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- Tasks: Lead company secretarial services for investment trusts, ensuring compliance and governance.
- Company: Join BlackRock, a global leader in investment management with $4.5 billion in assets.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible time off, education reimbursement, and comprehensive health resources.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team, influencing investment trust governance and making an impact.
- Qualifications: Qualified Company Secretary with experience in investment trust duties and strong communication skills.
- Other info: Hybrid work model with 4 days in-office and 1 day remote for flexibility.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
BlackRock currently manages and administers 9 investment trust companies (each with a listing on the Premium Segment of the London Stock Exchange) with assets under management of $4.5 billion in aggregate. These companies are supported by BlackRock’s Investment Trust Company Secretariat, a six-strong team which provides high quality, value-add professional company secretarial services and is responsible for ensuring that these companies comply with all legal and regulatory requirements (including Listing Rules, Disclosure and Transparency Rules and the FRC’s UK Corporate Governance Code).
BlackRock is seeking to recruit a qualified Company Secretary to join the Investment Trust Company Secretariat to provide a full range of company secretarial services to BlackRock’s investment trust companies, either as the primary or secondary professional, and to participate in projects as required. It is envisaged that the successful candidate will initially have responsibility for three investment trusts.
Key responsibilities include:
- Taking company secretarial responsibility for certain designated BlackRock investment trusts;
- Providing end-to-end support of the board corporate governance process (agendas/papers/minutes) and advising on best practice;
- Drafting content for closed end investment trust interim and annual reports and coordinating the interim and annual report production process;
- Remaining up to date on all legislative and regulatory changes affecting investment companies and helping the Boards to understand the implications for their company;
- Liaising with Brokers, Registrars, external auditors and other relevant service providers;
- Maintaining investment trust company statutory books and records in good order and ensuring that appropriate Companies House filings are made on a timely basis;
- Implementing corporate actions and restructurings (e.g. share buybacks, share issues, tenders etc);
- Drafting and lodging Stock Exchange announcements as required;
- Working closely with the wider Closed End Funds team and other areas across BlackRock (Legal, Compliance, Risk and Quantitative Analysis, Portfolio Management etc) to ensure that the requirements and expectations of the investment company boards and BlackRock’s commercial objectives are met;
- Responding to shareholder queries;
- Participating in and providing input into BlackRock-wide projects which impact investment trust companies.
Skills / Qualifications:
- Qualified Company Secretary with significant experience of Investment Trust Company Secretarial duties;
- A strong credible personal presence with proven experience of gaining the confidence of experienced Board members through a combination of high quality communication skills, investment trust knowledge and proven delivery capability;
- Strong technical ability and experience to assess and implement the requirements and impact of company law and regulations and changes to both;
- Strong team player who can work with colleagues across multiple departments, and influence a positive outcome for the investment trusts;
- Must be able to demonstrate high standards of excellence and integrity;
- Self-starter who is energetic and enthusiastic, with a track record of continuous delivery;
- Can do attitude to problem solving.
Our benefits:
To help you stay energized, engaged and inspired, we offer a wide range of employee benefits including: retirement investment and tools designed to help you in building a sound financial future; access to education reimbursement; comprehensive resources to support your physical health and emotional well-being; family support programs; and Flexible Time Off (FTO) so you can relax, recharge and be there for the people you care about.
Our hybrid work model:
BlackRock’s hybrid work model is designed to enable a culture of collaboration and apprenticeship that enriches the experience of our employees, while supporting flexibility for all. Employees are currently required to work at least 4 days in the office per week, with the flexibility to work from home 1 day a week. Some business groups may require more time in the office due to their roles and responsibilities. We remain focused on increasing the impactful moments that arise when we work together in person – aligned with our commitment to performance and innovation. As a new joiner, you can count on this hybrid model to accelerate your learning and onboarding experience here at BlackRock.
Contact Detail:
BlackRock Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Vice President – Company Secretary, Investment Trusts
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the investment trust sector. Attend industry events or webinars where you can meet current Company Secretaries and learn about their experiences. This can provide valuable insights and potentially lead to referrals.
✨Tip Number 2
Stay updated on the latest regulatory changes affecting investment trusts. Subscribe to relevant newsletters or join professional associations that focus on company secretarial practices. This knowledge will not only enhance your expertise but also demonstrate your commitment to the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by familiarising yourself with BlackRock’s corporate governance practices and recent projects. Understanding their approach will allow you to tailor your responses and show how your experience aligns with their needs.
✨Tip Number 4
Demonstrate your problem-solving skills during discussions. Be ready to share examples of how you've successfully navigated challenges in previous roles, particularly those related to compliance and governance in investment trusts.
We think you need these skills to ace Vice President – Company Secretary, Investment Trusts
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience as a Company Secretary, particularly in investment trusts. Emphasise your knowledge of company law and regulations, as well as any relevant achievements that demonstrate your ability to support corporate governance processes.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, address how your skills align with the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Mention specific experiences where you successfully managed company secretarial duties or contributed to board governance, showcasing your communication skills and ability to work with senior stakeholders.
Showcase Relevant Qualifications: Clearly state your qualifications as a Company Secretary. If you have any additional certifications or training related to investment trusts or corporate governance, be sure to include these to strengthen your application.
Demonstrate Your Problem-Solving Skills: Provide examples in your application of how you've approached challenges in previous roles. Highlight your 'can do' attitude and any instances where you implemented solutions that positively impacted the investment trusts you worked with.
How to prepare for a job interview at BlackRock
✨Showcase Your Company Secretarial Expertise
Make sure to highlight your qualifications and experience as a Company Secretary, particularly in relation to investment trusts. Be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully managed company secretarial duties and ensured compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.
✨Demonstrate Strong Communication Skills
Since the role involves liaising with various stakeholders, it's crucial to exhibit your communication skills during the interview. Practice articulating complex information clearly and confidently, especially when discussing corporate governance processes and best practices.
✨Stay Updated on Regulatory Changes
Familiarise yourself with the latest legislative and regulatory changes affecting investment companies. Be ready to discuss how these changes impact the role of a Company Secretary and how you would help the Board navigate these challenges.
✨Emphasise Team Collaboration
As a strong team player, be prepared to share examples of how you've worked collaboratively across departments in previous roles. Highlight your ability to influence positive outcomes and contribute to projects that align with the company's objectives.
