Description
Location:
Belfast
Workplace:
Hybrid
The Opportunity
The Global Corporate Maintenance Solutions (GCMS) Company Secretary will work closely with Tier 1 Corporate Reorganizations group and teams across the Baker McKenzie global network. The GCMS unit offers a dynamic and fast-paced environment where the role holder will have the opportunity to build their professional network and engage directly with some of the world's most influential companies.
Main Responsibilities
* Oversee and coordinate the legal aspects of delivering corporate maintenance services, ensuring high technical standards and consistent service quality. This includes collaborating with GCMS legal professionals and local legal experts worldwide to manage statutory deadlines—such as the filing of annual accounts for clients' entities across jurisdictions
* Handle multi-country changes like director and officer appointments, contribute to the development of know-how and templates in this area, advise clients on compliance issues identified by local counsel, and work with those experts to recommend the most appropriate course of action
* Provide UK Statutory compliance support, including filings with Companies House
* Serve as the primary client contact for GCMS projects when required, taking ownership of client relationship management and ensuring a high standard of service delivery
* Lead the onboarding process for new GCMS clients, work collaboratively with GCMS Legal Professionals and local counsel to conduct entity health checks; escalate any identified compliance issues to the client and recommend appropriate remedial actions
* Stay informed of global legislative and regulatory developments impacting client operations; liaise with local legal experts to advise clients and ensure timely implementation of necessary compliance measures
* Deliver legal training and guidance to corporate maintenance teams across the Baker McKenzie network, as well as to external local counsel and clients
* Partner with the GCMS Associate Director to continuously improve process mapping, operational efficiencies, and best practices; support the rollout of new procedures and ensure clear communication of updated guidance across the network
* Collaborate with the lead instructing office to review and provide input on draft and final client invoices; ensure accuracy and alignment with agreed terms
* Provide minute-taking support for UK boards and committees as needed
* Contribute to annual GCMS pricing reviews and assist in drafting updated client engagement terms in coordination with the lead instructing office
* Support business development initiatives by contributing to pitches, participating in client demonstrations, and offering legal insight and context throughout the process
Skills And Experience
* A qualified secretary with excellent academic credentials (2:1 or above)
* Excellent writing skills and commercial approach
* Relevant experience either working in a law firm or in-house team, or within a Company Secretarial team, or in the management of legal entities
* Can demonstrate maturity and confidence when engaging with individuals at all levels across the Firm, and represent the Firm professionally in interactions with senior client stakeholders
* Excellent written and spoken communication skills
* Pay meticulous attention to detail and a have strong commitment to delivering client-focused service
* Be comfortable with technology and eager to learn new systems and tools
* Be a positive and collaborative team member, actively contribute to group success
* Have strong organizational abilities, with effective prioritization and problem-solving skills
* Capable of managing multiple tasks, meeting deadlines, and performing well under pressure
Working At Baker McKenzie Belfast Center
Baker McKenzie is the world's leading law firm with offices all over the world. Our Belfast Center is home to over 400 colleagues in both legal and professional services.
We offer one of the best workplace benefits packages in the industry, featuring comprehensive private health cover, income protection, life assurance, and a comprehensive employee assistance plan. These and a host of other benefits make us one of the most desirable companies to work for in Belfast.
The new Company Secretary will join our Global Corporate Maintenance Solutions (GCMS) team, which has experienced sustained growth, to support our continued expansion. Established in 2015, our Belfast GCMS was created as an innovative solution to deliver high-quality, consistent, and efficient corporate maintenance services. The GCMS team leverages the extensive expertise of Baker McKenzie offices worldwide to support multinational corporations in meeting their corporate maintenance compliance obligations across all legal entities. In an era of increased compliance scrutiny, we help mitigate risk by ensuring consistent and reliable compliance globally underpinned by the capabilities of a full-service law firm. We collaborate with a diverse portfolio of industry-leading clients. Our deep local legal and business insight, combined with our proven ability to deliver cross-border services, makes us the trusted partner for many of the world's top companies.
Baker McKenzie is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to promoting diversity and inclusion for all. Our unique international culture is reflected in the drawing together of a worldwide family of individuals from diverse cultures and backgrounds in all of our offices. We encourage the best people - regardless of race, religion or belief if any, gender, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation or age - to fulfill their professional aspirations with us. We are committed to ensuring an inclusive and accessible experience for all candidates.