Asset Management - Investment Trusts Senior Company Secretary - Vice President

Location: United Kingdom

Job Family: Business Management

About the Role

At JP Morgan Chase, we are a leading global financial services firm with a strong presence in asset management, where innovation and integrity drive our commitment to clients. The Asset Management - Investment Trusts Senior Company Secretary - Vice President role is pivotal in upholding the highest standards of governance for our portfolio of investment trusts. Based in the United Kingdom, this position reports to the Head of Governance within the Asset Management division and involves leading secretarial operations for multiple closed-end funds, ensuring seamless support for board activities, regulatory adherence, and strategic decision-making. As a Vice President, you will play a key role in fostering a culture of compliance and excellence, aligning with JP Morgan Chase's global standards while navigating the unique demands of the UK financial services landscape. In this senior role, you will oversee the full spectrum of company secretarial duties, from orchestrating board and shareholder meetings to managing compliance with the UK Corporate Governance Code, FCA Handbook, and Listing Rules. You will provide expert counsel to investment trust boards on matters such as director appointments, conflict of interest disclosures, and risk oversight, while coordinating with JP Morgan Chase's legal, compliance, and investment teams. Your responsibilities extend to preparing high-quality governance documentation, facilitating AGMs, and ensuring all filings are executed flawlessly to maintain the trusts' market integrity. This position demands a proactive approach to anticipating regulatory changes, such as those impacting sustainability reporting, and implementing robust policies to safeguard JP Morgan Chase's reputation in asset management. Joining JP Morgan Chase offers unparalleled opportunities for professional growth in a collaborative environment that values diversity and innovation. You will contribute to high-profile investment trusts that manage billions in assets, gaining exposure to sophisticated financial instruments and global stakeholders. With access to cutting-edge resources and a supportive network, this role is ideal for a seasoned professional passionate about governance in the dynamic world of investment trusts. If you thrive in a fast-paced setting and are committed to excellence, apply to become a vital part of our Asset Management team shaping the future of financial governance.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee all company secretarial activities for a portfolio of JP Morgan Chase-managed investment trusts, ensuring compliance with UK regulatory requirements
• Provide strategic advice to boards on governance matters, including agenda setting, minute-taking, and implementation of board decisions
• Coordinate and facilitate board and committee meetings, including preparation of comprehensive board packs and follow-up actions
• Manage annual general meetings (AGMs) and extraordinary general meetings (EGMs) for investment trusts, handling proxy voting and shareholder communications
• Ensure timely and accurate regulatory filings, disclosures, and reporting to the FCA, LSE, and other relevant bodies
• Develop and maintain governance policies, procedures, and risk registers tailored to investment trust operations
• Liaise with internal stakeholders, external legal advisors, and auditors to support compliance and audit processes
• Monitor changes in corporate governance legislation and advise on their impact to JP Morgan Chase's asset management division
• Support succession planning and induction for board members, promoting best practices in diversity and inclusion
• Contribute to the broader asset management governance framework at JP Morgan Chase, including training and policy development

Required Qualifications

• ICSA qualified or equivalent professional qualification in company secretarial practice
• Minimum of 8-10 years of experience in company secretarial roles within the financial services sector, preferably in asset management or investment trusts
• Deep knowledge of UK corporate governance codes, FCA regulations, and Listing Rules applicable to investment trusts
• Proven track record of leading secretarial functions for listed entities, including board support and compliance oversight
• Strong understanding of investment trust structures, including closed-end funds and REITs
• Experience in managing regulatory filings with Companies House, the FCA, and the London Stock Exchange
• Bachelor's degree in law, finance, business administration, or a related field

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with international investment trusts or cross-border governance
• Membership of the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators (ICSA) at senior level
• Prior exposure to ESG governance and sustainability reporting in financial services
• Knowledge of data protection regulations such as GDPR in the context of board operations
• Advanced certification in corporate governance or risk management

Required Skills

• Expertise in UK company law and corporate governance frameworks
• Proficiency in regulatory compliance for financial services and investment vehicles
• Strong organizational and project management abilities for handling multiple trusts
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills
• Analytical mindset for interpreting governance risks and regulations
• Attention to detail in document preparation and record-keeping
• Leadership and team management experience in secretarial functions
• Knowledge of board dynamics and facilitation techniques
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and governance software tools
• Discretion and ethical judgment in handling sensitive board information
• Adaptability to evolving regulatory landscapes in asset management
• Interpersonal skills for building relationships with directors and executives
• Time management to meet tight deadlines for filings and meetings
• Problem-solving in complex governance scenarios
• Familiarity with ESG integration in corporate secretarial practices

Benefits

• Competitive base salary and performance-based annual bonus aligned with JP Morgan Chase's total rewards philosophy
• Comprehensive health and wellness benefits, including private medical insurance and mental health support
• Generous pension scheme with employer contributions up to 16% of eligible pay
• Flexible working arrangements, including hybrid work options and up to 20 days of flexible leave per year
• Professional development opportunities through JP Morgan's global learning programs and tuition reimbursement
• Employee share purchase plan and access to financial wellness resources
• Parental leave policies with up to 16 weeks fully paid, plus adoption and fertility support
• Exclusive perks such as gym memberships, cycle-to-work schemes, and subsidized dining at JP Morgan UK offices

JP Morgan Chase is an equal opportunity employer.