Principal Governance Manager

Are you an experienced governance professional looking for a role where you can make a real impact at the heart of an organisation?

We're looking for a Principal Governance Manager (Senior Assistant Company Secretary level role) to join our Group Governance Office (GGO).

This is an newly created role and therefore provides an exciting opportunity for a proactive and forward-thinking governance professional to join a growing team at the heart of the Society. Working closely with senior leaders, Board members, and Committee Chairs, you'll act as a trusted governance adviser and business partner, using your expertise, judgement and influence to support effective decision-making, uphold high standards of corporate governance and drive continuous improvement across the Society.

About the Role

As a Principal Governance Manager, you'll be responsible for delivering high-quality governance support and expertise across a wide range of activities.

Working with a high degree of autonomy, you'll act as a governance subject matter expert, providing pragmatic advice and guidance to stakeholders across the Society. You'll be empowered to use your judgement and initiative to identify opportunities, resolve governance issues and improve governance effectiveness.

Key responsibilities include:

• Acting as Secretary to Board Committees and Executive-level governance forums, providing end-to-end governance support and advice.

• Acting as a trusted adviser to Committee Chairs, senior executives and stakeholders, providing expert advice on governance best practice, legal and regulatory requirements.

• Reviewing and constructively challenging Board and Committee papers to support high-quality decision making and improve governance standards.

• Using independent judgement and governance expertise to develop practical solutions that strengthen governance and support effective decision making.

• Leading certain governance advisory activities, including horizon scanning, regulatory analysis and the development of governance solutions and improvements.

• Contributor to the development, implementation and ongoing enhancement of governance frameworks, policies, delegated authorities, and constitutional documents.

• Leading selected governance transformation projects and continuous improvement initiatives that strengthen governance effectiveness and organisational accountability.

• Providing advice on corporate governance, the Companies Act 2006, UK Listing Rules, Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules (DTRs), Market Abuse Regulation (MAR), and governance best practice

• Ensuring compliance with statutory and regulatory obligations, including corporate record management, regulatory disclosures, entity management, and governance-related filings.

• Taking ownership of key governance activities, including governance effectiveness reviews within remit, Annual Report and Accounts deliverables, Annual General Meeting activities, subsidiary governance, and corporate transactions.

• Acting as Secretary to one or more regulated subsidiary entities, ensuring effective governance arrangements and compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.

• Delivering governance training, raising awareness of governance requirements, and promoting governance best practice across the business.

About You

We're looking for someone with experience in a corporate secretariat or governance function, ideally within Financial Services, who combines their governance expertise with excellent relationship-building and communication skills.

You will also bring:

• A governance or legal qualification at Associate level is desirable but not essential and significant practical experience will be considered.

• Excellent knowledge of corporate governance, the Companies Act 2006, Building Society legislation, UK Listing Rules, Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules (DTRs), Market Abuse Regulation (MAR), and governance best practice.

• The confidence and credibility to influence and challenge senior stakeholders, including Executive leaders and Board members.

• Ability to produce high-quality governance papers and reports.

• Exceptional organisational skills, attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

• A proactive, solutions-focused mindset, with high levels of integrity, discretion, and personal ownership.

• The ability to work independently, exercise sound judgement and take ownership of outcomes.

• Experience acting as a trusted adviser or business partner to senior stakeholders and delivering positive governance outcomes.

Please Note: This is a hybrid role, requiring attendance in the office a minimum of one day per week, usually YBS office locations in Leeds and/or Bradford, with additional office attendance required in line with the Board and Committee calendar and other governance related engagements.

About us

At YBS we don't have shareholders, we have members. We care about people and that includes you. So here, you'll be respected for who you are, you'll be able to bring your whole self to work, and you'll have everything you need to build a long and rewarding career.

Flexibility.

We offer a range of flexible working options without unsocial hours, which can help you find a healthy work-life balance. Whether it's finishing early for an appointment or fitting your studies and hobbies in around your working hours, we can help make it work for you. We're happy to talk flexible working and you can reach out to us anytime to discuss this during the recruitment process.

Development.

We want you to feel challenged here. Whatever your ambitions, we're committed to helping you develop your skills and move ahead in your career journey. From day one, we'll set you up for success with a brilliant induction and full training plan, all designed to get you up to speed quickly.

Inclusivity.

We're passionate about creating an inclusive environment where everyone is welcome and able to be themselves. If you'll go the extra mile to help our members, you'll fit right in and feel you belong here.

About our Benefits

We offer lots of fantastic rewards that you can make the most of in and out of work, including:

• Holiday. You'll get 25 days plus Bank Holidays, as well as the option to buy up to a further 5 days.

• Bonus. At YBS we work collaboratively and share in our success together, so when we reach our goals were all rewarded with an on target bonus of 7% of eligible pay (with the opportunity to earn up to a maximum 15%).

• Pension. We know how important it is to save towards the future, that's why we'll contribute up 11% into your YBS pension.

• Healthcare. Health and wellbeing are an important part of life at YBS, when you join us you'll have access to a range of health benefits to suit your life including private medical insurance, dental and healthcare plans.

• My Benefits. When you join YBS you'll have access to our self-service benefits portal, where you can access a range of retail, hospitality and health discounts.