Company Secretarial (CoSec) - Vice President

at  BlackRock

Description
About this role
Job Purpose/Background
BlackRock is seeking an experienced Vice President to work as part of the EMEA Board Governance team. The team is situated in Luxembourg, London, Dublin, Budapest, Amsterdam. This role will be based in London.
Key to the role will be to ensure that the highest governance standards are being applied at all times to a range of companies with domiciles across EMEA. Working as part of a team, you will ensure that communications between the Boards and Committees and the business operate effectively and to the highest standards and that all applicable governance requirements are met and that standard company secretarial activities are completed in a timely and effective manner. Excellent communication and organizational skills are required as the role requires regular interaction with Board and Committee members and with senior executives within BlackRock.

Key Responsibilities:

• Working as part of a team, to ensure the highest level of corporate governance for all BlackRock companies / funds.
• Manage the business of a range of Management companies, and Corporate and Fund board entities through the setting of agendas, preparation and distribution of Board packs, completion of matters arising and minutes and the monitoring and control of Board delegations policies.
• Building and maintaining excellent relationships with the Chairpersons and Directors of each entity for which you are responsible.
• Ensure company secretarial matters are properly managed.
• Management of shareholder meetings where appropriate.
• Work with BlackRock staff to ensure that submissions are of a high standard and are suitable to lay before the Board and Committees – proactively ensuring that they address issues of importance.
• Assist in monitoring, reviewing and updating Board and Committee diaries, Terms of Reference and other constitutional documents.
• Maintaining statutory company records and registers (both internal and Blueprint) and making filings with Companies House
• Reviewing and drafting documents and procedures.
• Preparation of minutes and matters arising for the Boards or Committees.
• Assist in advising on managing, mitigating and monitoring corporate governance risks.
• Support the strong governance and control framework in place across BlackRock by adherence to the processes and procedures in place to meet all regulatory and statutory obligations.
• Proactively work to develop and enhance Board and Committee processes and controls in response to regulatory and industry changes, and as directed by the Boards and the business.
• Providing input and advice to the business and directors with regard to Board governance matters.
• Report to the Boards and Committees on matters such as delegated authorities, board policies and procedures and corporate governance matters generally.
• Conduct annual Board Evaluations.
• Director Training Programs.
• Director Onboarding.

Skills/Qualifications:

• Minimum 7+ years’ experience in a Company Secretarial or Corporate Governance Professional role is required, preferably in the Funds Industry
• Familiarity with the SMCR framework and strong knowledge of the UK Companies Act. It is desirable (but not essential) to have prior experience supporting a dual regulated entity
• Qualified Company Secretary is preferred but is not a pre-requisite
• Excellent minute taking ability required
• Team player, with a willingness and ability to help others and contribute to the team
• Resilience and ability to work under pressure with flexibility to adapt to shifting time expectations whilst managing competing demands
• Highly organized and with excellent personal time management
• Attention to detail essential and proofing skills
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to build relationships across the business, operations and suppliers at all levels of management up to and including Board of Director level
• Ability to make presentations to the Boards / Committees either in person or by conference phone – speaks clearly and with confidence
• Ability to draft clear and precise reports for submission to the Boards and Committees
• Familiarity and experience with Blueprint Software is an advantage
• Good understanding and interest in investment instruments and markets would be preferred
• Knowledge of the regulatory and corporate environment for UCITS companies / funds would be preferred but not essential
• Track record of leadership on governance and company secretarial matters within a high profile environment
• Track record of delivering change and driving governance best practices

Successful candidates must be able to maintain the confidence of the Boards and Committees and are likely to have worked in the investment/funds management industry, have a good knowledge of investment management, and regulatory jurisdictions and are undertaking or have completed professional ICSA exams.
Key personal attributes will also include a high level of intellectual agility and creativity, ability to work independently as well as part of a team and the ability to manage business expectations. As the successful candidate will be part of a team managed from London, the ability to maintain relationships and communicate remotely is of paramount importance. The role may require you to travel to other jurisdictions.
The role offers an excellent opportunity to develop your experience within a busy and successful team.
Our benefits
To help you stay energized, engaged and inspired, we offer a wide range of employee benefits including: retirement investment and tools designed to help you in building a sound financial future; access to education reimbursement; comprehensive resources to support your physical health and emotional well-being; family support programs; and Flexible Time Off (FTO) so you can relax, recharge and be there for the people you care about.
Our hybrid work model
BlackRock’s hybrid work model is designed to enable a culture of collaboration and apprenticeship that enriches the experience of our employees, while supporting flexibility for all. Employees are currently required to work at least 4 days in the office per week, with the flexibility to work from home 1 day a week. Some business groups may require more time in the office due to their roles and responsibilities. We remain focused on increasing the impactful moments that arise when we work together in person – aligned with our commitment to performance and innovation. As a new joiner, you can count on this hybrid model to accelerate your learning and onboarding experience here at BlackRock.
About BlackRock
At BlackRock, we are all connected by one mission: to help more and more people experience financial well-being. Our clients, and the people they serve, are saving for retirement, paying for their children’s educations, buying homes and starting businesses. Their investments also help to strengthen the global economy: support businesses small and large; finance infrastructure projects that connect and power cities; and facilitate innovations that drive progress.
This mission would not be possible without our smartest investment – the one we make in our employees. It’s why we’re dedicated to creating an environment where our colleagues feel welcomed, valued and supported with networks, benefits and development opportunities to help them thrive.

• Working as part of a team, to ensure the highest level of corporate governance for all BlackRock companies / funds.
• Manage the business of a range of Management companies, and Corporate and Fund board entities through the setting of agendas, preparation and distribution of Board packs, completion of matters arising and minutes and the monitoring and control of Board delegations policies.
• Building and maintaining excellent relationships with the Chairpersons and Directors of each entity for which you are responsible.
• Ensure company secretarial matters are properly managed.
• Management of shareholder meetings where appropriate.
• Work with BlackRock staff to ensure that submissions are of a high standard and are suitable to lay before the Board and Committees – proactively ensuring that they address issues of importance.
• Assist in monitoring, reviewing and updating Board and Committee diaries, Terms of Reference and other constitutional documents.
• Maintaining statutory company records and registers (both internal and Blueprint) and making filings with Companies House
• Reviewing and drafting documents and procedures.
• Preparation of minutes and matters arising for the Boards or Committees.
• Assist in advising on managing, mitigating and monitoring corporate governance risks.
• Support the strong governance and control framework in place across BlackRock by adherence to the processes and procedures in place to meet all regulatory and statutory obligations.
• Proactively work to develop and enhance Board and Committee processes and controls in response to regulatory and industry changes, and as directed by the Boards and the business.
• Providing input and advice to the business and directors with regard to Board governance matters.
• Report to the Boards and Committees on matters such as delegated authorities, board policies and procedures and corporate governance matters generally.
• Conduct annual Board Evaluations.
• Director Training Programs.
• Director Onboarding