Location: Newtownmountkennedy, Co. Wicklow
Role Objective
The Director of Legal & Company Secretary oversees the management of legal services to the Coillte Group, supported by internal and external legal advisors. The Director role requires taking a hands-on approach to the delivery of legal services, including matters relating to property law, litigation, commercial contracts, procurement, employment, data protection and regulatory advice. In addition, the role supports the Coillte Chair, Board, Chief Executive and the executive management in exercising their statutory, governance and compliance responsibilities. As a key member of Coillte’s management team, the position reports to the Chief Financial Officer.
Responsibilities
Legal Services
* Overseeing the management of all litigation against the Group or taken by the Group.
* Acting as a sounding board for litigation matters across the Group and leading material litigation on behalf of Coillte.
* Managing Coillte’s External Legal Services Panel effectively.
o Developing strong working relationships with key external legal service providers.
o At appropriate intervals, co-ordinate the process for refreshing this Panel in conjunction with the CFO and Coillte’s Procurement Team to ensure that value for money is being delivered for all services received.
* Chairing the Legal Team Steering Group to ensure sharing of best practices, identification of improvement opportunities and coordination of ongoing professional development training / opportunities.
* Leading the ‘Access to Information on the Environment’ (“AIE”) team, ensuring all such requests are dealt with in an efficient and compliant manner, with specific responsibility for reviewing Internal Review decisions and reviewing of submissions to the Office of the Commissioner for Environmental Information (‘OCEI’).
* Supporting the development, drafting and updating of governance and Company policies and procedures.
* Providing legal support, guidance and advice to Coillte’s Business Divisions on legal, commercial and procurement matters, including drafting and reviewing contracts, commercial agreements and NDAs.
* Keeping up to date with changes in legislation and monitoring of case law such that any potential impact for the Group can be assessed and proactively managed.
Company Secretarial
* Supporting the Coillte Chair and Board to ensure the effective functioning of the Coillte Board and Board Committees.
* Acting as an advisor to the Chair, Board, Chief Executive and Chief Financial Officer on corporate governance issues, Company Law, Statutory Compliance and best practice in Corporate Governance.
* Ensuring the highest standards of corporate governance exist across the Coillte Group while also ensuring compliance with reporting obligations as required by the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies, relevant Regulations and Company Law.
* Developing and maintaining relationships with key internal and external stakeholders on corporate governance matters.
* Overseeing and implementing Board effectiveness evaluations (internal and external) and driving the implementation of any related findings.
* Scheduling and managing Board meetings, preparation of Board minutes and managing follow up actions.
* Developing, implementing and maintaining internal governance policies and procedures, including reviewing and updating sub-committee terms of reference.
* Ensuring all statutory filings and returns, including CRO filings, annual returns, the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) compliance certifications and Lobbying Act obligations are accurate and submitted on a timely basis.
* Ensuring all statutory records and company registers for the Group are maintained and kept current.
* Keeping up to date with regulatory and company law developments so that any potential impact for the Group can be assessed and proactively managed.
* Acting as a key member of the Group’s Property & Renewable Energy Sign Off Committees.
* Representing Coillte at relevant semi-state forums.
Insurance
* Overseeing insurance strategies for the Group and ensuring appropriate insurance policies are in place to provide optimum value relative to risk.
Data Protection
* Leading the Steering Group overseeing compliance with Data Protection regulations and acting as the reporting line for the designated Data Protection Officer.
Essential Technical and Behavioural Competencies
* Admitted as a solicitor to the Law Society of Ireland with at least 10 years relevant experience.
* An experienced legal professional capable of managing a high performing legal function with a strong focus on litigation, environmental, land conveyancing and property-related disputes.
* An ability to provide authoritative advice and guidance on a wide range of company secretarial, corporate governance and legal issues while operating with the highest level of integrity and authenticity.
* A proven track record of managerial and administrative achievement across a diverse range of activities.
* An ability to operate with exceptional attention to detail, together with strong verbal and written communication skills.
* Strong interpersonal skills and an effective team player with the capacity to operate at Executive and Board level.
* Stakeholder management will be an essential part of the role to ensure the implementation of decisions and delivery of outcomes.
* Communication and relationship-building skills of the highest calibre will be required, as will the ability to operate strategically and operationally at executive level.
* A practical and positive ‘can-do’ attitude.
Desired Technical/Professional Competencies
* Company Secretarial experience with a proven track record.
* Member of the Institute of Chartered Secretaries.
* Degree in a relevant third level qualification (e.g. law, business) to HETAC Level 8.
Applications
Closing date for applications is 4pm, Tuesday, 04 February 2025. Please submit your application through our Recruitment platform here.
Coillte is proud to be an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to providing an inclusive and diverse workplace for all which builds upon our core values and fosters a positive work environment where EVERYONE can bring their true self to work and achieve their full potential.
If for any reason you would like us to make any supports or accommodations to help you in making your application please contact us at grouphr@coillte.ie.
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