Governance Associate

Governance Associate
London

Description

PGMBM is a unique partnership between British, Brazilian and American lawyers, with particular expertise in group litigation and is currently managing some of the largest claims in English legal history including claims arising from the collapse of the Fundão Dam, the largest environmental disaster in the history of Brazil. The firm is also at the cutting-edge of group consumer claims, representing thousands of affected clients throughout Europe and across the globe.

PGMBM, has grown globally, expanding out of its London offices into Europe and the United States. See our website for more information about our firm.

Why is this role crucial for PGMBM?

Following the firm’s expansion, PGMBM now requires a Governance Associate to provide governance and company secretarial support to our growing organisation. Reporting to the General Counsel, you will play a role in the development of our corporate governance framework during a period of consolidation, as we seek to mature our infrastructure and processes. The role is broad and varied, providing an opportunity to work within an evolving business structure. This role requires someone who can work both collaboratively and autonomously while seeing the potential of working in a fast-paced and growing organisation. There is a real opportunity to make the role your own and to add value to the function.

The primary focus will be on assisting the General Counsel to implement, maintain and develop the governance structure and processes and associated projects.
Reports to the General Counsel.

Requirements

*Ad hoc duties commensurate with your role are also included in the below

• Provide company secretariat assistance to Audit& Risk, Remuneration, Investment and other committees as applicable including producing agendas and reports; scheduling meetings; commissioning, reviewing and circulating papers; producing minutes and overseeing actions arising and advising committee members generally;
• Assisting in effectively implementing the policy and procedures of the governance framework;
• Provide technical input as required to ensure that boards and committees are striving for best practice;
• Assist as required in relation to statutory and regulatory filings, including annual report and accounts and Gender Pay, Modern Slavery, Payment Practice reporting; Assist in the maintenance of authorised signatory list and bank mandates for group entities and management of changes where necessary;
• Lead and assist with team initiatives, transactional, corporate, and ad hoc project work when required;
• Assist with the incorporation of branches/subsidiaries as required;
• Assist and support with INED recruitment, onboarding, annual training and drafting quarterly governance updates;
• Any other duties as delegated by the General Counsel.

What you’ll bring to PGMBM:

Essential

• Previous experience of working in a company secretary or governance role;
• A relevant degree qualification and/or ICSA qualified/part-qualified;
• Solid grasp of corporate governance issues;
• Have a high level of accuracy and attention to detail;
• Excellent written communication skills;
• Excellent organisational and project management skills, ability to prioritise conflicting needs, manage a high volume of work and progress matters expeditiously;
• Strong relationship building and stakeholder management skills, and able to work well with others;
• Ability to work independently and on own initiative whilst being part of a wider team;
• You are open-minded, self-motivated, adaptable, able to be flexible and open to change;
• Integrity and discretion when handling confidential information.

Desirable

• Have empathy and passion for the clients we represent
• Share the values and ethos of PGMBM, championing justice for victims of corporate wrongdoing

All candidates should send us a CV together with a covering letter summarising how you meet the person specification. Applications without a covering letter will not be considered.

Exceptional candidates who do not meet all of the listed essential criteria outlined above may still be considered .

Benefits

• Private medical insurance (Vitality)
• Private pension scheme (People’s Pension)
• Life Assurance (Canada Life)
• Enhanced sickness pay - 10 days paid leave over a 12-month period
• Paid study leave - 5 days per year
• Paternity leave - 2 months paid enhanced leave
• Maternity leave - 6 months paid enhanced leave
• Pregnancy & loss policy – support for women and their partners who have been affected by pregnancy loss
• Fertility treatment leave- 5 days per year
• Confidential Employee Assistance Programme -access to counselling and a variety of external support for you and your family members (Health Assured)
• Eye test vouchers
• 'Grammarly' package support
• 1Password personal account
• Discretionary annual bonus
• Relaunched referral bonus (£500-2000 depending on role)
• Cycle to work scheme
• 5 days paid 'time off for dependents' per rolling year
• 2 days per year paid CSR / charity days
• 25 days of annual leave