Company Secretary

This is an exciting and rare opportunity to join the Executive team with one of Northern Ireland’s leading service sector companies.  Northern Ireland Electricity Networks (NIE Networks) is the owner of the electricity transmission and distribution networks in Northern Ireland, transporting electricity to over 895,000 customers including homes and businesses.

Position Description

A member of the Executive Committee, the Company Secretary will participate in the effective leadership of the NIE Networks business and supports the Chair, the Board and the Executive Committee in exercising their statutory, governance and compliance responsibilities. 

The position reports to the Chair of the Board on all matters relating to corporate governance and responsibilities which concern the whole Board and to the Managing Director in relation to other responsibilities.

Key Responsibilities

The successful candidate will lead a small Company Secretariat team and be responsible for:

• Supporting the Chair to ensure the effective functioning of the Board and Board Committees.
• Ensuring high standards of corporate governance in NIE Networks.
• Developing and executing NIE Networks’ governance, compliance, and ethics policies, in conjunction with other functions as appropriate.
• Providing authoritative advice to the Chair and to the Board on matters of Company Law, Statutory Compliance, and best practice in Corporate Governance.
• Ensuring NIE Networks and its subsidiary companies comply with their reporting obligations as required by the relevant Company Law, Regulations, Codes and Rules.
• Working with the Executive Committee to contribute to the development and execution of NIE Networks’ Strategy and Business Plans.
• Supporting the Managing Director to ensure the effective functioning of the Board’s Executive Committee.
• Liaising with NIE Networks’ parent company on governance matters and ensuring compliance with NIE Networks’ regulatory regime as an independent business within the ESB Group.

Other than the core responsibilities of the Company Secretary, the position’s responsibilities may develop or change over time dependent on NIE Networks’ requirements and organisational structure.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

It is essential that the successful candidate:

• Is an experienced professional capable of discharging the role of Company Secretary in a large private company with external shareholders.
• Possesses and demonstrates a thorough understanding of and extensive experience in the application of good practice corporate governance and compliance with governance codes, regulatory compliance, or other relevant procedures.
• Demonstrates the capacity to operate and influence effectively at Executive and Board level.
• Has a proven track record of senior level managerial and administrative achievement;
• Has excellent organisational, interpersonal and communication skills (written and oral).

Qualifications

A relevant professional qualification e.g., corporate governance, law, accounting

Key Personal Requirements

The person appointed will be delivery focussed and will have the required interpersonal, communication, leadership, and stakeholder management skills to contribute effectively to the leadership of the NIE Networks business . In addition must demonstrate the following core competencies:

• Strong organisation and detail-oriented skills
• Effective multi-tasking skills 
• Be an effective team player
• Highly effective communication skills (written and oral)
• An excellent and resourceful problem solver
• Sound judgment, confidentiality & discreetness where appropriate
• Ability to perform well under pressure and operate effectively within tight timeframes

Application and Selection Process

For a candidate briefing pack on the role, please email: applications@clarendonexecutive.com or for a confidential discussion please contact Joanne McAuley in strictest confidence on 07834321139 during office hours.

Closing date for this role is 12 noon Monday 25th October 2021

NIE Networks is an equal opportunities employer and Clarendon Executive are acting as an agent on their behalf