At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead governance across a diverse portfolio of over 50 entities and ensure compliance.
- Company: Join a major public sector organisation with a focus on strategic governance.
- Benefits: Competitive day rate, predominantly remote work, and potential contract extension.
- Other info: Opportunity to influence a complex corporate portfolio and develop your career.
- Why this job: Shape governance practices and engage with senior leaders for real impact.
- Qualifications: Experience in governance roles and strong knowledge of UK corporate governance.
Interim Group Company Secretary
£900-£1,000 per day (Inside IR35) | 6-12 Month Contract | Predominantly Remote | Ideally 1 Day per Week Onsite - West Midlands
Are you an experienced governance professional looking for a rare opportunity to influence governance across a large and complex portfolio of organisations?
We are seeking an accomplished
Interim Group Company Secretary to provide strategic governance oversight across a significant portfolio of more than 50 entities, including wholly owned subsidiaries, joint ventures and special purpose vehicles.
This is a high-profile role operating at group level, working on behalf of a major public sector shareholder to ensure robust governance, compliance and assurance arrangements are in place across the portfolio.
This is not a traditional company secretary position aligned to a single organisation.
Instead, you will act as the central governance lead across the wider group, engaging with boards, executive teams and stakeholders to drive consistency, transparency and best practice.
The Role
Reporting into senior leadership, you will be responsible for coordinating governance activities across a diverse portfolio and acting as the key link between the shareholder and individual organisations.
Key responsibilities include
- Providing group-wide governance oversight and assurance across multiple entities.
- Ensuring compliance with the Companies Act 2006, governance frameworks and regulatory requirements.
- Developing and maintaining governance policies, procedures and frameworks.
- Coordinating Companies House filings and statutory compliance activities.
- Supporting shareholder governance processes and reserved matters approvals.
- Advising senior stakeholders on governance, board effectiveness and conflicts of interest.
- Monitoring governance risks and escalating issues where appropriate.
- Supporting audit, risk and assurance arrangements across the portfolio.
- Building strong relationships with company secretariats, boards and executive leadership teams.
About You
We are looking for an experienced governance professional with the credibility and confidence to operate at senior executive and board level.
You will ideally have
- CGI qualification (fully or part qualified) or equivalent governance expertise.
- Significant experience as a Company Secretary or in a senior governance role.
- Strong knowledge of the Companies Act 2006 and UK corporate governance principles.
- Experience managing governance across complex organisations or multi-entity structures.
- Excellent stakeholder management and influencing skills.
- Strong communication skills with the ability to produce high-quality reports, papers and briefings.
- Experience operating within highly regulated or politically sensitive environments.
What's on Offer?
- Day rate of
6-12 month contract with potential for extension.
- Predominantly remote working , with an expectation of approximately one day per week onsite .
- Opportunity to shape governance across a substantial and varied corporate portfolio.
- Exposure to senior leaders, boards and key decision-making forums.
- A role with genuine impact and strategic importance.
Interim Company Secretary Inside IR35 employer: Cedar Careers
As a leading PE-backed services group based in Leeds, we pride ourselves on fostering a dynamic work culture that encourages innovation and collaboration. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through tailored development programmes and opportunities to lead transformative finance initiatives, making us an excellent employer for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers in finance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Interim Company Secretary Inside IR35
✨Leverage Your Network
Tap into your existing network in corporate circles—friends, former colleagues, or even acquaintances from industry events. A temporary role often isn't widely advertised, so having someone inside a company like Cedar Careers can give you the inside scoop or even a referral.
✨Stay Alert for Short-term Opportunities
Many corporate leadership roles are filled during peak business cycles or project launches. Keep your eyes peeled for announcements or staffing needs from companies like Cedar Careers; they might be looking for temporary support during busy times.
✨Showcase Your Flexibility
In temporary roles, adaptability is key. When you're chatting with potential employers, emphasise your ability to quickly adjust to new challenges and demands. Highlight specific instances where you've successfully managed change or stepped into new projects on short notice.
✨Join Corporate Management Forums
Get involved in online corporate management forums or local business groups. Networking in these spaces can help you discover temporary opportunities as well as gather insights about industry trends. Plus, being active in these communities can help you establish yourself as a knowledgeable candidate when applying to places like Cedar Careers.
We think you need these skills to ace Interim Company Secretary Inside IR35
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Leadership Experience:For a role in corporate leadership management, it’s crucial to emphasise your past leadership experiences. Mention specific projects where you led teams or initiatives, detailing the outcomes and skills you developed. This shows that you understand what it takes to guide a team and deliver results.
Show Your Adaptability for Temporary Roles:Since this is a temporary position, employers will be looking for someone who can hit the ground running. In your cover letter, explain why you're interested in a temporary role at Cedar Careers and how your previous experience equips you to adapt quickly to new challenges.
Include Relevant Certifications:If you have any certifications in project management, team leadership, or similar areas, definitely include them in your CV. These credentials can set you apart from other applicants, showing you’re not just qualified but also committed to your professional growth.
Tailor Your CV to the Company Culture:Take some time to research Cedar Careers's values and leadership style. Adjust your CV language and examples to reflect their culture, demonstrating that you're not only a good fit for the job itself but for the organisation as a whole. This adds a personal touch that can really make your application stand out.
How to prepare for a job interview at Cedar Careers
✨Show Off Your Leadership Stories
For a temporary role in corporate leadership management, we want to hear your stories! Think of specific examples where you’ve led teams or projects successfully, particularly under tight deadlines or challenging situations. This isn't just about what you did, but how your actions positively impacted the team or the business.
✨Be Ready for Situational Questions
Expect situational interview questions where you'll need to demonstrate your problem-solving and decision-making skills. Think of common scenarios in corporate settings, like managing a conflict or implementing a new strategy, and practice articulating your thought process and outcomes. This will help show off your ability to navigate corporate complexities.
✨Talk Strategy, Not Just Tasks
In a temporary leadership role, understanding the bigger picture is crucial. Brush up on strategic management principles and be prepared to discuss how you can quickly adapt and contribute to the company's objectives. Consider how you would initiate change or drive efficiency within a limited time frame—this will show that you're ready to hit the ground running!
✨Demonstrate Flexibility and Adaptability
Given the temporary nature of this position, we need to see how adaptable you are! Think of examples where you've had to adjust your leadership style or approach based on team dynamics or company culture. We want to know how you can blend in quickly while still making an impact during a short-term engagement.
