Senior Assistant Company Secretary

SUMMARY:
-

POSITION INFO:

Overview:

Our client, an independent global asset manager with R3.08 trillion in assets under management, is seeking a Senior Assistant Company Secretary. The Company Secretarial team is responsible for maintaining the corporate governance framework, requiring exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail. The role involves organizing board meetings, minute-taking, statutory filings, and participation in governance projects. The successful candidate will manage multiple priorities, provide legal and governance advice, and ensure compliance with corporate governance regulations and best practices.

Responsibilities:

Corporate governance & compliance

• Provide expert advice on corporate governance best practices, directors’ duties, and regulatory compliance
• Ensure compliance with the South African Companies Act, King IV principles, and other relevant governance frameworks
• Develop, implement, and oversee corporate governance policies, processes, and compliance frameworks
• Monitor and assess regulatory updates, advising senior leadership on governance-related legislative changes
• Advise and support on the refinement of the business’s global governance framework

Board & committee support

• Have responsibility for a portfolio of committee and/or board meetings together with the administration of those meetings
• Have responsibility for a number of day-to-day support functions, working closely with team members to maintain an efficient and professional company secretariat function across the business
• Support and facilitate board and committee meetings, including agenda setting, board pack preparation, and minute-taking
• Ensure effective management of board resolutions, governance records, and compliance reporting
• Provide governance training and advisory support to subsidiary company board members, executives, and other stakeholders
• Assist in drafting, maintaining, and reviewing board and committee charters, governance manuals, and policies

Legal & risk advisory

• Advise on legal and compliance risks impacting the organization’s governance and regulatory obligations
• Support contract negotiations and reviews to ensure compliance with regulatory and corporate requirements
• Assist with due diligence, risk mitigation strategies, and entity structuring from a governance perspective
• When required, provide legal guidance on commercial and corporate transactions, ensuring alignment with governance standards

Technology & Process Automation

• Implement and oversee the automation of governance and compliance processes using technology tools
• Leverage board portal software (e.g., Diligent) and entity management platforms to improve efficiency
• Support digitalisation initiatives to enhance reporting, governance compliance tracking, and regulatory submissions
• Train internal teams on the adoption of technology-driven governance solutions

Stakeholder & Regulatory Engagement

• Act as the primary point of contact for senior managers, Executive Directors, Non-Executive Directors, regulators, and governance-related stakeholders
• Engage with industry bodies, legal advisors, and corporate governance networks to stay abreast of best practices
• Support internal leadership with strategic governance and compliance decision-making

Requirements:

• Law degree
• Experience using entity management platforms and board portals (e.g., Diligent, GEMS, or similar tools) is an advantage.
• Qualified company secretary
• Strong working knowledge of the South African Companies Act, King IV, and applicable governance legislation.
• Experience in statutory filings with CIPC and corporate compliance matters.
• Proven ability to advise senior leadership and boards on corporate governance and legal matters

Skills and Attributes:

• The ability to build and maintain meaningful relationships
• The ability to ‘approach and own’ and
• A strong belief in doing the right thing
• Driven by results
• High conviction and be comfortable sharing opinions
• Ability to analyse, interpret and assimilate information
• A curiosity about technology and its potential to drive innovation