Overview: The Company Secretarial team is a global function responsible for upholding the integrity of the company’s corporate governance framework. They excel through strong organisation and meticulous attention to detail, qualities that are essential for navigating a complex legal and regulatory landscape.

Our client, a global asset manager, is seeking an individual with outstanding organisational ability, sharp attention to detail, a solid understanding of governance requirements, and the capacity to perform effectively in a fast paced, deadline-driven environment. The role demands a proactive approach to a wide range of tasks, including leading a three-person team based in Cape Town, coordinating board and committee meetings, preparing minutes and statutory filings, and contributing to various governance projects.

The Company Secretary is a highly demanding role requiring exceptional organisational skills, attention to detail, and a strong ability to manage multiple priorities under tight deadlines. The successful candidate will be responsible for providing legal and governance advice, including minute writing, and ensuring the organisation’s compliance with corporate governance regulations, statutory obligations, and best practice.

Responsibilities:

Corporate governance and compliance

• Provide expert advice on corporate governance best practice, 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 the refinement of the company’s global governance framework
• Provide practical, hands-on support across all governance and compliance activities, as needed

Board and Committee support

• Have responsibility for a portfolio of committee and/or board meetings, including 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 company
• 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 and risk advisory

• Advise on legal and compliance risks impacting the organisation’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 and process automation

• Working alongside the technology lead, 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
• Support internal teams in the adoption of technology-driven governance solutions

Stakeholder and 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 advisers, and corporate governance networks to stay abreast of best practice
• Support internal leadership with strategic governance and compliance decision-making

Team management responsibility

• Lead and manage the Cape Town company secretariat team, ensuring effective allocation of tasks, clear prioritisation, and timely delivery of objectives
• Provide coaching, mentoring, and professional development to team members to build capability and maintain high standards of governance expertise
• Set performance goals and conduct regular reviews, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement
• Working alongside the Group Company Secretary, coordinate workload planning and resource management, ensuring the team can meet statutory and organisational deadlines efficiently
• Promote effective communication and knowledge-sharing within the team and across the wider organisation to support governance best practice

Requirements:

• Experience using entity management platforms and board portals (e.g. Diligent, GEMS, or similar tools), which would be an advantage
• A company secretary qualification (legal qualification as a lawyer desirable)
• 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
• Proven ability in leading a team

Skills and attributes:

• The ability to build and maintain meaningful relationships
• The ability to ‘approach and own’
• 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 innovatioe