Company Secretary

DAYBREAK FOODS requires the services of a suitably qualified, well-motivated, and results-driven Company Secretary to work closely with the Board of Directors, its CEO, and Executives in ensuring compliance with laws and regulations, providing strategic advice, and maintaining strong corporate governance. The incumbent will play a critical role in ensuring legal compliance, facilitating effective communication between the company and its stakeholders, and managing all corporate governance matters.

Strategy Planning

•       Advise the Board of Directors on legal, regulatory, and governance issues.

•       Conduct an annual strategic planning meeting, and provide necessary information packs for the Directors in advance.

•       Ensure the Board is conducting processes that adhere to prevailing compliance.

•       Effectively convey and interpret laws and legal judgements to the Board members, CEO, Executive team and stakeholders.

Manage Board Activities

•       Develop and implement the Annual Board Work Plan and Calendar in liaison with the Board and Executive Committee.

•       Draft agendas, in consultation with Chairperson/s, and liaise with Directors / Committee members.

•       Upload Board packs and corporate calendars for the meetings ensuring proper recording of meeting proceedings, compilation, circulation, and approval of minutes.

•       Maintain all Company Secretarial/ Statutory documents and records, e.g., attendance registers, minutes of meetings, resolutions etc.

•       Ensure that the Board and Board Committee charters and terms of reference are kept up to date.

•       Ensure that key principles of King IV, namely strategy, policy, oversight, and disclosure are covered during each financial period.

•       Ensure that a copy of the annual financial statements is sent to relevant stakeholders.

•       Assess specific training needs of Directors and Executives regarding fiduciary/ governance responsibilities.

•       Prepare and facilitate annual Board evaluation.

•       Liaise with the Chairperson to ensure Board Succession planning. 

•       Plan orientation and training for incoming Directors.

•       Prepare and lodge special resolutions.

•       Advise on Directors' fees and payment thereof.

Company Administration

•       Responsible for the content of the minutes and make sure that they accurately reflect the decisions of the board. 

•       Maintain significant business records and papers, including disclosure information and compliance with relevant laws.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

•       Facilitate and maintain key relationships with the Shareholder and its representatives.

•       Ensure timely and accurate dissemination of financial reports, resolutions, and regulatory updates.

Compliance & Risk Management

•       Ensure compliance with all relevant legal, regulatory, and safety standards, including OHS and environmental regulations.

•       Assist Daybreak in understanding potential problems, managing those risks and providing solutions on how to handle them.

•       File statutory documents with regulatory authorities on behalf of Daybreak.

•       Advise the board on shareholder rights, obligations, and best practices. ‍

Education & Experience:

•       Grade 12 / Matric.

•       Bachelor’s degree in Law (LLB), Finance, Business Administration, or related field.

•       Registration with the Chartered Governance Institute is advantageous.

•       Minimum of 8 years in a company secretarial or governance role, with at least 5 years of that in a leadership role managing corporate governance and compliance.

•       In-depth knowledge of corporate governance frameworks, compliance regulations, and legal interpretation.

•       Expertise in regulatory compliance and industry-specific best practices, preferably in the poultry industry.

•       Proficiency in digital tools, including ERP systems and Power BI.