Assistant Company Secretary

Job Introduction

Why Dechra? 
 
Thank you for checking out our vacancy, we’re delighted you want to learn more about joining Dechra. 

A career at Dechra is different. Sure, we’re a growing global company with a presence in 27 countries but our purpose is simple – to achieve the sustainable improvement of animal health and welfare globally. 

If you want to be part of a team that invests in your future and ensures you have the support to reach your full potential and thrive, please read on.  

 
The Opportunity 

To support the Corporate Governance team in delivering effective governance, subsidiary management, trademark administration and insurance oversight across the Group. The role will provide operational resilience and day to day governance support, enabling senior resource to focus on strategic governance initiatives, corporate structure optimisation and longer term governance development.

Role Responsibility 
 
So, what will you be doing? This role has a broad and varied remit and the successful candidate will have responsibility for duties including: 
 

Corporate Governance & Subsidiary Management

• Maintain statutory records and corporate registers, including registers of members, directors and interests.
• Support the management and ongoing compliance of Group subsidiaries across multiple jurisdictions.
• Monitor filing deadlines and assist with Companies House filings and overseas equivalent filings.
• Keep up to date with relevant legislative and regulatory developments and support the team in maintaining compliance with applicable governance standards.
• Draft and prepare board minutes, committee minutes, shareholder resolutions, written approvals and related governance documentation for UK, US and other Group entities.
• Support the Chief People Officer and Deputy Company Secretary with the preparation, coordination and circulation of board and committee papers and approvals.
• Assist with corporate projects, including incorporations, appointments and resignations, reorganisations, share transfers, liquidations and other legal entity rationalisation activity.
• Deputise for the Deputy Company Secretary at committee meetings when required and appropriate.

Trademarks & Insurance

• Support the management of the Group trademark portfolio, including registrations, renewals, watches and instructions to trademark agents.
• Liaise with external trademark agents and advisers and maintain accurate records of advice, actions and deadlines.
• Assist with Group insurance administration, including renewal data collation, claims support, policy record keeping and responses to information requests.
• Maintain insurance-related records and support the coordination of information during renewal periods.

External Relationships & Stakeholder Support

• Maintain effective working relationships with external advisers, including lawyers, company secretarial agents, insurers, insurance brokers and trademark agents.
• Act as a point of contact for governance-related queries from internal stakeholders, escalating matters where appropriate.
• Assist with the maintenance of governance-related content on the Dechra website and internal platforms, including OneDechra.
• Support internal stakeholders by providing clear, practical guidance on routine governance processes and requirements.

People & Team Support

• Support the training, development and day to day management of the Company Secretarial Assistant.
• Contribute to the development of governance processes, templates and best practice across the Corporate Governance team.
• Help maintain team continuity and provide cover during periods of absence, holiday, illness or travel.

The Candidate 
 
Here at Dechra we pride ourselves on being an inclusive employer. We know that individuals’ unique background and experience can bring a wealth of variety and expertise to our global workforce. For this role, we’re particularly keen to hear from those who have/are: 
 

• Full or Part-qualified Assistant Company Secretary, CGI Level 1 or equivalent.
• Experience in a company secretarial, governance, legal or compliance-focused role.
• Exposure to multi-jurisdictional entity management desirable.
• Experience supporting trademark administration and/or insurance-related desirable.
• Strong understanding of company secretarial and corporate governance principles.
• Experience maintaining statutory registers and corporate records.
• Familiarity with subsidiary management, filings and compliance tracking.
• Ability to draft and prepare board and committee documentation, including minutes, resolutions and approvals.
• Confidence liaising with external advisers including company secretarial agents, lawyers, insurers, brokers and trademark agents.
• Experience with entity management and board pack management systems, for example GEMS and Diligent Boards.
• Strong Microsoft Office skills, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook.
• Excellent attention to detail and organisational skills.
• Ability to manage own workload, meet deadlines and remain focused on longer-term deliverables.
• Clear, professional communicator with strong written and verbal skills.
• Able to build and maintain effective relationships with multiple internal and external stakeholders.
• Proactive, collaborative and comfortable working across functions and jurisdictions.
• Flexible and adaptable approach to work, with tact, discretion and diplomacy.

Additional Information: 
 

• Occasional global travel may be required with this role.
• This role is based in Northwich / hybrid

 
What we can offer you: 

• 33 days annual (inclusive of Bank Holidays)
• Holiday purchase scheme 
• Healthcare
• Employee Assistance Program 
• Life Assurance 
• 8% Employer Pension Contribution 
• Enhanced Family Leave 
• Bonus (discretionary)
• Discounted Pet Food 

About the Company 
 
If a career at Dechra has piqued your interest, find out more at Dechra Careers. 

Dechra is a growing, global specialist in veterinary pharmaceuticals. Our expertise is in the development, manufacture, marketing and sales of high quality products exclusively for veterinarians worldwide. 
 
All applications received are reviewed by our internal talent acquisition team and we will get in touch if your skills and experience match what we're looking for. Should you not hear back from us within 28 days please don't be too disappointed - we may keep your CV on our database for any future vacancies which could be suitable, and we encourage you to keep an eye on our careers site. We value diversity within our global workforce and encourage an inclusive culture. Any questions or queries, please contact us at recruituk@dechra.com