Head of Company Secretary

We’re looking for someone who is dynamic to join our Corporate Governance team as a Head of Company Secretary (CoSec) in either Salford Quays, Manchester, or Haywards Heath, West Sussex. Leading on and providing full Company Secretarial duties for the First Central Group (FCG), you’ll ensure the group complies with its legal requirements as well as maintain its high standards of corporate governance.

Leading on key initiatives to continually enhance FCG’s corporate governance and strategy, you’ll be the go-to person, providing expert advice to support the effective governance of the Group.  You’ll also support the Legal Director in all relevant duties and activities across the Group including reviewing Board and Executive meeting submissions for quality and timeliness.

To be successful in this role, you’ll need to have:

• Knowledge of FCA rules, regulations, principles and codes of practice and to keep awareness up to date
• Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators qualification(s)
• Extensive experience delivering to exacting standards for Board Directors and Executives

Job responsibilities

• Act as liaison to the Group’s Directors, Executive Management and Senior Leadership
• Lead on key initiatives to enhance and continually enhance FCG’s corporate governance and strategy
• Lead on the adherence of the Group to relevant company law across its jurisdictions
• Lead on the coordination and administration of all Group Board, Committee and Executive meetings
• Assist the Group’s Directors in their understanding of the relevant regulatory and corporate governance structures and the rules with which they must comply, and to assist with specific internal training if required
• Manage new Director induction, development and mentoring programmes
• Coordinate and provide exacting level of quality assurance in the preparation and finalisation of Board and Executive meeting papers
• Provide expert advice to support the effective governance of the Group
• Support the assessment of Board effectiveness and lead on the implementation of performance improvement plans
• Ensure Group Directors have a robust understanding of the statutory implications of any proposals made to the Board
• Oversee and lead the organisation and preparation of agendas for all Board, Committee and Executive meetings as well as annual general meetings (AGMs)

Skills, knowledge & experience

• Strong experience of corporate governance, administration and management
• Proven track record of leading a team in a fast-paced environment
• Experience of working in the general insurance industry and financial services
• Previous experience in overseeing and administering of Boards and Committees in multi-jurisdictional environments
• Qualification in Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators
• Overview knowledge of other legislations (i.e. Companies Act, Health and Safety at Work Act)
• Knowledge of the legal responsibilities of both Directors and Companies in the UK
• Investigative and intuitive mindset to problem solve with the ability to find solutions
• Excellent organisational and time management skills with the ability to meet tight deadlines
• Personable and effective stakeholder engagement with Executives and Directors

What can we do for you? 

We believe we can offer you a great working environment as we’re so passionate about our people. Here are just some of the benefits and perks that we offer…

• Fantastic training and development opportunities
• Employee benefit packages to suit your lifestyle
• Flexible working
• YOUday – we give you an extra day off to celebrate a special day
• The opportunity to take a paid day off each year to do charity work
• A health cash plan
• Help with travel expenses
• The opportunity to buy additional holiday
• Company pension scheme
• Group life assurance
• Enhanced maternity and paternity pay
• Professional subscription fees paid
   

Employee wellbeing is high on the agenda here too. We provide a weekly free fruit delivery, discounted membership at a local health club and access to an Employee Assistance Programme, which promotes physical and emotional wellbeing at work and at home. In addition, we provide wellbeing events throughout the year to support physical and mental health.

For further information on what we can offer and to learn more about this role, feel free to contact our dedicated Recruitment team.

So, if you’re up for the challenge and would like to join our vibrant and busy team, we want to hear from you today.

We pride ourselves on being a great place to work. Check out our Glassdoor page to see what our employees think about working here.