Group Corporate and Governance Senior Legal Counsel - X2

Group Corporate and Governance Senior Legal Counsel – X2

Location: 100VE

Please note: There are 2 positions for this role

JOB PURPOSE

• The role is a part of the Corporate Legal, Governance and Corporate Secretaries team.
• The role has the responsibility for assisting with the management of Unilever’s corporate governance, which includes Unilever’s London, Amsterdam and New York listings and compliance with Unilever’s continuous disclosure and insider trading obligations.
• The role also assists with general corporate matters, which involve working with the M&A team and helping with Treasury legal, Finance, Investor Relations and Reward teams matters.
• As a senior member of the team, the role will provide strategic support to the General Counsel Corporate and Deputy Group Secretary on governance, regulatory and improvement matters.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Stock Exchanges

• Assist with the management of Unilever’s listings on the London Stock Exchange, Amsterdam Stock Exchange and New York Stock Exchange.
• Support on all UK, Dutch and US corporate governance matters including liaising with foreign counsel and Unilever’s share registrar and listing agents.
• Assist with market reporting requirements and drafting, reviewing and releasing stock exchange announcements.
• Support with ensuring Unilever’s compliance with the UK and EU Market Abuse Regulations and listing rules, providing advice where necessary.
• Responsible for emerging risk and compliance considerations.

Board and Unilever Leadership Executive

• Responsible for organising and drafting Board and its Committees’ meeting materials, including agendas, pre-read papers, presentations and minutes.
• Responsible for the maintenance of the online Board portal.
• Assist with advice on regulatory and governance requirements for the Board and its Committees.
• Responsible for appointment documentation of new Directors and helping with considerations around Board succession.
• Assist with creating Director induction programmes and organising Board effectiveness reviews.
• Coordinate the induction and training of Directors, Unilever Leadership Executive members and other officers.
• Work with the Unilever Leadership Executive in relation to Board and Committee planning and logistics.

Annual Reporting and the Annual General Meeting

• Support the drafting and production of the governance section of the yearly annual report in collaboration with other Unilever stakeholders.
• Support with other aspects of the annual report and 20-F delivery including associated filings and compliance with relevant corporate governance legislation.
• Support the drafting of Annual General Meeting documentation and distribution to shareholders.

General Corporate Work

• Assist with governance and corporate support for Unilever’s worldwide corporate transactions including M&A and other major projects.
• Manage coordination and execution with the Treasury team of securities issuances including US and EU bonds.
• Support the management of company share capital, and handle the filing and disclosure of corporate documents and reports with regulators.

Stakeholder Management

• Manage, and act as lead contact for the UK, Dutch and US share registry and responding to retail shareholder queries.
• Monitor shareholder proxy voting guidelines.
• Responsible for maintaining statutory books, including registers of directors, secretaries, and shareholders.
• Ensure the governance pages on Unilever’s external website regarding both Board and Unilever Leadership Executive matters are kept up to date.
• Support Investor Relations as required.

Governance and Developments

• Responsible for monitoring changes in relevant legislation and the regulatory environment and informing the Board and senior management through regular corporate updates.
• Support the development and oversight of systems to ensure the company complies with all applicable codes, in addition to its corporate governance and statutory requirements.

Digital / AI

• Continue to explore and recommend ways to further digitalise and improve ways of working for the team.

ALL ABOUT YOU

• Corporate lawyer with over 4 years plus PQE.
• Solicitor qualified in England and Wales.
• Experience of supporting a FTSE 250 listed company.
• Extensive understanding of the Companies Act 2006, Listing Rules and UK Corporate Governance Code.
• Good financial acumen.
• Proactive approach to governance and ESG issues.
• Ability to handle multiple assignments and manage major projects to successful completion.
• Self-motivated and able to work independently.
• Good verbal and written communication skills and an ability to clearly articulate complex and material issues to senior stakeholders.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work well with people at all levels.
• High attention to detail and a well-organised approach to work.
• Ability to prioritise work, effectively communicate workloads and to work well under pressure.

What we offer

Whilst the role is advertised on a full-time basis, we would be happy to discuss possible flexible working options and what this may look like for you. We strive to achieve a family-friendly and inclusive workplace and to create possibilities for all.

Diversity at Unilever is about inclusion, embracing differences, creating possibilities and growing together for better business performance.

Location

In 2020, Unilever announced the intention to build a new sustainable campus site in Kingston, London to house the employees who currently work in 100 Victoria Embankment in Blackfriars. Most recently, in August 2024, we announced our intention to retain our premises in 100VE until our lease expires in 2027.

About Us

Better Business. Better World. Better You.

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