At a Glance
- Tasks: Support UK subsidiaries with company secretarial duties and governance advice.
- Company: Join American Express, a leader in financial services with a strong legal team.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salaries, bonuses, flexible working, and comprehensive health benefits.
- Other info: Great career development opportunities in a dynamic environment.
- Why this job: Be part of transformative legal governance at a renowned global company.
- Qualifications: Qualified Company Secretary or Solicitor with board meeting experience.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
The General Counsel’s Organization (GCO) is American Express’ legal and government affairs departments, along with the Corporate Secretary's Office (which is responsible for interactions with our Board of Directors). They are responsible for protecting and strengthening American Express through world‑class expertise and strategic advice that helps our business partners manage risk, identify opportunities, and deliver on the Company’s promise of exceptional products and services. This is a real opportunity to help transform the approach for the company secretarial and legal entity governance support function in this region for American Express during a time of exceptional change.
Forming part of the in‑house legal department of American Express (known as the General Counsel’s Organization) in the Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) region, this role will help to provide company secretarial administration support for American Express subsidiaries in the UK. The role will report to the UK Company Secretary in the American Express General Counsel’s Organization.
Responsibilities
- Assist the UK secretariat for main American Express operating companies in the UK
- Providing Company Secretarial support to UK subsidiaries, which includes setting the agenda, independently attending board and committee meetings and drafting minutes
- Creation and collation of board and committee packs
- Effecting relevant corporate filings and updates as required for UK and European subsidiaries, branches of foreign companies established in the UK and working with internal stakeholders and outside counsel for filings relevant to local subsidiaries (and branches in other countries in the EMEA region)
- Maintain statutory records and registers and submit statutory returns
- Drafting board and shareholder resolutions
- Providing governance advice to UK boards and key stakeholders
- Assisting on board effectiveness reviews
- Enhancing and uplifting governance including drafting governance documentation and compliance with terms of reference
- Tracking board and committee activities including updates on actions, monitoring attendance etc
- Providing board trainings as required
- Providing legal and governance advice
Qualifications
- Qualified Company Secretary, Qualified UK Solicitor or equivalent qualification
- Experience of independently attending board meetings and providing advice to board directors
- Excellent record‑keeping skills with the ability to minute in great detail
- Experience of working in a similarly sized organisation
- Experience of working with key stakeholders such as the CEO, country manager and C‑Suite staff or equivalent
- Experience of working and advising on governance projects
- Experience of maintaining statutory registers and internal databases such as Diligent
- An excellent team player who is able to work independently when required
- An effective communicator with excellent interpersonal skills
Employment eligibility to work with American Express in the UK is required as the company will not pursue visa sponsorship for these positions.
Benefits
- Competitive base salaries
- Bonus incentives
- Support for financial‑well‑being and retirement
- Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and disability benefits (depending on location)
- Flexible working model with hybrid, onsite or virtual arrangements depending on role and business need
- Generous paid parental leave policies (depending on your location)
- Free access to global on‑site wellness centers staffed with nurses and doctors (depending on location)
- Free and confidential counseling support through our Healthy Minds program
- Career development and training opportunities
Offer of employment with American Express is conditioned upon the successful completion of a background verification check, subject to applicable laws and regulations.
Manager-Legal Affairs employer: American Express
American Express is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of the UK, where you can play a pivotal role in shaping legal governance during a transformative period. With competitive salaries, comprehensive benefits, and a strong focus on employee development, we foster a culture of collaboration and innovation, ensuring that our team members thrive both personally and professionally. Join us to be part of a forward-thinking organisation that values your contributions and supports your career growth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Manager-Legal Affairs
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at American Express on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral, which can really boost your chances.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching American Express’ recent projects and initiatives. Show us that you’re not just interested in the role but also in how you can contribute to their mission and values.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your answers to common interview questions, especially those related to governance and legal affairs. We want to see that you can articulate your experience clearly and confidently.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression and shows us that you’re genuinely interested in the position.
We think you need these skills to ace Manager-Legal Affairs
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Manager-Legal Affairs role. Highlight your relevant experience in company secretarial support and governance, as this will show us you understand what we're looking for.
Show Off Your Skills:Don’t hold back on showcasing your record-keeping skills and your ability to minute meetings in detail. We want to see how your expertise can contribute to our team and help us manage risk effectively.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon where possible. This will help us quickly grasp your qualifications and fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the position. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at American Express
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in company secretarial practices and legal governance. Brush up on the latest regulations and how they apply to American Express, especially in the UK and EMEA region. This will show that you’re not just interested in the role but also committed to staying informed.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past roles where you’ve successfully managed board meetings or provided governance advice. Highlight your experience with statutory records and how you’ve improved processes in previous positions. This will help demonstrate your capability to handle the responsibilities of the role.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Think about how you can effectively communicate with key stakeholders like the CEO and C-Suite staff. Be ready to discuss how you’ve navigated complex relationships in the past and how you plan to build rapport within American Express. This is crucial for a role that involves advising boards and directors.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions that reflect your understanding of the company’s current challenges and opportunities in governance. This could include inquiries about their approach to board effectiveness reviews or how they envision the future of legal affairs at American Express. It shows you’re proactive and genuinely interested in contributing to their success.