Senior Company Secretary

Fidelity International; England; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading investment management firm in the UK is seeking a Senior Company Secretary to provide governance and secretarial services to investment trust boards. The role includes leading compliance with UK regulations, advising boards, and mentoring junior staff. The ideal candidate is a qualified Chartered Secretary with substantial experience and a strong understanding of the UK regulatory landscape. A comprehensive benefits package and flexible working conditions are included.

Benefits

Comprehensive benefits package

Flexible working conditions

Qualifications

• Substantial post-qualification experience in a listed environment.
• Demonstrated track record of operating autonomously as company secretary.
• High personal credibility and gravitas.

Responsibilities

• Lead company secretarial and governance support to assigned investment companies.
• Act as a trusted adviser to Boards and Chairs.
• Oversee preparation of board agendas, papers, and minutes.
• Manage relationships with external advisers.
• Prepare and submit Stock Exchange announcements and corporate filings.
• Ensure effective planning and execution of AGMs.

Skills

Excellent drafting skills

Strong project management skills

Proven leadership and mentoring ability

Strong understanding of the UK regulatory landscape

Education

Qualified Chartered Secretary (CGI/ICSA)

Job description

We're proud to have been helping our clients build better financial futures for over 50 years. How have we achieved this? By working together - and supporting each other - all over the world. So, join our Investment Companies team and feel like you're part of something bigger. We want you to question and challenge us. That's how your skills will grow. And your career will too. All across our business there are experts to learn from, possibilities to explore and new opportunities to take. So join our Investment Companies team and feel free to explore. About your team The role of The Investment Trusts Company Secretariat ("Co Sec") is to provide high quality, value-add professional company secretarial services, to five UK-listed Investment Companies. These companies represent an aggregate of circa £6billion of shareholders' funds, and each is listed on the the London Stock Exchange. Four of the companies are part of the FTSE 250. Secretarial services must comply with all legal and regulatory requirements such as UK Listing Rules, Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules and the FRC's UK Corporate Governance Code. The service proposition of Co Sec can be broadly broken down into the following broad categories: Corporate Governance Support - end-to-end support of the board corporate governance process and advising on best practice and regulatory changes; Company Secretarial Duties - maintenance of companies in good standing including their statutory books and records. Implementing corporate actions and restructurings (e.g. changes in share capital). Drafting and lodging Stock Exchange announcements as required; and Other Duties - including participation in business/regulatory/change projects, support for Annual General Meetings and handling shareholder queries. About your role As Senior Company Secretary, you will act as the lead company secretary for two Fidelity Investment Trusts, ensuring delivery of an exceptional governance and company secretarial service to the Boards. You will provide authoritative advice to Boards, Chairs, and senior management on governance, regulatory and legal issues affecting UK investment companies.. You will also play a leadership role within the Investment Companies Secretariat team, mentoring junior members, driving process improvement, and ensuring consistency and excellence across all governance outputs.,

Responsibilities

• Lead the provision of company secretarial and governance support to assigned UK-listed investment companies, ensuring full compliance with the UK Listing Rules, DTRs and Companies Act 2006.
• Act as a trusted adviser to Boards and Chairs, providing high-quality governance insight, drafting and reviewing key board papers, and ensuring regulatory awareness and best practice adoption.
• Oversee preparation of board and committee agendas, papers, and minutes, ensuring clarity, accuracy, and timely distribution.
• Coordinate and manage relationships with external advisers including brokers, auditors, registrars, lawyers, and corporate sponsors.
• Lead on the preparation and submission of Stock Exchange announcements, corporate filings, and annual reports.
• Support the Head of Company Secretariat on strategic and policy matters, including horizon scanning for regulatory developments impacting investment trusts.
• Represent the Investment Companies Secretariat in Fidelity-wide governance and change initiatives.
• Coach and develop junior team members, promoting a culture of collaboration, accountability, and professional growth.
• Maintain and continuously improve governance frameworks, systems and processes to ensure consistency and efficiency.
• Ensure the effective planning and execution of AGMs, including shareholder engagement and scrutineer coordination.

Qualifications

• Qualified Chartered Secretary (CGI/ICSA) with substantial post-qualification experience in a listed environment, ideally with investment trusts, asset management or financial services exposure.
• Demonstrated track record of operating autonomously as company secretary to listed boards and committees, providing authoritative advice on governance and regulation.
• Strong understanding of the UK regulatory landscape (Companies Act, UKLA, FCA, FRC, AIC Code).
• Excellent drafting skills, with meticulous attention to detail and the ability to distil complex regulatory information clearly for boards.
• High personal credibility and gravitas, capable of building strong relationships with Chairs, NEDs and senior stakeholders.
• Proven leadership, coaching and mentoring ability within a professional governance team.
• Strong project management skills, able to deliver multiple workstreams and respond proactively to change.
• Integrity, discretion and sound judgement in all matters of governance and disclosure.

Benefits

For starters, we'll offer you a comprehensive benefits package. We'll value your wellbeing and support your development. And we'll be as flexible as we can about where and when you work - finding a balance that works for all of us. It's all part of our commitment to making you feel motivated by the work you do and happy to be part of our team.