At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and mentor a dynamic Company Secretarial Team while driving strategic growth.
- Company: Join a top-rated firm recognised for its inclusive culture and excellent workplace.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, generous leave, private medical insurance, and personal development opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to equality and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in governance while working with prestigious UK and international clients.
- Qualifications: Significant experience in company secretarial roles and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
An exciting opportunity has arisen for the right individual to take on the leadership role of our Company Secretarial Team and help drive its growth. The Company Secretarial Team comprises specialists who assist and advise our clients on a comprehensive range of company secretarial issues from company formations; dissolutions; drafting board/shareholder resolutions; managing client's registers and filings at Companies House; advising on governance and boardroom best practice; and working closely with our international award-winning corporate team.
The Head of Company Secretary will lead and manage the firm’s Company Secretarial function, delivering a high quality, compliant and commercially focused service to a wide portfolio range of UK and international clients. This role combines team leadership, technical governance expertise, client management, and strategic development of the firm’s CoSec offering. Recent developments in the law, including the implementation of the ECCTA and a continued focus on ESG by clients make this a perfect opportunity to take forward the growth of our team.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
- Lead, manage, mentor and develop the CoSec team and take responsibility for strategic planning and the team's growth in the short, medium and long-term.
- Oversee allocation of work to ensure a cost effective and efficient service, assigning matters based on complexity and expertise required.
- Foster a collaborative, supportive and client-focused culture within the team; with relevant training being secured.
- Embrace the use of technology in the future plans for the team.
- Identify opportunities to expand service lines, improve efficiency and adopt legal technology to streamline delivery.
- Act as senior point of contact for key clients, overseeing service delivery and managing expectations and securing opportunities for the team and the firm.
- Support partners on business development opportunities and pitches.
- Provide expert advice and assistance on governance matters such as director duties, managing conflicts of interest; the impact of the ECCTA; amendments to governance policies; delegation frameworks and reporting requirements.
- Work closely with internal legal teams (ie corporate, commercial, employment, real estate) to provide relevant advice and support.
Key Skills and Experience
Essential
- Significant experience in a senior company secretarial or governance leadership role, ideally within a law firm or professional services environment.
- Deep technical knowledge of the Companies Act 2006, statutory compliance requirements and UK corporate governance frameworks.
- Demonstrable experience of managing complex governance matters such as advising on director conflicts and board meetings; drafting or updating Policies and governance frameworks; and advising on more complicated company secretarial matters.
- Experience supervising a team and allocating work effectively.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, with proven ability to advise senior stakeholders.
- High level of accuracy, attention to detail and organisational capability.
- Commercial acumen.
- Experience of issuing fee proposals and work scopes that secure an appropriate return for the team.
- Managing the team's financial performance more generally and using technology to help and streamline.
Desirable
- ICSA/CGI qualification (or equivalent).
- Experience advising listed or large international groups on corporate governance.
- Familiarity with governance tools.
What We Can Offer You:
- The opportunity to work for a firm that has been recognised as one of the best places to work in the UK and has been ranked by Great Place to Work® for 26 consecutive years.
- Excellent benefits, including a hybrid approach to office and remote working.
- 25 days annual leave, with the option to buy up to a week's extra annual leave.
- Private medical insurance, and the option to add family members.
- A generous pension allowance.
- Life assurance covering four times your annual salary.
- Maternity, paternity and adoption leave schemes.
- A range of health and wellbeing programmes.
- State of the art offices, by London Bridge station, with an onsite restaurant.
- Opportunities to flourish in your role through training and personal development.
Equal Opportunities:
Gowling WLG is committed both to promoting equality and diversity in the firm and to Equal Opportunities in employment. The firm believes in equality of opportunity regardless of race or racial group, religion or belief, age, disability, sexual orientation, sex, gender re-assignment and gender identity, marriage and civil partnership, and pregnancy, maternity and paternity. This also includes any incidents of perceptive or associative discrimination and harassment. At Gowling WLG we seek to attract and retain talented people from a diverse range of backgrounds and cultures, to create an exciting and rewarding place to work. Our aim is to fulfil everyone's potential and together to achieve personal and business goals.
If you have any queries in relation to this position or would like to see a full job description please contact Nana Panti-Amoa at Nana.Panti-Amoa@uk.gowlingwlg.com.
Head of Company Secretary in Birmingham employer: Gowling WLG
Gowling WLG is an exceptional employer, recognised as one of the best places to work in the UK for 26 consecutive years. With a hybrid working model, generous benefits including private medical insurance and a robust pension scheme, and a commitment to employee development, the firm fosters a collaborative and inclusive culture that empowers its team members to thrive in their roles while contributing to meaningful client outcomes.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Company Secretary in Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join relevant groups on LinkedIn, and don’t be shy to reach out to potential colleagues or mentors. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their values and how they align with your own. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or family to get comfortable with common questions. This will help you articulate your experience and skills confidently when it counts.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A simple thank-you email can go a long way in leaving a positive impression. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in their minds.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Company Secretary in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in company secretarial roles. We want to see how your skills align with the specific duties mentioned in the job description.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:As the Head of Company Secretary, you'll be leading a team. So, don’t forget to include examples of how you've successfully managed and mentored teams in the past. We love seeing that collaborative spirit!
Highlight Technical Expertise:Demonstrate your deep knowledge of the Companies Act 2006 and UK corporate governance frameworks. We’re looking for someone who can navigate complex governance matters, so share relevant experiences that showcase your expertise.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Don’t miss out!
How to prepare for a job interview at Gowling WLG
✨Know Your Governance Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the Companies Act 2006 and UK corporate governance frameworks. Be ready to discuss your experience with complex governance matters, like advising on director conflicts or drafting policies. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the theory but have practical insights too.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As the Head of Company Secretary, you'll be leading a team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed and mentored teams in the past. Highlight your ability to foster a collaborative culture and how you’ve allocated work effectively based on expertise.
✨Demonstrate Commercial Acumen
Be prepared to discuss how you've managed financial performance in previous roles. Talk about your experience with issuing fee proposals and ensuring profitability for your team. This will show that you understand the business side of the role, not just the technical aspects.
✨Embrace Technology
The job description mentions the importance of technology in streamlining services. Think about how you've used legal tech in your previous roles to improve efficiency. Be ready to share specific examples of tools or systems you've implemented or improved.
