Company Secretary

Job title:

Company Secretary

Company

Next

Job description

Job Description:NEXT are looking for a dynamic Company Secretary to play a vital role in ensuring legal compliance and effective governance. This is an onsite role based at Head Office in Leicestershire. Offering a generous and competitive compensation package.At NEXT, not only are we one of the UK’s largest fashion retailers, but we’re also one of the largest listed companies, full-stop. Selling our products and thousands of world-famous brands, both in-store and online. What’s more, we’re growing. Fast. And it’s the kind of growth and investment that is exciting for everyone in our business.About the roleReporting to the Chief Financial Officer, your main responsibility will be providing practical advice tailored to align with NEXT’s culture and values. You’ll do this by showcasing your forward thinking ability to anticipate and mitigate risks whilst being proactive and adaptable when it comes to problem solving. Corporate Governance

• Advise the Board of Directors on their legal duties, responsibilities, and best practices in corporate governance.
• Ensure compliance with the UK Corporate Governance Code and Listing Rules of the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).
• Support the Chair in ensuring the Board functions effectively and adheres to its terms of reference.
• Oversee the induction and ongoing training of Board members.

Regulatory Compliance

• Ensure compliance with the Companies Act 2006, the Listing Rules, Disclosure Guidance, and Transparency Rules.
• Maintain the company’s statutory registers and records, including the register of members and directors.
• File annual returns, accounts, and other required documentation with Companies House and the FCA.

Board and Committee Support

• Coordinate and prepare agendas, papers, and minutes for Board and committee meetings.
• You will be the key support for the Chair of the Remuneration Committee, with additional support from our Remuneration consultants.
• Ensure decisions and actions from Board meetings are communicated and implemented effectively.
• Manage the Annual General Meeting (AGM), including preparation of notices, resolutions, and shareholder engagement.

Shareholder Engagement

• Oversee the preparation of the Annual Report and other shareholder communications.
• Effectively manage the proxy voting process, highlighting any voting issues at an early stage.
• Administer share schemes and dividends in collaboration with registrars and financial teams.

Risk and Compliance Framework

• Ensure adherence to the Market Abuse Regulation (MAR), including insider dealing protocols and the maintenance of insider lists.

Team Management

• Lead the company secretariat team.
• Collaborate with legal, finance, and compliance teams to align governance and regulatory functions.

About you Essential

• Membership of the Chartered Governance Institute UK & Ireland (ICSA) or equivalent qualification.
• Strong understanding of UK company law, corporate governance, and regulatory requirements.
• Proven experience as a Company Secretary or in a similar governance role within a listed company.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work with stakeholders at all levels.
• Highly organised, with strong attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities.

Desirable

• Experience in shareholder engagement and managing institutional investors.
• Leadership and team management experience.
• Employee share scheme experience.

#LI-MB1 #LI-OnsiteAbout Us: You know Next, but did you know we’re a FTSE-100 retail company employing over 35,000 people across the UK and Ireland. We’re the UK’s 2nd largest fashion retailer and for Kidswear we’re the market leader. At the last count we have over 500 stores, plus the Next Online and it’s now possible to buy on-line from over 70 countries around the world! So we’ve gone global!About the Team:

• 25% off most NEXT, MADE*, Lipsy*, Gap* and Victoria’s Secret* products (*when purchased through NEXT)
• Company performance based bonus
• Sharesave scheme
• On-site Nursery available; OFSTED outstanding in all areas
• 10% off most partner brands & up to 15% off Branded Beauty
• Early VIP access to sale stock
• Access to fantastic discounts at our Staff Shops
• Restaurants with great food at amazing prices
• Access a digital GP and other free health and wellbeing services
• Free on-site parking
• Financial Wellbeing – Save, track and enhance your financial wellbeing
• Apprenticeship – Grow and develop on the job whilst gaining a qualification
• Direct to Work – Discount online and instore, collect your items the next day for free from your place of work or local store
• Support Networks – Access to Network Groups to empower and celebrate each other
• Wellhub – Discounted flexible monthly gym memberships, with apps, PT sessions and more

Conditions apply to all benefits. These benefits are discretionary and subject to change.We aim to support all candidates during the application process and are happy to provide workplace adjustments when necessary. Should you need support with your application due to a disability or long-term condition, feel free to get in touch with us by email headoffice_careers@next.co.uk (please include ‘Workplace Adjustments’ in the subject line), or call us on 0116 284 2486 and leave a voicemail.

Expected salary

Location

Leicester

Job date

Wed, 18 Dec 2024 00:33:17 GMT

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