Please Note: The deadline for applying is 23.59 the day before the job posting end date.
Job Title: Group Corporate and Governance Senior Legal Counsel - X2
Location: 100VE
Please note: There are 2 positions for this role
JOB PURPOSE
* The role is a part of the Corporate Legal, Governance and Corporate Secretaries team.
* The role has the responsibility for assisting with the management of Unilever’s corporate governance.
* This includes Unilever’s London, Amsterdam and New York listings and compliance with Unilever’s continuous disclosure and insider trading obligations.
* The role also assists with general corporate matters, which involve working with the M&A team and helping with Treasury legal, Finance, Investor Relations and Reward teams matters.
* In addition, as a senior member of the team, the role will provide strategic support to the General Counsel Corporate and Deputy Group Secretary on governance, regulatory and improvement matters.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Stock Exchanges
* Assist with the management of Unilever’s listings on the London Stock Exchange, Amsterdam Stock Exchange and New York Stock Exchange.
* Support on all UK, Dutch and US corporate governance matters including liaising with foreign counsel and Unilever’s share registrar and listing agents.
* Assist with market reporting requirements and drafting, reviewing and releasing stock exchange announcements.
* Support with ensuring Unilever’s compliance with the UK and EU Market Abuse Regulations and listing rules and providing advice where necessary.
* Responsible for emerging risk and compliance considerations.
Board and Unilever Leadership Executive
* Responsible for organising and drafting Board and its Committees’ meeting materials, including agendas, pre-read papers, presentations and minutes (where relevant).
* Responsible for the maintenance of the online Board portal.
* Assist with advice on regulatory and governance requirements for the Board and its Committees.
* Responsible for appointment documentation of new Directors and helping with considerations around Board succession.
* Assist with creating Director induction programmes and organising Board effectiveness reviews.
* Coordinate the induction and training of Directors, Unilever Leadership Executive members and other officers.
* Work with the Unilever Leadership Executive in relation to Board and Committee planning and logistics.
Annual reporting and the Annual General Meeting
* Support the drafting and production of the governance section of the yearly annual report in collaboration with other Unilever stakeholders.
* Support with other aspects of the annual report and 20-F delivery including associated filings and compliance with relevant corporate governance legislation.
* Support the drafting of Annual General Meeting documentation and distribution to shareholders.
General Corporate work
* Assist with governance and corporate support for Unilever’s worldwide corporate transactions including M&A and other major projects.
* Manage coordination and execution with the Treasury team of securities issuances including US and EU bonds.
* Support the coordination and payment of dividends and management of employee share award schemes.
* Support the management of Unilever’s business confidential, insider and closed period lists.
* Support the management of company share capital, and handle the filing and disclosure of corporate documents and reports with regulators.
Stakeholder management
* Manage, and act as lead contact for the UK, Dutch and US share registry and responding to retail shareholder queries.
* Monitor shareholder proxy voting guidelines.
* Responsible for maintaining statutory books, including registers of directors, secretaries, and shareholders.
* Ensure the governance pages on Unilever’s external website regarding both Board and Unilever Leadership Executive matters are kept up to date.
* Support Investor Relations as required.
Governance and developments
* Responsible for monitoring changes in relevant legislation and the regulatory environment and informing the Board and senior management through regular corporate updates.
* Support the development and oversight of systems to ensure the company complies with all applicable codes, in addition to its corporate governance and statutory requirements.
Digital / AI
* Continue to explore and recommend ways to further digitalise and improve ways of working for the team.
ALL ABOUT YOU
* Corporate lawyer with over 4 years plus PQE.
* Solicitor qualified in England and Wales.
* Experience of supporting a FTSE 250 listed company.
* Extensive understanding of the Companies Act 2006, Listing Rules and UK Corporate Governance Code.
* Good financial acumen.
* Proactive approach to governance and ESG issues.
* Ability to handle multiple assignments and manage major projects to successful completion.
* Self-motivated and able to work independently.
* Good verbal and written communication skills and an ability to clearly articulate complex and material issues to senior stakeholders.
* Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work well with people at all levels.
* High attention to detail and a well-organised approach to work.
* Ability to prioritise work, effectively communicate workloads and to work well under pressure.
What we offer
Whilst the role is advertised on a full-time basis, we would be happy to discuss possible flexible working options. We strive to achieve a family-friendly and inclusive workplace.
Diversity at Unilever is about inclusion, embracing differences, creating possibilities and growing together for better business performance.
Location
In 2020, Unilever announced the intention to build a new sustainable campus site in Kingston, London. Most recently, in August 2024, we announced our intention to retain our premises in 100VE until our lease expires in 2027.
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