Job Title: Company Secretary, UK Advisory Location: London Working pattern: Hybrid, 3 days in the office
About the Role As Qualified Corporate Governance Professional or Legal Counsel, you will play a crucial role in leading the governance and corporate activities for CBRE’s UK Advisory business, working in close alignment with the in-country business leaders. You will work autonomously and efficiently to deliver corporate solutions.
The key focus will be on risk management across the areas of corporate governance and corporate transactions, with particular focus on board director protections. You will enable accountable directors and the leadership team to identify, understand and manage their legal risks.
You will be a business partner, an advisor, and an officer of the UK company(s). This role requires coordination across multiple functions and continuous engagement with various levels of the CBRE Group’s personnel.
You will have the opportunity to work in a well-respected, global organisation, the chance to work in a truly international enterprise, with exposure to country and regional teams.
What You Will Do
Act as the Company Secretary officer for UK entities, including charities, with other official roles as required;
Ensure board and committees governance, inclusive but not limited to terms of reference, delegations, authority matrix, meetings, minutes.
Ensure effectiveness of the UK operating, regulated and charity governance structure at all times.
Have direct responsibility for multiple UK operating or dormant entities, all in line with the UK best governance practices, ensuring annual compliance, good legal standing (i.e., filings, licenses, corporate books, etc), and that annual financial accounts are completed and approved within the legal timeline required;
Take a lead role in UK post-M&A integration and re-organizational projects, including preparation and effecting of Legal Entity Change Approval Process or New Venture Risk Assessment procedures in accordance with Group policies around entity and risk management;
Report any non-compliance or at-risk compliance issues, assist with rectifying the position;
Provide updates to the business on key legislative changes which affect corporate governance, as applicable. Undertake annual revision and drafting of UK disclosure statements;
Co-create solutions, partner and work collaboratively with the UK business, UK Head of Legal and other heads of functions;
Proactively oversee preparation of the audit process, and assist the business with statutory accounts revisions in relation to the public statements to ensure timely filings;
Recommend improvements to policies and implement best practices with relevant stakeholders to reduce future risk;
Manage and develop the UK support resource to ensure the Directors’ and Shareholders’ minutes/resolutions and governance trainings are delivered, as needed. Drafting oversight as required. Peer review, supervision and mentoring of junior members of the team.
Undertake any other responsibilities, as directed by your manager from time to time.
Deputise for manager as required. This may involve undertaking/leading on tasks and collaborating involving entities and teams beyond the UK.
What You Will Need
Fellow Chartered Company Secretary/Governance Professional or a Qualified Solicitor, with hands on delivery in a corporate governance and company law-focused role, with relevant and proven skills, ideally gained through a combination of private practice and in-house experience
Demonstrable subject matter expertise and strong corporate background with a solid experience in providing guidance on matters such as company law matters, corporate transactions, governance, structuring, duties, obligations, implications
Horizon scanning, in particular in relation the impact of current and future regulation
Demonstrable proficiency in relationship development and stakeholder management
Proven skill of influencing as well as leading at senior level and taking decisive action to implement strategy
Ability to show initiative when dealing with Group projects
Proven track record delivering complex Corporate Governance projects
Ability to convert propositions into actionable step, and manage team and collaborate with colleagues across the organisation for successful delivery
Experience of leading project and/or in-house teams on regulatory change, corporate governance and/or risk
Experience working in a multi-national organisation
Excellent communication skills, both verbally and in writing, and problem-solving skills
Ability to approach challenges with flexibility, pragmatism, and a solution-oriented mindset
Ability to work independently, proactively and co-operatively, managing multiple tasks and setting priorities with excellent follow-up skills and organisation
Ability to prioritise and co-ordinate tasks efficiently ensuring all deadlines are met
Willingness to work on tight timeframes at a fast pace, including accommodating different time zones on global transactions
Professional and approachable whilst also being adaptable
Team player who deals effectively with colleagues
People manager dedicated to talent-growing
Desired knowledge and/or experience: corporate governance topics for real estate services sector
Office presence required with frequency dependant not only for board meetings but also for team, board and executive relationship maintenance
Why CBRE When you join CBRE, you become part of the global leader in commercial real estate services and investment that helps businesses and people thrive. We are dynamic problem solvers and forward-thinking professionals who create significant impact. Our collaborative culture is built on our shared values — respect, integrity, service and excellence — and we value the diverse perspectives, backgrounds and skillsets of our people. At CBRE, you have the opportunity to chart your own course and realize your potential. We welcome all applicants.
Applicant AI Use Disclosure We value human interaction to understand each candidate's unique experience, skills and aspirations. We do not use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to make hiring decisions, and we ask that candidates disclose any use of AI in the application and interview process.
