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- Tasks: Provide legal advice and develop company legal strategy while supporting in-house specialists.
- Company: Join Churchill Retirement PLC, the UK's fastest-growing retirement house builder with a family-run ethos.
- Benefits: Enjoy birthday leave, private medical cover, health screenings, and charity support.
- Why this job: Be part of a top-rated workplace with ambitious growth plans and a focus on ethical standards.
- Qualifications: Qualified solicitor with 5 years PQE and experience in corporate governance and in-house legal roles.
- Other info: Applications close on 12 February 2024; EU work permit required.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Title : General Counsel and Company Secretary
Location : Ringwood, Hampshire
About us
Churchill Retirement PLC, is the fastest growing company in the UK retirement house building sector and we’re looking for people like you to join us.
We’re a family‑run, privately‑owned business and we’re going places. We’re proud of what we do, and the people we work with. We have ambitious growth plans for the future, now employing 700 people and growing all the time.
We pride ourselves on building beautiful, quality, purpose‑built one‑ and two‑bedroom apartments in desirable locations across the UK for those looking for an independent lifestyle in later life. Developments are designed to take away all the hassle and fears that can be experienced by older people and provide security, peace of mind and independence.
We’ve won a host of awards; most recently we were ranked in Sunday Times Top 10 ‘Best Places to Work’ and we were the first ever retirement living specialist to have been named overall ‘Housebuilder of the Year’ by the WhatHouse? Awards.
About the role
Reporting to our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer you will act as a Legal sounding board to the Executive Directors and Operations Board by providing pragmatic, commercial legal advice on a range of legal matters.
As a Company we have ambitions to grow further in the next few years and this role will be critical on advising the Executive Directors on future commercial projects and transactions.
An important part of the role will be to further develop the Company Legal strategy and supporting our in‑house legal specialists whilst working with third‑party professionals to seek the best commercial approach to a legal services function within our growing Company.
The role will ensure that strong ethical standards and public policies are adhered to, whilst balancing the needs of a privately‑owned business. You will attend the PLC and Operations Board Meetings and will ensure that accurate minutes are recorded, and statutory obligations are met.
About you
We are seeking an individual with solid and proven commercial and legal background, ideally from the housebuilding or property sector. You will be well‑versed in ensuring that the all the necessary governance is adhered to, but importantly that you can partner on specific corporate projects and give sound commercial legal advice to a privately owned and run business.
You will be a qualified solicitor of 5 years PQE (or equivalent) with proven experience of working not only in private practice but also as an in‑house lawyer for a growing commercial business. It is important that you are experienced with corporate governance and company secretary statutory responsibilities, therefore it would be preferable that you also hold a Chartered Secretary qualification such as ICSA or equivalent.
As a legal professional you will enjoy leading, developing and managing a team of legal professionals and you see the importance of having an integrated legal team as part of the wider business. You will need to demonstrate that you can take a commercial approach to decision making and that you are a team player, able to deal with a wide range of colleagues and third parties alike.
How you’ll be rewarded
- Competitive salary
- Company Car or Car Allowance
- Annual bonus + reward schemes
- Annual holiday entitlement – 29 days pro rata + Bank Holidays
- Day off on your birthday
- Buy and Sell holiday scheme
- Private Medical for you and your family
- Group Personal Pension Plan
- Health Screening
- Life Assurance
- Colleague wellbeing programmes including Mental Health First Aiders
- Charity fund matching, charity days and themed events through the Churchill Foundation
Closing date for applications is 12 February 2024.
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General Counsel and Company Secretary employer: Churchill Living (Developments) PLC
Contact Detail:
Churchill Living (Developments) PLC Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land General Counsel and Company Secretary
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Churchill Retirement PLC's values and recent projects. Understanding their mission and the specifics of their developments will help you tailor your conversations during interviews, showing that you're genuinely interested in their work.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the housebuilding and property sectors. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to connect with individuals who may have insights into the company culture and expectations for the General Counsel role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with corporate governance and statutory responsibilities in detail. Be ready to provide examples of how you've successfully navigated legal challenges in previous roles, particularly in a commercial context.
✨Tip Number 4
Demonstrate your leadership skills by sharing experiences where you've developed and managed a legal team. Highlight your ability to integrate legal functions within a business, as this aligns with the company's emphasis on teamwork and collaboration.
We think you need these skills to ace General Counsel and Company Secretary
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities of the General Counsel and Company Secretary position. Familiarise yourself with the legal and commercial aspects mentioned in the job description.
Tailor Your CV: Highlight your relevant experience in commercial law, corporate governance, and any specific qualifications like ICSA. Make sure to showcase your leadership skills and ability to work within a team, as these are crucial for this role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that not only outlines your qualifications but also demonstrates your understanding of Churchill Retirement PLC's values and ambitions. Mention how your background aligns with their growth plans and your approach to legal strategy.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any errors or inconsistencies. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is essential for a legal role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Churchill Living (Developments) PLC
✨Understand the Company Culture
Before your interview, take some time to research Churchill Retirement PLC. Familiarise yourself with their values, mission, and recent achievements. This will help you align your answers with their culture and demonstrate that you're a good fit for the team.
✨Prepare for Legal Scenarios
As a General Counsel, you'll need to provide pragmatic legal advice. Be ready to discuss specific legal scenarios relevant to the housebuilding or property sector. Think about how you would approach common legal challenges in this industry and be prepared to share your insights.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
This role involves leading a team of legal professionals. Be prepared to discuss your leadership style and provide examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past. Highlight your ability to foster collaboration and integrate legal functions within a business.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few thoughtful questions ready to ask. Inquire about the company's future projects, the legal team's structure, or how they measure success in this role. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
