Senior Company Secretary | S4 | Legal & Corporate Governance | Milton Keynes/London

Country: United Kingdom

IT STARTS HERE

Santander (www.santander.com) is evolving from a global, high-impact brand into a technology-driven organisation, and our people are at the heart of this journey. Together, we are driving a customer-centric transformation that values bold thinking, innovation, and the courage to challenge what’s possible. This is more than a strategic shift. It’s a chance for driven professionals to grow, learn, and make a real difference. Our mission is to contribute to help more people and businesses prosper. We embrace a strong risk culture and all our professionals at all levels are expected to take a proactive and responsible approach toward risk management.

THE DIFFERENCE YOU MAKE

THE CORPORATE GOVERNANCE OFFICE is looking for a SENIOR COMPANY SECRETARY based out of MILTON KEYNES/LONDON. In this high-profile role as Senior Company Secretary, you will be a part of the UK Corporate Governance Office and will provide high quality internal and corporate governance support and advice to the business and act as a liaison between Group Internal Governance Office and the business on corporate governance related matters. You will be overseeing compliance with group, regulatory and statutory requirements on corporate and internal governance matters ensuring application of governance best practice throughout the Santander UK group. You’ll play a critical role in maintaining high standards of governance which will be constantly reviewed and improved upon.

We’re shaping the way we work through innovation, cutting-edge technology, collaboration and the freedom to explore new ideas. To succeed in this role, you will be responsible for:

• Provide internal and corporate governance advice to the business and act as a liaison between Group Internal Governance Office and the business on corporate governance related matters.
• Provide specialist advice on corporate governance best practice, including the Listing rules, DTRs, MAR, UK Corporate Governance Code.
• Participate as Corporate Governance Office lead on the annual report and financial statements programme for the ring-fenced bank and the holding company.
• Deputise for the Head of Corporate and Internal Governance.
• Act as a Secretary and advisor to one or more Board level Committees and be responsible for effective interaction and relationships with senior management and Executive & Non-Executive Board members as applicable.
• Act as a line manager to Internal Governance Team member(s) and developing them.
• Keep up to date with all relevant legal and regulatory developments to ensure that local policies are updated accordingly.
• Act as project lead in respect of corporate governance aspects of new business initiatives, projects, legislative or regulatory developments.
• Oversee consistent application of our documents workflow system SIMPLA and application of the meeting management tool SanGovPro by the business areas.

WHAT YOU’LL BRING

Our people are our greatest strength. Every individual contributes unique perspectives that make us stronger as a team and as an organisation. We’re enabling teams to go beyond by valuing who they are and empowering what they bring. The following requirements represent the knowledge, skills, and abilities essential for success in this role. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Practical knowledge of corporate governance, including knowledge of the Companies Act 2006, the UK Corporate Governance Code, PRA/FCA governance requirements and listing rules, together with the associated excellent stakeholder management and diplomacy skills.
• At least 7 years’ experience working as a company secretary either in listed or financial services businesses.
• Membership of the Chartered Governance Institute as an Affiliate, Associate or Fellow, or equivalent.
• Experience of working effectively in a busy corporate governance or secretariat function.
• Excellent attention to detail and written communication skills.
• Well-developed organisational skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities, work efficiently under pressure and to tight deadlines.
• Experience of working in a regulated environment, ideally financial services.
• Ability to mentor and develop more junior team members.
• Line management experience.
• A positive attitude and the ability to work well in a team, interacting effectively with people at all levels of the organisation.

WE VALUE YOUR IMPACT

At Santander, your contribution matters. We recognise the difference you make every day, and we make sure you feel valued, supported and rewarded in return. Here, recognition goes beyond pay. It’s about the pride you feel in your work, the impact you have on customers and communities, and the opportunities you have to grow and thrive — personally and professionally.

Salary Range: £98,000.00 - £147,000.00 per annum (depending on experience). This salary range represents the expected remuneration for the role. Annual salary is based on a standard 35-hour working week. Actual salary offered will depend on skills, experience, qualifications and location.

30 days’ holiday plus bank holidays, which increases to 31 days after 5 years service, with the option to purchase up to 5 contractual days per year.

£6,000 car allowance per year.

Company funded individual private medical insurance. Protection for you and your family, with company-funded death-in-service benefit and income protection insurance, and the option to take advantage of discounted rates for additional life assurance and critical illness cover.

Share in Santander’s success by saving or investing in our share plans. As a Santander UK employee, you are able to request staff versions of our products like our Edge Current Accounts and Credit Cards with no fees, as well as apply to many other deals and discounts in Santander products and services.

Competitive rewards that reflect the real impact you make and the value you bring.

Wellbeing that goes beyond work — we work with a range of wellbeing partners across our 4 pillars of wellbeing (physical, mental, social and financial) to give you access to a suite of apps, discounted gym and fitness access, weekly online classes, flexible healthcare and mental health support.

Support for every life stage — from menopause and pregnancy to parenthood and beyond, with enhanced family leave, childcare options and tailored wellbeing support.

Time to give back through volunteering opportunities that let you make a difference in the communities we serve.

Global growth opportunities to shape your career, learn new skills and explore what’s possible across our international network.

Ready to be recognised? It starts with you.

LOCAL COMPLIANCE

At Santander, we’re proud to be an inclusive organisation that provides equal opportunities for everyone — regardless of age, gender, disability, civil status, race, religion or sexual orientation. We’re committed to creating a recruitment experience that’s accessible, fair and welcoming for all candidates. We want our people to thrive — at work and at home — while delivering the best outcomes for our customers and supporting each other to grow.

To make this possible, our roles are site-based with a hybrid working pattern, where colleagues are expected to attend the office at least 12 days per month (pro-rata for part-time roles). When applying, please consider the travel distance, time and cost to your chosen office location(s).

Right to work in the UK. All candidates must have the right to work in the UK to commence employment with Santander.

WHAT TO DO NEXT

If this sounds like a role you are interested in, then please apply. If there’s anything we can do in the recruitment process to help you achieve your best, get in touch. Whether it’s a copy of our application form in another format or additional assistance, we’re available through email. You can contact us at resourcing@santander.co.uk.