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EMEA Head of Corporate Secretarial / Assistant General Counsel - Legal Department

  • Job
    Full-time
    Expert Level
  • Government & Politics
    Legal
  • London
  • Quick Apply

AI generated summary

  • You should be ICSA qualified or hold a law degree with over 10 years in company secretarial role, strong leadership skills, knowledge of UK and other jurisdictions' laws, and excellent communication abilities.
  • You will oversee legal entity governance, manage teams across EMEA, ensure compliance, coordinate board activities, and collaborate on strategic projects and regulatory requests.

Requirements

  • ICSA qualified and/or graduate with a law degree
  • 10+ years experience in company secretarial preferably with a large, UK regulated financial services firm
  • Proven track record of leadership experience
  • Strong experience of managing people.
  • Strong knowledge of UK company law, corporate governance and applicable financial regulations. Knowledge and experience and/or exposure to company law and governance in Guernsey, Ireland, Luxembourg and Saudi Arabia is ideal
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to engage and influence stakeholders from the first and second line of defence and at various levels across the firm
  • Good experience of working with senior executives at a regional level
  • A record of leading teams including remotely to deliver both business as usual work to a high standard as well as key developments and improvements
  • Organised with strong time management skills, accuracy and attention to detail
  • Knowledge of Diligent Boardbooks and Diligent Entities (Blueprint) would be beneficial
  • Computer literate, particularly with Microsoft Office programmes

Responsibilities

  • Oversight of Legal Entity Governance Across EMEA
  • Manage direct reports in Saudi Arabia, Guernsey, Ireland and the UK and help to oversee the company secretarial function for NT legal entities in those locations plus oversee support to the entity in Luxembourg
  • Establish and maintain a common set of practices, procedures and standards across EMEA
  • Share know-how, training and best practice across the region
  • Work collaboratively with other Company Secretarial colleagues in the US and APAC
  • Board Relationship Management
  • Principal point of contact for Boards, Non-Executive Directors (“NEDs”) and Independent Non-Executive Directors (“INEDs”) and other senior functional and business unit executives
  • Collaborating with internal counsel and where needed external counsel
  • Liaising with the internal audit, external auditors, and other key stakeholders
  • Responsible for onboarding new directors to Boards (including INEDs)
  • Board & Committee Meetings
  • Oversee the production of board packs for meetings and agree the board meeting timetables each year.
  • Oversee the maintenance of the master governance calendar.
  • Attend certain Board and Committee meetings and ensure production of full minutes.
  • Note Action Points arising at board meetings and ensuring their completion by all parties
  • Corporate Governance guidance
  • Review the latest key Corporate Governance guidance and propose enhancements to ensure that Northern Trust continues to meet industry best practice
  • Provide guidance on regulatory, reporting and compliance
  • Monitor changes in corporate law and regulation ensuring all legal entities remain compliant
  • Review policies and procedures and terms of reference for the Boards, Board Committees and other governing body committees
  • Department management
  • Manage a medium-size team across various locations in EMEA – provide leadership and guidance to partners, fostering an environment that encourages partner participation, team work and communication
  • Oversee the establishment and growth of a robust and standardised model of governance support for Boards and Executives across the region
  • Develop and help the department to evolve and share resources and identify efficiencies
  • Other
  • Working collaboratively with the EMEA CAO office (including the Conduct Office) on key strategic projects
  • Assisting in information requests to regulators and external advisors
  • Providing input in respect of legal entity change, regulatory change and any M&A projects impacting NT legal entities in EMEA
  • Maintain bank mandates and/or authorised signatory lists as required
  • Maintain statutory records and ensure timely filing of returns, financial statements and statutory returns

FAQs

What is the job title for this position?

The job title is EMEA Head of Corporate Secretarial / Assistant General Counsel - Legal Department.

Where is this position based?

This position is based in London.

Who will the role holder report to?

The role holder will report into the General Counsel International, who is based in London.

What are the key responsibilities of this role?

The key responsibilities include overseeing legal entity governance, managing board relationships, overseeing board and committee meetings, providing corporate governance guidance, managing the department, and collaborating on strategic projects.

What qualifications are required for this role?

The successful candidate should be ICSA qualified and/or have a law degree, with a minimum of 10 years of experience in company secretarial work, particularly in a UK regulated financial services firm.

Is leadership experience necessary for this position?

Yes, a proven track record of leadership experience and strong experience in managing people is required.

What knowledge is preferred for applicants?

Strong knowledge of UK company law, corporate governance, and applicable financial regulations is required, along with familiarity with regulations in Guernsey, Ireland, Luxembourg, and Saudi Arabia being ideal.

What skills are preferred for candidates?

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, strong organizational skills, time management abilities, accuracy, attention to detail, and proficiency with Microsoft Office programs are preferred.

What tools or software experience is beneficial?

Knowledge of Diligent Boardbooks and Diligent Entities (Blueprint) would be beneficial.

Does Northern Trust value flexibility in the workplace?

Yes, Northern Trust values a flexible and collaborative work culture and encourages discussions about flexible working requirements.

How does Northern Trust support individuals with disabilities?

Northern Trust is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities during the employment process.

What kind of company is Northern Trust?

Northern Trust is a globally recognized, award-winning financial institution with over 130 years of financial experience, serving sophisticated clients with innovative financial services and guidance.

Is experience required in financial services for this role?

Yes, experience in company secretarial work within a large, UK regulated financial services firm is preferred.

Dynamic careers. Brighter futures. Greater possibilities.

Finance
Industry
10,001+
Employees
1889
Founded Year

Mission & Purpose

Northern Trust is a leading global financial services company that offers a comprehensive range of asset servicing, investment management, and banking solutions to individuals and institutions. With a strong emphasis on client-focused services, Northern Trust aims to build enduring partnerships with their clients by providing tailored solutions and exceptional customer experiences. Their expertise in asset management, wealth management, and asset servicing enables them to deliver innovative and reliable financial solutions that help clients grow, preserve, and manage their wealth effectively. As a trusted financial partner, Northern Trust's purpose is to empower their clients to achieve their financial goals and navigate the complexities of the global financial markets with confidence and peace of mind.