Corporate Secretary & Legal Advisor

Ford Bank GmbH (FBG) is part of the Ford Motor Credit Company, headquartered in Cologne. FBG is a registered bank authorised and regulated by the German Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (Bafin). Our business activities are concentrated in automotive financing and leasing for consumers and commercial customers. In addition, FBG has a Trade Finance division that provides wholesale stock finance facilities to dealers and distributors in Germany. Operating under the brand name Ford Money, we also offer online savings products in Germany where customers can save money in easy access and fixed-term deposit accounts at attractive and consistent interest rates.   

We are seeking a highly skilled Corporate Secretary and Legal Manager to join our team at FBG. As Company Secretary you will have a vital role in promoting and reinforcing efficient corporate governance at FBG by ensuring compliance with statutory and regulatory obligations as well as good practice. You will be in charge of managing shareholder and FBG`s corporate body matters, meetings and decisions. As Legal Manager you will also play a key role in supporting FBG’s projects and initiatives. We are seeking a motivated individual who is drawn to the challenges and complexities facing FBG and Ford, inter alia supporting FBG’s efforts to become a digital retail bank. 

• Successfully completed state examinations and a solid understanding of the role as a Corporate Secretary at a German regulated Bank, preferably having Financial Services/ Banking experience in Automotive Financial Services and Leasing. 
• Strong understanding of corporate law and corporate governance and ability to develop legal concepts, to support and evaluate corporate law projects as well as ability to provide comprehensive legal advice on civil law, banking law and insolvency law. 
• Strong analytical and communication skills, ability to effectively and concisely communicate complex legal issues in an understandable manner to all different stakeholders internally and externally, with a high degree of confidentiality.
• Experience in working independently, handling multiple tasks with the ability to effectively liaise and collaborate with internal and external partners. Effectively lead on contract developments and negotiations. Apply a commercial and risk orientated approach to legal decision-making and advice. 

We are seeking a highly skilled Corporate Secretary and Legal Manager to become a key member of our management team, reporting directly to FBG Head of Legal. 

The ideal candidate will be sufficiently qualified in to effectively work and communicate with the relevant parties and key stakeholders in the wider group with the ability to demonstrate a high level of professionalism, adaptability, and emotional intelligence, and be comfortable working in a fast-paced and dynamic environment. You will have the ability to think strategically and analytically to pursue the company’s goals and objectives from a legal perspective. 

As Corporate Secretary and Legal Manager you will: 

• Provide legal advice and support to key stakeholders of FBG and manage all corporate secretarial activities for FBG, ensuring proper governance, maintenance of statutory records, adherence to filing requirements and compliance with regulatory standards.
• Coordinate and manage the meetings of the Supervisory Board, Management Board and Shareholder, including the preparation of agendas and materials, documentation review, minute drafting and follow-up on actions/decisions.
• Facilitate effective communication with board members, auditors, and both, internal and external stakeholders, promoting transparency and accountability.
• Develop and negotiate legal concepts and contracts with customers, dealers and other contractual partners, support and evaluate partnerships/cooperation.
• Critically assess evolving business and market dynamics and supporting FBG’s Head of Legal in providing advice to the business/key stakeholders on upcoming legal challenges and changes adding value through active involvement and experience.
• Monitor, analyze and implement relevant European and local legislative and regulatory proposals, including court rulings to determine applicability and impact to FBG, incl. FBG’s corporate governance and related legal and regulatory matters.

What’s in it for me?
Join the Ford family and you’ll be part of a globally operating company, empowered to innovate, collaborate and bring your ideas to life whilst also developing your talent as a valued member of our team. 

The successful candidate will be based in our offices in Cologne and can expect in a wide range of benefits such as

• Operated Pay for Performance, with regular review of Base Pay and Variable Bonus 
• Annual Leave Entitlement
• Car Allowance
• DC Pension Scheme
• Learning Culture, Work-Life Matters and Community Involvement
• Employer's permit for admission as "Syndikusrechtsanwalt“ possible

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