At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead corporate governance operations and support the Board at CLS.
- Company: Join CLS, a key player in the global FX ecosystem.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 holiday days, flexible working, and wellness support.
- Other info: Hybrid work model and opportunities for professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a trusted financial environment with a focus on innovation.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in corporate governance with strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 100000 - 150000 £ per year.
About CLS
CLS is the trusted party at the centre of the global FX ecosystem. Utilized by thousands of counterparties, CLS makes FX safer, smoother and more cost effective. Trillions of dollars’ worth of currency flows through our systems each day. Created by the market for the market, our unrivalled global settlement infrastructure reduces systemic risk and provides standardisation for participants in many of the world’s most actively traded currencies. We deliver huge efficiencies and savings for our clients: in fact, our approach to multilateral netting shrinks funding requirements by over 96% on average, so clients can put their capital and resources to better use. CLS products are designed to enable clients to manage risk most effectively across the full FX lifecycle – whether through more efficient processing tools or market intelligence derived from the largest single source of FX executed data available to the market.
Our ambition to make a positive difference starts with our people. Our values underpin everything that we do at CLS and define our working environment:
- Pivotal purpose
- Trusted guardian
- Targeted innovation
- Facilitate connections
- Delivering excellence
- Inclusive culture
What you will be doing
With oversight from the Corporate Secretary, lead the day‑to‑day operations of the corporate secretarial function at CLS. Oversee governance support for the Board and its Committees, including agendas, materials, resolutions, minutes and governance records. Ensure governance processes are consistent, robust and regulator‑ready, reflecting CLS’s role as a systemically important Financial Market Utility. Act as a senior internal advisor to the Corporate Secretary, on corporate governance matters, fiduciary duties, conflicts of interest and entity governance matters. Own assigned governance documentation, including committee charters, governance policies, manuals and procedural standards. Oversee corporate maintenance and statutory compliance for CLS legal entities, including constitutional documents, filings and required registrations with the US and the UK. Lead governance‑related risk and control activities within the Chairs’ Office, including ownership of relevant RCSAs. Coordinate governance‑related responses to internal audit, regulators, and external auditors. Develop, and set quality standards for corporate secretarial and committee support staff. Manage director compensation. Prepare director conflicts of interest reviews. Oversee divisional policies and procedures. Partner closely with Legal, Risk, Compliance, Finance and Internal Audit to ensure governance practices align with CLS’s risk management and control framework.
What we’re looking for
Extensive experience (10 yrs) in corporate governance, board operations or corporate secretarial functions within a regulated or systemically important financial services environment. Strong understanding of governance expectations applicable to a regulated entity. Demonstrated experience supporting Boards and Committees at a senior level. Exceptional drafting, editorial, and quality control skills for board level documentation. Proven ability to exercise sound judgment and discretion when handling high confidential information. Strong internal partnership skills, with the ability to influence across senior stakeholders. Experience leading and developing teams and setting high standards for governance execution. Comfortable operating with autonomy in a high stake, deadline‑driven environment. Strong familiarity with governance filing requirements in the US and the UK. International travel to quarterly in person board/committee meetings is required.
Professional qualifications / certifications
Bachelor’s degree required. Advanced degree (JD, MBA, Chartered Secretary Qualification (UK) or equivalent) strongly preferred. Professional governance qualification (e.g. CGI (UK), or CCGP (US) highly desirable.
Our commitment to employees
- Holiday – UK/Asia: 25 holiday days and 3 ‘life days’ (in addition to bank holidays). US: 23 holiday days.
- 2 paid volunteer days so that you can actively support causes within your community that are important to you.
- Generous parental leave policies to ensure you can enjoy valuable time with your family.
- Parental transition coaching programmes and support services.
- Wellbeing and mental health support resources to ensure you are looking after yourself, and able to support others.
- Employee Networks (including our Women’s Forum, Black Employee Network and Pride Network) in support of our organisational commitment to embrace and always be learning more about inclusivity.
- Hybrid working to promote a healthy work/life balance, enabling employees to work collaboratively in the office when needed and work from home when they don’t.
- Active support of flexible working for all employees where possible.
- Monthly ‘Heads Down Days’ with no meetings across the whole company.
- Generous non‑contributory pension provision for UK/Asia employees, and 401K match from CLS for US employees.
- Private medical insurance and dental coverage.
- Social events that give you opportunities to meet new people and broaden your network across the organisation.
- Annual flu vaccinations.
- Discounts and savings and cashback across a wide range of categories including health and retail for UK employees.
- Discounted Gym membership – Complete Body Gym Discount/Sweat equity program for US employees.
- All employees have access to Discover – our comprehensive learning platform with 1000 courses from LinkedIn Learning.
- Access to frequent development sessions on a number of topics to help you be successful and develop your career at CLS.
Executive Director, Deputy Corporate Secretary employer: CLS Group
At CLS, we pride ourselves on being a leading employer in the financial services sector, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters inclusivity and innovation. Our commitment to employee wellbeing is reflected in our generous holiday policies, flexible working arrangements, and extensive professional development opportunities, ensuring that every team member can thrive both personally and professionally. Located at the heart of the global FX ecosystem, we provide our employees with the chance to make a meaningful impact while enjoying a supportive culture that values collaboration and excellence.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Executive Director, Deputy Corporate Secretary
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the financial services sector and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a role that fits your skills perfectly.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching CLS and its governance practices. Understand their values and how they align with your experience. This will help you showcase how you can contribute to their mission and culture during the interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain your extensive experience in corporate governance and how it relates to the role of Executive Director. Highlight specific examples where you've made a significant impact in previous positions.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of the CLS team.
We think you need these skills to ace Executive Director, Deputy Corporate Secretary
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in corporate governance and board operations. We want to see how your skills align with our values and the specific requirements of the Executive Director role.
Showcase Your Experience:Don’t just list your past jobs; tell us about your achievements in those roles. Use examples that demonstrate your ability to manage governance processes and support senior stakeholders effectively. We love a good story!
Be Clear and Concise:When drafting your application, clarity is key. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate well-structured documents that are easy to read and understand, especially for board-level communication.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure it gets into the right hands. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our company culture there!
How to prepare for a job interview at CLS Group
✨Know Your Governance Inside Out
Make sure you have a solid understanding of corporate governance principles, especially those relevant to regulated financial services. Brush up on CLS’s governance expectations and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs.
✨Showcase Your Board Support Experience
Prepare specific examples of how you've supported Boards and Committees in the past. Highlight your exceptional drafting and editorial skills by discussing any board-level documentation you've worked on, and be ready to explain how you ensure quality control.
✨Demonstrate Strong Internal Partnership Skills
Think about times when you've influenced senior stakeholders or collaborated with different departments. Be prepared to share these experiences, as strong internal partnership skills are crucial for this role at CLS.
✨Be Ready for High-Stakes Scenarios
Since this role involves operating in a high-stakes environment, prepare to discuss how you've handled pressure and tight deadlines in the past. Show that you can exercise sound judgment and discretion, especially when dealing with confidential information.