Head of Governance

Location: London/Guildford/hybrid (2 days per week in the office)

Who we are

Allianz is a global insurance company serving across 70 different countries, but from the very first day you join our team you’ll know that your contributions are valued. We offer world class learning and career development opportunities, while we celebrate an inclusive culture. Allianz UK is the UK general insurance business of Allianz, with commercial and personal general insurance including under the Allianz, Petplan and LV GI brands.

Role Description

Our Head of Governance leads the company secretarial and governance team in ensuring an effective system of governance which provides for sound and prudent management of Allianz UK.

Key Responsibilities

• Supports the Chief Legal Officer & Company Secretary in ensuring a robust and proportionate corporate governance framework for the effective, entrepreneurial and prudent management of the business by the Board, executive management, senior managers and operational committees.
• Ensuring that the Allianz UK operates within the law and complies with all relevant requirements in so far as they relate to matters of corporate governance. This includes providing comprehensive and effective advice and support to business, functional and operational areas in relation to the Companies Act and applicable corporate governance codes and other relevant legal, corporate governance and regulatory requirements.
• Ensuring compliance with the relevant requirements of the Corporate Governance Framework of Allianz UK.
• Advises the Board and Committees of the Board of Allianz UK on corporate governance, including their remits and Terms of Reference.
• Manages the Corporate Governance team to ensure the discharge of role purpose and key accountabilities.

Skills & Experience

• The ability to lead and promote the development of good corporate governance policies and systems and obtain support for and adherence to the same including a sound understanding of the principles of corporate governance.
• Knowledge of all statutory, regulatory and administrative requirements related to company secretarial law and practice, including under the UK Corporate Governance Code and best practice and /or the Wates Code.
• Extensive knowledge and experience of UK law, regulation and practice. This should include being able to advise on corporate activities including disposals, mergers and acquisitions. Knowledge of relevant Directors Remuneration and Financial Accounts regulations and requirements.
• Experience in collaborating with business colleagues to ensure that matters referred to the Corporate Governance team are handled promptly and effectively to assist decision-making within the business. Experience working in colloboration with Compliance, Risk, Internal Audit and Legal colleagues to provide seamless management of external and internal issues arising.
• Strong stakeholder relationship management skills and emotional intelligence, with gravitas and experience to be comfortable working with senior stakeholders.
• Extensive experience of managing a team, with the ability to provide line management oversight of and support for team members, skilled in guiding, coaching and development of team members.
• Experience of functioning at Board or Senior Management level within an international Group.

Qualifications

• Qualified solicitor or barrister preferred, with significant experience in the financial services sector, ideally in the insurance sector.
• Member of the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators (ICSA) with appropriate practising experience.

What We Will Offer You

Recognised and rewarded for a job well done, we have a range of flexible benefits for you to choose from- so you can pick a package that’s perfect for you. We also offer flexible working options, global career opportunities across the wider Allianz Group, and fantastic career development and training. That’s on top of enjoying all the benefits you’d expect from the world’s number one insurance brand, including:

• 30 days holiday
• Hybrid working.
• Annual performance related bonus
• Contributory pension scheme

Here at Allianz, we are signatories of the ABIs flexible working charter. We believe in supporting hybrid work patterns, which balance the needs of our customers, with your personal circumstances and our business requirements. Our aim with this is to help innovation, creativity, and you to thrive - Your work life balance is important to us.

Our Purpose and Values

We secure your future

Be Brave | With Heart | Everyone Counts | Inspiring Trust

Our purpose and values are more than just words on a website - they are the why and how of Allianz. They influence everything we do and guide us how to do it. Created by our people, for our people, they shape our culture, bring us together, and inspire us to be the best. Building an inclusive culture for us all to succeed.

Diversity & Inclusion

At Allianz, we value diversity and inclusion and back this up with our accreditations. Allianz is EDGE certified for gender inclusion, members of the Women in Finance Charter, a Disability Confident employer, Stonewall Diversity Champion members, signatories of Business in the Community’s Race at Work Charter, and an Armed Forces Covenant gold standard employer.

We recognise the strength of neurodiversity in the workplace, and the far-reaching benefits of embracing a spectrum of thinking styles and innovative capabilities. We proudly welcome applications from neurodivergent and disabled candidates, and can offer tailored adjustments to remove barriers and set you up for success in your career.

At Allianz, we encourage our people to advocate for what they need, we listen, and we act – this could include providing assistive technology, ergonomic specialist equipment, mentoring and coaching, or flexibility in the way you work, among a wide range other adjustments.

Join us - Let’s Care for Tomorrow.