This job is with St. James's Place, an inclusive employer and a member of myGwork – the largest global platform for the LGBTQ+ business community. Please do not contact the recruiter directly.
The role
Operating at the heart of the organisation, this role partners with senior executives to promote strong governance, accountability and effective decision‑making across the Group.
As Senior Assistant Company Secretary, you'll support the Deputy Company Secretary in delivering the Group's corporate governance responsibilities and act as secretary to Boards and Board Committees across the SJP Group, as appropriate. You'll play a key role in ensuring board‑level governance is robust, efficient and aligned with regulatory expectations and the needs of a listed, regulated financial services group.
Working closely with the Deputy Company Secretary and Head of Subsidiary Governance, you'll help operate and embed the Group Governance Framework. You'll partner closely with our Risk Division, bringing credibility, pragmatism and the ability to influence at senior levels to resolve issues.
What you'll be doing:
Group corporate governance
* Ensure compliance with relevant legislation, regulation and governance standards, including the Companies Act, MAR, UK Listing Rules and Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules.
* Monitor regulatory and legislative change, assessing impact and overseeing implementation of required updates.
* Provide company secretarial and governance support to Group Board Committees and Tier 2 subsidiaries and oversee support to Tier 3 subsidiaries, as applicable.
* Act as a trusted subject‑matter expert, advising Boards, directors and senior stakeholders on governance frameworks, processes and reporting.
Governance Officer responsibilities
* Act as the primary Company Secretarial business partnering contact for a Tier 2 subsidiary and/or Group Finance, Risk and People functions.
* Advise Tier 2 subsidiary CEOs, Group CFO, CRO and Chief People Officer, as applicable, on governance matters.
* Support effective information flow and escalation between Tier 2 ExCo, Tier 2 Boards, the Group Board and its committees.
* Enable alignment between Accountable Executives and Boards, ensuring effective executive and board interaction.
Corporate administration
* Oversee the maintenance of statutory records for Group companies.
* Support strong governance controls and processes within the Company Secretariat.
Shareholder, investor and reporting support
* Contribute to the governance sections of the Group and subsidiary Annual Reports and key corporate disclosures, ensuring clarity, compliance and continuous improvement.
* Manage day‑to‑day relationships with key service providers, including the Group's Share Registrar.
* Support the delivery of shareholder meetings, including the PLC AGM.
* Ensure insider lists are maintained in line with Market Abuse Regulation requirements.
What we're looking for:
* Fully qualified Chartered Secretary, with experience in a Company Secretariat or Governance team within financial services.
* Strong experience supporting boards and board committees within a large group, possibly with a listed parent.
* Broad technical and working knowledge of:
Ø UK corporate law, listing requirements and governance codes, with awareness of wider international regimes.
Ø Market Abuse Regulation, executive remuneration and share plans.
Ø Governance risk, controls, regulatory expectations and executive decision‑making.
* Confident applying and interpreting legislation and regulation in real‑world scenarios.
* Highly organised and self‑directed, able to manage multiple priorities and deliver to tight deadlines.
* A collaborative leader who provides direction and fosters a high‑performing team culture.
* Strong interpersonal and influencing skills, with the ability to engage credibly and inclusively at all levels.