Head of Secretariat

At Britvic we’re on a journey to become the most dynamic soft drinks company. As one of the UK’s leading players in the FMCG market we pride ourselves on setting high standards, being courageous and pushing ourselves to think outside the bottle.

About the Role:

The Head of Secretariat leads the day-to-day strategic direction and operational success of the Company Secretariat function.  The role holds a position in the Governance, Legal & Estates Executive Team and reports to the General Counsel & Company Secretary.  The Head of Secretariat has line management responsibility for 1 direct report and a further 1 dotted line report, and will be responsible for developing, coaching, and mentoring this team.

Alongside the General Counsel & Company Secretary, the Head of Secretariat is critical in delivering, and advising on, a best-in-class corporate governance framework across the Group and ensuring Britvic’s compliance with legislative, compliance and disclosure obligations.  To achieve this, the Head of Secretariat will nurture strong, collaborative cross-functional relationships with internal stakeholders, as well as with a wide variety of external stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities:

Corporate Governance:

1.  Monitor changes and developments in the Companies Act 2006, Listing Rules, UK Corporate Governance Code and other laws, regulations or codes affecting the company.  This includes taking appropriate action to maintain Britvic’s compliance as well as providing advice and guidance to the PLC Board and Executive Committee Directors.
2.   Ensure that Britvic’s corporate governance framework continues to be appropriate and effective, reflecting business and operational needs, and is maintained, and regularly reviewed, in line with best practice, including matters reserved, terms of reference, policies and processes.

Board advisory and support:

1. Manage and deliver a best-in-class company secretarial service and support to the PLC Board, its Committees, and the Executive Committee, including: ensuring the smooth administration of meetings; the production and dissemination of papers, agendas, minutes and actions; and ensure the maintenance and retention of records and minutes required by statute or best practice.

Corporate reporting & shareholder meetings:

1. Lead the Company Secretariat’s input into the Annual Report process, working with colleagues from Corporate Affairs, Investor Relations and Finance including feeding into the annual report timetable on behalf of the Company Secretariat and drafting all relevant governance sections and disclosures for the Annual Report and Accounts.  

Share Registration and Share Plans:

1. Manage the relationship with the company’s registrar including leading contract, fee, and service negotiations, as well as addressing any performance issues arising.
2.  Manage all share registration matters and processes such as the issue of new shares, headroom calculations, dividends or share dealing programmes, working alongside HR Reward, Treasury, Investor Relations.

Subsidiary Governance:

1. Develop, maintain, and regularly review the Group’s subsidiary governance framework to ensure the effective oversight, control, and governance of the Group’s structure, alongside any associated policies and procedures, including subsidiary director appointments, indemnity, and induction arrangements.

Leadership:

1. Deliver proactive and effective leadership on behalf of the Company Secretariat, and develop and maintain strong, trusted advisor relationships with PLC Board and Executive Committee directors, subsidiary directors, as well as strong, collaborative cross-functional relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

Knowledge, Skills & Experience Required:

1. Chartered Company Secretary or equivalent experience
2. Detailed knowledge of Companies Act, FCA Listing, Disclosure and Prospectus Rules, UK Corporate Governance Code and other Corporate Governance requirements demonstrated through wide practical experience
3. Demonstrable ability to operate at the specified level of seniority and fulfil expectations across the full range of technical areas
4. Exceptional leadership qualities with evidence of building and maintaining strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders in an international FTSE 250 or similar

We believe we are stronger together and that’s why we’re committed to providing equal opportunities to all applicants and employees. We know that by building a truly inclusive environment where everyone feels celebrated, safe and respected - diversity and wellbeing will naturally thrive