagement through external independent surveys, ranking in upper quartile.
- Secured NHBC PITJ Quality Awards and Seal Success, ensuring compliance with Part L and joining NHQB.
Divisional Chairman
Keepmoat Homes Limited
Doncaster, South Yorkshire
04.2017 - 05.2019
- Managed Northern Division, comprising Yorkshire East, Yorkshire West, North West, North East, and Scotland regions.
- Oversaw board meetings to establish strategic business directions.
- Set annual budgets to enforce fiscal discipline across the division.
- Formulated corporate policies to enhance company reputation for strong governance.
- Developed partnerships with local authorities, DLUHC, registered providers, and stakeholders.
- Led executive team to boost operational efficiency and productivity.
- Implemented compliance systems to mitigate risks effectively.
- Identified and resolved operational issues impacting performance and profitability.
- Set annual budgets to maintain fiscal discipline across departments.
- Enhanced company reputation for strong governance through formulating corporate policies.
- Developed successful partnerships with stakeholders, strengthening external relationships.
Regional Managing Director
Keepmoat Homes Yorkshire
Doncaster, South Yorkshire
06.2012 - 03.2017
- Expanded region from 343 to over 1,000 homes built and sold within three years.
- Led establishment of Sheffield Housing Company, managing board operations for three years.
- Achieved NHBC PITJ QA and Seal Awards, setting a benchmark for quality and customer satisfaction.
- Oversaw daily operations to maintain high productivity levels across teams.
- Implemented OM Sales strategy, improving partnership business effectiveness.
- Successfully divided Yorkshire Region into Yorkshire East and Yorkshire West to enhance land pipeline growth.
- Developed a 'people/team first' culture, nurturing talent development at all skill levels.
- Secured year-on-year Five Star NHBC accreditation for outstanding performance.
- Supported team by demonstrating respect and willingness to help.
Operations Director/RMD
Miller Homes North West Limited
Newton-le-Willows, Lancashire
09.2010 - 06.2012
- Led the acquisition of McInerny Homes, integrating schemes into NW and Y businesses.
- Transformed regional culture, overcoming previous leadership challenges.
- Guided cross-functional teams to boost productivity and revenue.
- Aligned departmental goals with overall company objectives for cohesive direction.
- Focused on quality and customer satisfaction, achieving industry-leading NHBC RI's.
- Secured Five Star accreditation annually for consistent excellence.
- Achieved NHBC PITJ National Award in Large Builder Category.
- Restored operational profit post-2007 market downturn.
Commercial Director
Miller Homes Yorkshire Limited
Wakefield, West Yorkshire
07.2007 - 10.2010
- Produced and implemented strategic commercial plans to enhance profit and achieve organisational objectives.
- Optimised supply chain management to establish an efficient operational system.
- Streamlined processes to improve workflow efficiency across teams.
- Led negotiations for key contracts with major suppliers to secure advantageous terms.
- Fostered a culture of continuous improvement within the commercial team, enhancing overall performance.
- Managed multiple partner relationships and internal projects in a fast-paced environment.
- Introduced an employee coaching programme to elevate engagement and performance levels.
- Conducted audits and risk assessments to ensure compliance with regulatory standards.
Deputy Managing Director/Land Director
David Wilson Homes Yorkshire Limited
Leeds, West Yorkshire
01.2006 - 06.2007
- Facilitated training programmes to enhance employee skills and capabilities.
- Streamlined operational processes, resulting in improved company performance.
- Oversaw financial operations to ensure fiscal control and profitability.
- Promoted a culture of continuous improvement to drive operational excellence.
- Land focus as part of the DWH RMD Leadership Program.
- Integration of DWH into Barratt Homes include Kings Oak.
Commercial Director
David Wilson Homes Yorkshire Limited
Leeds, West Yorkshire
02.2003 - 12.2005
- Oversaw operational activities to align with business goals effectively.
- Implemented strategic commercial initiatives, boosting team performance significantly.
- Optimised supply chain management for enhanced operational efficiency.
- Negotiated key contracts with major suppliers to secure favourable terms.
- Established cost control measures, improving financial efficiency substantially.
- Fostered continuous improvement culture within commercial team.
- Managed multiple partner relationships and internal projects in a dynamic environment.
Commercial Manager/Director
Consort Homes Ltd
Leeds, West Yorkshire
02.1998 - 12.2003
- Initiated new business opportunities, expanding the company's client base.
- Introduced systems/IT progression, operational process and procedures.
- Fostered a collaborative work environment to encourage team productivity.
- Responsible for commercial, buying, build and customer teams.
- Helped create a strong Regional brand and respected SME.
- Cost management from land appraisal to adoption.
Quantity Surveyor/Senior Quantity Surveyor
Tay Homes Yorkshire Ltd
Leeds, West Yorkshire
01.1993 - 01.1998
- Facilitated effective communication among stakeholders to enhance project collaboration.
- Conducted comprehensive cost analyses for resource allocation and budgeting.
- Streamlined procurement processes, achieving significant cost savings.
- Oversaw budget control from inception to final account closure.
- Managed cost control and system development to optimise resource use.
- Addressed disputes resolution efficiently, minimising project disruption.
- Coordinated with subcontractors to obtain quotes for specialised services.
- Prepared detailed initial budgets and cost plans during project planning stages.
Quantity Surveyor
Barratt Leeds Limited
Idle, Bradford, West Yorkshire
01.1990 - 12.1992
- Handled disputes resolution processes efficiently, minimising disruption to projects.
- Collaborated with architects and engineers to develop detailed project plans.
- Evaluated bids from contractors and subcontractors to ensure value for money.
- Streamlined procurement processes, resulting in significant cost savings.
- Regional responsibility for JCT contracts/specialist D&B projects.
- Budget and valuation responsibility upto final account.
- On site LO trade weekly cost management.
- Mentor to trainee QS's
Trainee QS/Assistant QS
Markham Olley Partnership (Markham Millard & Pts)
Sheffield, South Yorkshire
07.1987 - 12.1989
- Executed daily duties with accuracy and efficiency.
- Acquired and applied new skills to enhance productivity.
- Delivered tasks consistently within tight deadlines.
- Managed refurb portfolio, overseeing budget, valuations, and final account.
- Demonstrated respect and willingness to assist colleagues and learn.
- Adapted to flexible hours, including nights and weekends.
- Arrived punctually at work, prepared to commence immediately.
- Exhibited energy and enthusiasm in a fast-paced environment.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Quantity Surveying
University of Salford
Salford 09.1989 - 06.1991
Higher National Diploma - Building Studies
Chesterfield College
Chesterfield 09.1987 - 06.1989
ONC - Building Studies
Chesterfield College
Chesterfield 09.1986 - 06.1987
GCSEs - Art
Myers Grove School
Sheffield 09.1980 - 06.1985
GCSEs - English Language
Myers Grove School
Sheffield 09.1980 - 06.1985
GCSEs - Geography
Myers Grove School
Sheffield 09.1980 - 06.1985
GCSEs - Maths
Myers Grove School
Sheffield 09.1980 - 06.1985
GCSEs - Technical Drawing
Myers Grove School
Sheffield 09.1980 - 06.1985
GCSEs - Woodwork
Myers Grove School
Sheffield 09.1980 - 06.1985
CSE - English Literature
Myers Grove School
Sheffield 09.1980 - 06.1985
CSE - Physics
Myers Grove School
Sheffield 09.1980 - 06.1985
Skills
- Decision-making expertise
- Executive presence
- Board governance and leadership
- Influential networking
- Mergers and acquisitions strategy
- Diversity advocacy
- Leadership excellence
- Ethical responsibility
- Strategic visioning
- Relationship management
- Business development
- Strategic planning
- Financial management
- Operations management
- P&L oversight
- Operational leadership and oversight
- Change management
- Strategy implementation
- Forecasting
- Sales growth strategies
- Budget planning
Affiliations
- Golf
- Motorsport
- Football
- Swimming
- Dogs/walking
- Vice Chair of School Governors Board - Astrea Academy Woodfields, Doncaster
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Chief Executive Officer
Gleeson Homes Limited
07.2022 - 06.2026
Group Managing Director
Gleeson Homes Limited
09.2019 - 06.2022
Divisional Chairman
Keepmoat Homes Limited
04.2017 - 05.2019
Regional Managing Director
Keepmoat Homes Yorkshire
06.2012 - 03.2017
Operations Director/RMD
Miller Homes North West Limited
09.2010 - 06.2012
Commercial Director
Miller Homes Yorkshire Limited
07.2007 - 10.2010
Deputy Managing Director/Land Director
David Wilson Homes Yorkshire Limited
01.2006 - 06.2007
Commercial Director
David Wilson Homes Yorkshire Limited
02.2003 - 12.2005
Commercial Manager/Director
Consort Homes Ltd
02.1998 - 12.2003
Quantity Surveyor/Senior Quantity Surveyor
Tay Homes Yorkshire Ltd
01.1993 - 01.1998
Quantity Surveyor
Barratt Leeds Limited
01.1990 - 12.1992
Bachelor of Science - Quantity Surveying
University of Salford
09.1989 - 06.1991
Higher National Diploma - Building Studies
Chesterfield College
09.1987 - 06.1989
Trainee QS/Assistant QS
Markham Olley Partnership (Markham Millard & Pts)
07.1987 - 12.1989
ONC - Building Studies
Chesterfield College
09.1986 - 06.1987
GCSEs - Art
Myers Grove School
09.1980 - 06.1985
GCSEs - English Language
Myers Grove School
09.1980 - 06.1985
GCSEs - Geography
Myers Grove School
09.1980 - 06.1985
GCSEs - Maths
Myers Grove School
09.1980 - 06.1985
GCSEs - Technical Drawing
Myers Grove School
09.1980 - 06.1985
GCSEs - Woodwork
Myers Grove School
09.1980 - 06.1985
CSE - English Literature
Myers Grove School
09.1980 - 06.1985
CSE - Physics
Myers Grove School
09.1980 - 06.1985