At a Glance
- Tasks: Support corporate governance and compliance across a global business.
- Company: Join DS Smith, a leader in sustainable packaging solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 25 days holiday, pension scheme, and employee discounts.
- Other info: Hybrid role with a focus on diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic corporate environment with growth opportunities.
- Qualifications: CGI (ICSA) qualified or equivalent with company secretarial experience.
The predicted salary is between 56700 - 69300 £ per year.
We have a fabulous opportunity for an experienced and proactive governance professional to join our team as an Assistant Company Secretary. In this key role, you will support the day-to-day operations of the Secretarial function, acting as a vital resource for corporate governance, committee administration, and statutory compliance across our global business. The successful candidate will be an advocate for governance excellence—collaborating closely with corporate functions, senior leadership, and external advisors to ensure absolute compliance with UK and international regulatory standards. You will provide the essential coordination and expertise required to manage our subsidiary portfolio, committee meetings, regulatory disclosures, and corporate reorganisations.
Key responsibilities include:
- Subsidiary Governance: Manage EMEA-wide subsidiary portfolios, maintain GEMS statutory registers, prepare board minutes, and submit Companies House filings.
- Committee Management: Coordinate key management committees (Finance, Ethics & Compliance, Financial Reporting), managing agendas, paper packs, and minute taking.
- AGM & Annual Report: Support the planning and execution of the Annual General Meeting and draft governance sections of the Annual Report.
- Stock Exchange Announcements: Draft and release non-trading RNS announcements on the London and New York Stock Exchanges, ensuring FCA and SEC compliance.
- MAR & Insider Lists: Maintain insider and project lists, issue closed period notifications, and oversee employee dealing requests.
- Share Plans Support: Assist the Share Plans Manager with share capital reconciliations, SH01 filings, and routine equity administration.
So, if you are a detail-oriented corporate governance professional looking for a high-impact role in a business which prioritises excellence and encourages you to make a difference — then we might be looking for you!
About you:
- CGI (ICSA) qualified or equivalent professional standing.
- Proven company secretarial background within a UK-listed company; US listing experience is not essential but advantageous.
- Strong command of UK corporate governance, listing rules, Companies Act requirements, MAR, and entity management tools (GEMS).
- Excellent minute-taking abilities and interpersonal skills to engage and influence senior executives.
- Highly organised, proactive self-starter with sharp attention to detail and the ability to manage strict regulatory deadlines.
Benefits:
- Competitive salary & Benefits.
- 25 days annual holiday plus bank holidays.
- Pension scheme, life assurance and income protection.
- Employee Assistance Programme.
- Employee Discounts.
- Cycle to work scheme.
This is a hybrid role, split between the London Paddington office (3 days) and home (2 days).
To fulfil our purpose of redefining packaging for a changing world, we aim to build a diverse, motivated, and engaged workforce. Our goal is to create a culture of inclusion where everyone is treated fairly, differences are valued, and everyone has an equal opportunity to succeed. Our people come from diverse backgrounds, bring different perspectives, ideas, and experiences to generate unique solutions focused on present and future sustainability challenges. We welcome all candidates to apply, even those not meeting all criteria.
Assistant Company Secretary employer: DS Smith
At DS Smith, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer that fosters a collaborative and inclusive work culture. Our Global Governance Assistant Secretary role offers not only competitive benefits but also ample opportunities for professional growth and development within a dynamic international environment. Join us in our commitment to sustainability and innovation, where your contributions will make a meaningful impact across our global operations.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Company Secretary
✨Get Involved in Industry Events
Jumping into industry events or leadership conferences can really help boost your visibility. Not only will you meet potential employers, but you’ll also get the chance to connect with other leaders in corporate management. Look for local or even virtual events that focus on leadership—every connection counts!
✨Engage in Professional Networks
Join professional management associations relevant to your career goals. These networks often host workshops, panels, and networking events that can put you in front of hiring managers. Plus, they can give you the scoop on upcoming roles, such as the full-time positions with companies like DS Smith.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
When reaching out to potential employers, particularly for leadership roles, demonstrate your leadership capabilities with real examples. Share stories from your previous positions that illustrate how you handled challenges and drove results. This will help you stand out when you apply to places like DS Smith.
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We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Company Secretary
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Us Your Leadership Skills:In the corporate leadership and management field, it's essential to highlight your leadership experience. Use your CV to flesh out examples of how you've led teams to success or managed significant projects. We want to see specific instances where your actions made a tangible difference in your previous roles!
Quantify Your Achievements:Numbers talk, especially in management! When detailing your achievements in your CV or cover letter, don’t just say you improved team performance. Instead, say you boosted productivity by 30% over six months through effective strategy implementation. This makes your application pop and shows us what you can bring to DS Smith.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to narrate your professional journey. We’re looking for motivation and a clear understanding of what corporate leadership means to you. Dive into your aspirations and how they align with the values and vision of DS Smith. Make it personal – we want to get to know you!
Tailor Your CV for Management Roles:Ensure your CV reflects the management skills that are essential for this role. Focus on competencies like strategic planning, team building, and problem-solving. Use a clean layout, and don’t forget to align your experiences with those keywords mentioned in the job listing. This will help you stand out from the crowd!
How to prepare for a job interview at DS Smith
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
You’ll want to thoroughly convey your unique approach to leadership. During the interview with DS Smith, be ready to share real-life examples of how you've inspired and motivated teams in the past. Think about specific achievements that illustrate your strategic thinking and your ability to drive results.
✨Brush Up on Management Theories
Expect some technical questions related to management theories and practices. Brush up on concepts like transformational leadership, servant leadership, or situational leadership. Be prepared to discuss how you would apply these theories to the role at DS Smith, especially in the specific context of the challenges they’re currently facing.
✨Craft Your Vision for the Company
Since this is a full-time leadership role, spending time thinking about your vision for DS Smith could really set you apart. Consider potential strategies for growth and how you would lead teams towards achieving them. This shows not just enthusiasm, but also strategic foresight that they’ll likely be looking for in a candidate.
✨Emphasise Team Dynamics and Culture
In corporate leadership, team dynamics and organisational culture are everything. Be ready to discuss how you've fostered a positive work environment in previous roles. Bring up examples of how you've managed diverse teams effectively—this will resonate well at DS Smith as they’re likely seeking a candidate who can enhance their workplace culture.
