Goldman Sachs
Legal, Corporate Governance, Executive Director, Birmingham
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Corporate Governance Attorney (Chartered Company Secretary or Corporate Lawyer)
Our Impact
The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. is a leading global financial services firm providing investment banking, securities, and investment management services to a substantial and diverse client base—including corporations, financial institutions, governments, and high-net-worth individuals. Headquartered in New York, we maintain offices in London, Birmingham, Frankfurt, Tokyo, Hong Kong, and other major global cities.
The Goldman Sachs Legal Division operates at the intersection of finance and law, delivering strategic counsel and expert advice that underpin the firm’s operations. The team handles litigation and arbitration, conducts due diligence, manages financing and filings, advises on contracts, and protects intellectual property—underpinning compliance with commitments to clients, shareholders, and regulators. Whether you’re a seasoned attorney or a fast learner with a fascination for financial law and analytical thinking, this dynamic environment could be your next career move.
Your Impact
This role is for a Chartered Company Secretary (6–12 years’ experience) or a qualified corporate lawyer (3–6 years’ post-qualification experience, PQE) to join the Goldman Sachs UK Corporate Governance Team (CGT) based in Birmingham, within the EMEA Legal Division.
The CGT currently consists of five professionals—three in London and two in Birmingham—supervised by a senior lawyer. It oversees the corporate administration for all Goldman Sachs UK entities and branches, as well as several overseas entities, including those in the Middle East. Key responsibilities include managing Board meetings, Board committees, and regulatory compliance for regulated UK entities. The CGT sits within the International Corporate Governance Team, supporting all legal entities global (excluding the US).
The ideal candidate will be a senior professional eager to collaborate in a highly dynamic team environment, showcasing exceptional independent judgment, technical expertise, and influential leadership. Thriving under pressure, with a proven ability to deliver high-quality services to diverse stakeholders, you’ll manage a complex workload while mentoring junior team members and nurturing cross-team collaboration.
Goldman Sachs is actively expanding its presence in Birmingham, and this role will offer access to a growing team of top-notch legal professionals in an exceptional workplace focused on productivity, collaboration, and sustainability.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide senior company secretarial services to Goldman Sachs UK entities, branches, and select overseas entities, including:
- Preparing and distributing board meeting documents
- Minuting meetings
- Offer expert guidance on corporate governance and regulatory compliance (including the UK Companies Act 2006, PRA/FCA requirements, and global standards)
- Serve as the Birmingham office culture carrier, mentoring and guiding junior team members
- Collaborate with the CGT head to maintain high standards of quality, performance, and accountability
- Provide real-time governance advice to stakeholders on sensitive or intricate matters
- Partner with senior divisions (Risk, Compliance, Executive Office) to support the smooth operation of governance structures
- Oversee corporate actions in various jurisdictions (UK/EMEA), such as:
- Managing director changes
- Approving accounts
- Handling capital transactions
- Establishing or closing operations
- Maintain entity and compliance records, including PSCs (Persons with Significant Control), filing key deliverables with Companies House, and managing signing authorities
- Lead the response to complex governance inquiries originating from regulatory, audit, and transactional requests
- Issue secretary’s certificates, ascertain powers of attorney, and facilitate the execution of critical documents
- Identify and implement innovations in corporate governance, leveraging emerging technologies (including AI), refining processes, and driving collaboration
- Maintain ongoing contact with external counsel and notaries, soliciting specialized input across Goldman Sachs teams
- Champion continuous improvement initiatives to enhance governance efficiency, including:
- Technology adoption (AI/changes)
- Process optimization
- Cross-functional alignment
- Global system development
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Required Skills & Experience
- Qualification:
- Chartered Secretary (ACIS or FCIS) with 6–12 years of specialized professional experience OR
- Qualified corporate lawyer (3–6 years’ PQE)
- Technical Proficiencies:
- Deep expertise in UK Companies Act 2006, PRA/FCA regulation, and corporate governance standards
- First-hand experience managing multiple entities across global operations
- Hands-on experience in corporate secretarial practice, spanning board preparation, meeting management, and documentation
- Familiarity with Diligent board management systems, Companies House e-filings, and other governance platforms
- Governance Leadership:
- Proven ability to exercise independent discretion in complex governance scenarios
- Capability to leverage governance experience across multiple jurisdictions
- Track record in managing board-level operations, including:
- Preparing meeting agendas
- Providing executive board briefings
- Acting as a liaison with stakeholders
- Collaboration & Mentorship:
- Demonstrated proficiency in balancing delegation with mentorship
- Confident advocate for culture growth within junior teams and wider organizations
- Interpersonal & Communication Skills:
- Stellar interpersonal abilities and exceptional written/oral communication
- Comfortable presenting at divisional leadership meetings
- Ability to initiative-driven learning on localized legal developments and guidance
- Organizational & Workplace Excellence:
- Exceptional attention to detail and structured approach to mindfulness
- Competitiveness in high-pressure, deadline-driven environments
- Storytelling flair to articulate regulatory and governance changes to broader audiences
- Penchant for teamwork and continuous improvement
- Enthusiasm for the dynamic challenges and alexulative aspects of corporate governance policy
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About Goldman Sachs
We thrive on innovation, combining capital, ideas, and talent to support our clients, shareholders, and communities worldwide—since our founding in 1869. As a global leader in investment banking, securities, and asset management, Goldman Sachs operates across the globe to drive outcomes.
We uphold inclusivity and diversity across every facet of our firm. Our dedication to fostering growth—whether professionally (through training, development, diversity networks) or personally (with wellness programs, personalized financial guidance and mindfulness initiatives)—shines through in our culture and in every engagement.
For more information on our culture, opportunities, and Teams Office, visit GS.com/careers. We’re committed to making accommodations for candidates with disabilities; please explore our access and inclusion policies.
Goldman Sachs celebrates diversity in its broadest sense and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the grounds of racial or ethnic origin, religion, age, disability, gender identity/expression or sexual orientation. Each person’s uniqueness is what makes us exceptional.
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