Are you ready to Chase the Sun in a unique and highly influential role at Suncorp New Zealand? As part of one of Australia’s and New Zealand’s leading financial services groups, you’ll help us live our purpose every day – to build futures and protect what matters – for our customers, our communities and each other. And you’ll be supported to grow your own future further too, backed by a culture of continuous improvement, empowerment, and flexibility.
We have a unique and rare opportunity for an experienced Company Secretary / Senior Lawyer to join us in a fixed term role of up to 15 months. You will be primarily responsible for providing company secretariat and legal advisory services to the Suncorp New Zealand entities and their Boards. You will be joining us at an exciting time as we embark on a large program of governance uplift and review. Given the criticality of this work, we are open to applications from those with extensive governance and company secretariat experience who are no longer practicing as a lawyer.
The role will allow you to provide strong influence on the governance of our Vero Insurance, Asteron Life and Vero Liability boards, and be part of the strategic direction of the business. You will report directly to the SNZ Head of Legal, working closely with the CEO, Board Chair, Directors and Senior Leadership team. Our award-winning Legal and Secretariat team is well known for its innovation, high performance and strongly empathetic culture. You will also be part of the wider company secretariat family of our parent, Suncorp Group, and be supported by our Board Administrator
Your key responsibilities will include:

• Manage all aspects of board and board committee matters, including the preparation of the annual meeting calendar, coordinating topics and meeting papers, preparing the Secretariat report to the board, attending and minuting meetings, drafting board resolutions and coordinating circular resolutions.
• Support governance initiatives and influence change in the evolving landscape of the financial services sector.
• Review and update board and board committee charters and company constitutions.
• Advise on the Companies Act 1993 and other relevant legislation.
• Advise on corporate governance developments relating to directors’ duties and responsibilities.

What you will need to succeed

• 5+ years previous experience as a company secretary or comparable governance role (mandatory)
• Current New Zealand Practicing Certificate (desired)
• 8+ years previous relevant corporate legal experience (either in a law firm or in house)
• High level of professionalism, with the ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with key stakeholders at all levels.
• Strong organisational skills to manage a wide range of responsibilities.
• Demonstrated high ethical standards and integrity in all working relationships including being able to maintain strict confidentiality when required.
• Confidence in engaging in respectful challenge of the status quo.
• A drive for self-improvement and taking advantage of opportunities to learn and stretch.

About Suncorp NZ
We’re proud to be a part of the Suncorp Group family alongside some of Australia and New Zealand’s most trusted names in insurance – working together to bring about faster, simpler and better outcomes for our customers and corporate partners. Our commitment to strong, supportive partnerships extends to our people as well, and the opportunities and support we provide to help you thrive in your career with us. And with a shared customer-obsession and the digital capabilities to make a genuine difference, you’ll see the meaningful impact you can make for our customers and communities, while watching your own career shine too.
What we also offer

• Positive, inclusive team environment where we welcome individuality and celebrate diversity
• Flexible work arrangements embracing a healthy work/life balance
• Ongoing learning and development opportunities

Advertised: 03 Sep 2024 New Zealand Standard Time
Applications close: 27 Sep 2024 New Zealand Standard Time