Copy of Group Company Secretary

Are you looking for a varied and strategic Group Company Secretary vacancy? DMJ are working with an established manufacturing group in their search for their next Company Secretary.

The role reports directly into the board as their trusted advisor on governance. The role also has operational oversight over the governance, pensions, risk and IT departments. Day-to-day experience is not required in all areas, a strong management style and genuine interest in variety outside of pure governance related work is. 

Company Secretarial Duties
a.To ensure that the Company, its Board and Management are compliant with all secretarial standards.
b.Provide Directors and Management with the guidance required in exercising powers and discharging their duties and responsibilities.
c.Ensuring that corporate Registers, statutory books and Companies House filings are submitted in good time and kept up to date.
d.Manage the share register, process transfers and arrange the payment of dividends.
e.Advising on and assisting in the preparation of papers and resolutions for AGM and Board Meetings, and other ad-hoc meetings of Directors as required.
f.Convening Meetings, preparing agenda's and minuting proceedings of the AGM and Board Meetings.
g.Support the Chairman on specific projects affecting the business.
h.Instructing external counsel within terms of applicable policies.
i.Manage fees for external consultants and counsel.
j.Keeping up to date with regulatory and statutory changes and policies which may affect the Group.
k.Ensuring Corporate Policies, including those concerning health and safety, risk management, bribery & corruption, document management & GDPR are maintained current and approved.
l.Providing advice and training on Corporate Governance issues.

Risk Management
a.Work with the insurance broker and insurers in managing the insurance risk and oversee the annual renewal process. Ensure company insurances are appropriate, cost effective and regularly reviewed.
b.Oversight of Health and Safety and ensuring that all reported risks are mitigated.
c.Management of Health & Safety and Security officer and the Health & Safety consultants.
d.Leading on significant contract review and negotiation, e.g. office lease, services contractors.
e.Awareness of governance, legislation potentially affecting the business.
f.Ensure the Group's governance practices and policies remain current and facilitate company-wide adherence.
g.Work with the Finance Director in ensuring that there are robust controls.
h.Identification of business risks and development of an effective risk management strategy.
i.Preparation, testing and maintenance of Business Continuity Plan.

HR & Pensions
a.Through effective and supportive management of the Secretarial Manager, ensure that the Group provides appropriate and supportive HR policies and practices.
b.Work with HR lawyers to introduce new contracts of employment and improved HR Management
c.Manage the the Group's pension arrangements. Work with external consultants and administrators to ensure that all regulatory requirements are met. Manage the triennial valuation process and ensure that liabilities are recognised.
d.Work with the pension administrators on half yearly trustee meetings.

General requirements
a.Work as part of the senior Management team to take forward the organisation's strategy.
b.Lead on specific designated projects from time to time, including the re-tendering of contracts for external products and services.
c.Always consider and take responsibility for the health and safety of self and others and adhere to health and safety policies and practices at all times.
d.Ensure confidentiality of information acquired during the course of employment at all times.
e.Ensure continued professional development, of self and those in your team, to provide assurance that all staff have up-to-date knowledge and skills.

Experience & Qualifications
a.A qualification with ICSA and a Chartered Secretary and have previously held office as a Company Secretary.
b.Proven experience of assessing business risks.
c.Experience of managing functions.

Personal Qualities

a.Proven ability to manage a team.
b.Proactive, approachable, diplomatic, flexible and able to work independently.
c.Professional in conduct with due regard to confidentiality and discretion.
d.Strong interpersonal and communication skills.