At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage company secretarial duties and support corporate governance for a leading FTSE 250 company.
- Company: WHSmith, a globally recognised brand with over 230 years of history.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, competitive salary, annual bonus, and generous holiday allowance.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace culture with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and make a real impact in a collaborative environment.
- Qualifications: ICSA or CGI qualified with strong experience in listed companies.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
At WHSmith our people are at the heart of everything we do. They are the ones that go the extra mile for our customers. The Deputy Company Secretary is a Senior role within the Company Secretary’s Office/Legal Department of a FTSE 250 company. The wide-ranging role reports directly into the Legal Director/Company Secretary, with responsibility for managing both Company Secretarial and Share Plan matters for the Company, and deputising for the Company Secretary as and when required. This is a broad and interesting role for a CGI/ICSA qualified professional with strong-listed company experience.
What you will be doing:
- Statutory compliance including filings at Companies House, maintenance of registers, stock exchange announcements, FCA and NSM filings, Model Code compliance, drafting minutes for subsidiary companies and helping to manage overseas subsidiary companies.
- Drafting of Annual Report and all ancillary documents. Responsible for Annual Report mailing and arranging the AGM.
- Reviewing terms of reference and corporate governance requirements.
- Providing advice and assistance to the executive team, board and shareholders.
- Assistance with projects/corporate transactions, including share buyback programme, acquisitions and disposals.
- Responsibility for all share schemes including the Company’s Sharesave Scheme and Executive Share plans. Management of invitations, maturities and allotments.
- Executive share plan management including LTIP and PSP. Managing Executive plan grants, maturities, exercises and any subsequent Stock Exchange announcements.
- Managing relationships with the registrars (including dividend payments), brokers, Jersey-based Trust, payroll, HR, tax and group finance.
- Preparation and filing of the HMRC annual tax returns.
- Line manager for department administrator.
What we are looking for:
- ICSA or CGI qualification with strong listed company experience.
- Demonstrable experience from within a senior assistant or deputy company secretarial position.
- High attention to detail and accuracy of information.
- Proven communication skills at all levels of stakeholder engagement.
- Experience of dealing with directors and senior stakeholders.
- Working knowledge of Companies Act 2006 and the UK Corporate Governance Code.
- Strong meeting minute taking skills.
- Experienced user of Blueprint and the Companies House webfiling system.
- A flexible collaborative approach with ability to prioritise tasks and manage conflicting deadlines.
- Competent in utilising Microsoft suite (specifically Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and SharePoint).
How we reward our teams:
- Hybrid Working Model from home and in the office
- 4pm Friday Finish
- Flexible Working
- 25 Days holiday, plus your Birthday off, plus Bank Holidays with an opportunity to buy extra days holiday
- Family Friendly Leave
- Company Pension scheme
- Sharesave Scheme
- Annual Bonus based on company and personal performance
- Competitive Salary and Car Allowance
- Private Medical
- Staff Discount Card for stores and online
- Cycle to Work Scheme
About us:
Celebrating over 230 years, we’re proud to have grown and evolved into a globally recognised brand present in over 30 countries around the world, and we’re proud to be that air of familiarity people love and trust on their journey, both in life and through life. As a diverse group of over 5,000 colleagues, we are all on the same journey to a better business through our commitments to our planet, people and the communities we serve.
This role will be based in our Swindon offices, which are a central hub for our teams. We also have an office in central London close to Liverpool Street Station which you may be required to visit from time to time. We are an ambitious team that thrives on pace, collaboration and innovation resulting in a real entrepreneurial culture. It’s perfect for people who are happy to use their initiative and embrace life outside their comfort zone.
At WHSmith, we’re all about creating an inclusive and welcoming workplace where everyone can be themselves and do their best. No matter your background, age, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, race or ethnicity, marital status, religion, sex, sexual orientation or anything else that makes you, you—you’re welcome here.
We’re also open to flexible working where possible, so if that’s something you need, let’s chat. And if you need any adjustments during the selection process, just let our Talent Acquisition team know—we’re happy to help!
Deputy Company Secretary in Salisbury employer: WHSmith
Contact Detail:
WHSmith Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy Company Secretary in Salisbury
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and don’t be shy about letting people know you’re on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a role that’s perfect for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching WHSmith and understanding their values and culture. Tailor your responses to show how your experience aligns with their needs, especially in areas like corporate governance and stakeholder engagement.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! Since this role involves dealing with directors and senior stakeholders, being able to articulate your thoughts clearly and confidently is key. Consider mock interviews with friends or mentors to sharpen your delivery.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining the WHSmith team.
We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Company Secretary in Salisbury
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience that aligns with the Deputy Company Secretary role. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant qualifications!
Show Off Your Communication Skills: Since this role involves engaging with various stakeholders, it’s crucial to demonstrate your communication prowess. Use clear and concise language in your application, and don’t forget to mention any experience you have dealing with directors or senior stakeholders.
Highlight Your Attention to Detail: Given the nature of the role, we’re keen on candidates who have a sharp eye for detail. Make sure to include examples from your past work where your accuracy made a difference, especially in statutory compliance or minute-taking.
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 directly, and it helps streamline the process. Plus, you’ll get to see more about our company culture while you’re at it!
How to prepare for a job interview at WHSmith
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the Companies Act 2006 and the UK Corporate Governance Code. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're not just qualified, but also genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your previous roles that highlight your experience with statutory compliance, share schemes, and corporate governance. This will help demonstrate your capability to handle the responsibilities of the Deputy Company Secretary.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Since this role involves communication with directors and senior stakeholders, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. Think about how you can effectively convey complex information in a way that’s easy to understand.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific situations, like managing conflicting deadlines or dealing with a compliance issue. Prepare by thinking through potential scenarios and your approach to resolving them.