Flexing It is a freelance consulting marketplace that connects freelancers and independent consultants with organisations seeking independent talent.
Flexing It has partnered with Our Client, a leading pharmaceutical manufacturing company, is looking for an Interim Head of Company Secretary (Compliance & Governance), responsible for overseeing corporate governance, regulatory compliance, and board administration. This role ensures that the organization adheres to all legal requirements and corporate policies, maintains ethical standards, and fosters transparent relationships with regulatory bodies and stakeholders. Company Secretary serves as the primary advisor to the Board of Directors on governance and compliance matters, facilitating effective decision-making at the highest levels of the company.
Key Responsibilities:
Corporate Governance
- Act as the lead advisor to the Board on corporate governance and regulatory matters.
- Ensure that the Board operates in accordance with governance best practices and statutory requirements.
- Manage board and committee meetings, including scheduling, agenda setting, preparation of materials, and minute-taking.
- Maintain official records of board resolutions, policies, and decisions, ensuring they are accurate and accessible.
Regulatory Compliance and Reporting
- Ensure the company complies with all legal obligations, including timely submission of statutory filings, annual reports, and disclosures.
- Oversee compliance with relevant laws and regulations, such as corporate, securities, and employment laws.
- Establish and maintain effective relationships with regulatory bodies and represent the organization during inspections, audits, or inquiries.
- Develop and implement a compliance monitoring framework to proactively identify and mitigate risks.
Advisory on Legal and Compliance Issues
- Provide expert advice to the Board, CEO, and senior management on legal, regulatory, and compliance issues impacting the organization.
- Support key business decisions by providing legal insights on contracts, mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, and other significant transactions.
- Work closely with external legal advisors as needed for specialized legal matters, ensuring effective management of outside counsel and associated costs.
Risk Management and Policy Development
- Develop, implement, and update governance and compliance policies to foster an organizational culture of integrity and accountability.
- Identify and assess legal and compliance risks, taking proactive steps to mitigate potential impacts on the organization.
- Conduct regular training for board members, senior management, and employees on governance and compliance requirements.
Leadership and Team Development
- Lead and manage the company secretary and compliance teams, providing mentorship, guidance, and support for professional growth.
- Foster a collaborative and ethical work environment, promoting transparency, teamwork, and open communication.
- Ensure that the team remains up-to-date on regulatory changes, governance trends, and best practices through continuous learning and development initiatives.
Skills Required
Education: Bachelor's degree in Law (LL.B) or equivalent is required; a Master's degree in Law (LL.M) or Business Administration (MBA) is preferred. Professional certification as a Company Secretary (CS) is essential.
Experience: Minimum of 12-15 years in corporate governance, legal, or company secretary roles, with at least 5 years in a leadership position. Experience in a publicly listed company or a highly regulated industry is advantageous.
Key Competencies:
- In-depth knowledge of corporate law, governance practices, and regulatory frameworks.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; ability to present complex information clearly to the Board and senior leadership.
- Strategic, proactive mindset with a commitment to maintaining high ethical standards and regulatory compliance.
- Leadership and team-building skills to inspire, develop, and retain high performing teams.
- Knowledge on sustainability, CSR will be preferred.
