Senior Assistant Company Secretary

Overview:

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:

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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