Deputy Company Secretary

Job Description

The role will play a significant part in shaping the development and future direction of the team, with regards to ensuring that the processes and activities of the Group Company Secretariat Function are effective and efficient, driving a refresh of operationswhere required. It will be an interesting time for the role holder to use their considerable experience of listed companies to help shape the operations, working and structure of the function.RESPONSIBILITIESManagement of the Group Company Secretariat teamDay to day management of all aspects of the work of the Group Company Secretariat team.Acting as Company Secretary of record for the Group’s principal banking subsidiary, Close Brothers LimitedManagement of key external relationships with external providers / suppliersOversight and management of, and liaison with, the registrars, share plan administrators, Employee Share Ownership Trustee and other key Company Secretariat relationships (including Diligent and Blueprint).Group Board and NED SupportWorking with the Company Secretary on the development of agendas for meetings of the Group Board and its Committees (Audit, Risk, Remuneration and Nominations).Day to day oversight and close working with the Senior Company Secretarial Assistant on the preparation and distribution of Board and Board Committee packsShare plans and executive share awardsOwnership of operational processes relating to the Group’s executive (LTIP and Deferred Annual Bonus) and all-employee share plans (SAYE and BAYE).Year-end / annual processesPreparation and ownership of the Company Secretariat timetable for year-end and half-year processes.Responsibility for AGM, including preparation of the AGM circular (and liaison with registrars / printers / mailing house on its distribution to shareholders) and logistical / practical arrangements (overseeing the work of the Company Secretarial Assistantsin this area).Oversight of Corporate Governance developments and implications for the GroupKeeping up to date on corporate governance / legal / regulatory developments relevant to the Group, and advising / updating the Company Secretary.Providing strategic advice and input on the implications of changes for the Group, and on any resulting changes needed to its governance arrangements or processes.Subsidiary governanceBeing a key interface to senior management across the Group in relation to subsidiary and corporate governance matters.Driving corporate governance best practice for Group subsidiariesRegulatory and ComplianceProviding advice on regulatory / company law requirements, including Listing Rules, Disclosure Guidance & Transparency Rules, the Companies Act and the Market Abuse RegulationPeopleRecruit, train and employ high calibre employees within budget, headcount levels and temporary resource requirements.Coach, mentor, and develop staff, including overseeing new employee onboarding and providing career development planning and opportunities.Provide oversight and direction to employees in accordance with the firms policies, procedures, standards and SLAs.Developing Our People:as a line manager, you will be responsible for inspiring and motivating your team, as well as developing performance through coaching. You will encourage your team to take responsibility for their own personal development and providesupport through regular feedback.WE WOULD LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU IF:A qualified company secretary with significant experience in a UK listed company environment (current member of ICSA or equivalent)Experience and proven ability to lead and manage the day to day operations of a listed company secretarial teamAbility to combine effective delivery of the operational activities of the Company Secretariat function with providing input on the strategic direction / operation of the teamExpert on company secretarial and company law matters (including Listing Rules, DTRs and MAR)Understanding of requirements / expectations and developments in the listed company and corporate governance fieldsDeep knowledge of the operation of listed company share plans (LTIP, DAB, SAYE and BAYE), including grant, vesting, call and sale activity, and experience of liaising with external auditors and other internal functions (including HR / Reward and Finance) onrelevant mattersBroad experience of dealing with key external suppliers / providers to a listed company secretarial team (including registrars and share plan administrators)Excellent planning and organisational skills, and a positive, enthusiastic “can do” attitudeExperience of dealing with NEDs and senior stakeholders (including executive directors)Proven communication skills, with an ability to influence decisions at a senior levelExcellent presentation and drafting skills and a proven flair for identifying and analysing issues to provide swift, accurate and clear adviceIT IS NOT ESSENTIAL BUT IT WOULD BE GREAT IF YOU:Experience within a listed financial services organisation.Experience of working alongside a Company Secretary who combines that role with other responsibilities (in this case, responsibilities as a Head of Legal).Legally qualified (including non-practising solicitor)