At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the global sanctions strategy and build a scalable framework for compliance.
- Company: High-growth global digital bank with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, dynamic work environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative role across policy, risk, product, and operations with direct regulatory engagement.
- Why this job: Shape the future of compliance in a fast-paced fintech environment.
- Qualifications: 6+ years in sanctions and financial crime programs, strong technical understanding required.
The predicted salary is between 100000 - 130000 £ per year.
A senior compliance leader to define and execute the group’s sanctions strategy across all markets. To build a sanctions framework that can scale with the business. You’ll balance regulatory precision with product speed, shaping how sanctions controls support growth. The role sits across policy, risk, product, and operations - translating regulatory expectation into practical, data-driven execution.
Key responsibilities
- Define and maintain the global sanctions framework, ensuring consistency and proportionality across markets
- Lead sanctions risk identification, assessment, and mitigation across products, geographies, and partners
- Oversee screening model validation, tuning, and reporting to management and the Board
- Embed sanctions compliance in new product design through close partnership with Product, Engineering, and Operations
- Act as the senior escalation point for complex sanctions matters and regulatory engagement
- Monitor global regulatory developments (OFAC, EU, UK, UN and others) and drive implementation of required changes
- Promote automation, data accuracy, and continuous improvement across sanctions operations
Skills and experience
- 6+ years experience leading sanctions and financial crime programs within fintech, payments, or digital banking
- Strong technical understanding of sanctions regimes and related screening systems - list management, model calibration, and workflow design
- Experienced in risk assessment, control testing, and assurance within multi-market environments
- Skilled at turning regulation into design - working with engineers to automate and improve control effectiveness
- Direct exposure to regulators and senior management, with proven ability to brief and influence
- Track record of modernising frameworks, closing audit findings, and driving measurable control uplift
- Operates with urgency, precision, and accountability - a builder, not an observer
Global Head of Sanctions in Manchester employer: Alexander Barnes
As a high-growth global digital bank, we pride ourselves on fostering a dynamic and inclusive work culture that empowers our employees to thrive. With a strong focus on professional development, we offer extensive growth opportunities and encourage innovation in a fast-paced environment. Our commitment to regulatory excellence and operational efficiency ensures that you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of sanctions compliance while enjoying the benefits of a supportive team and a forward-thinking organisation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Global Head of Sanctions in Manchester
✨Join Compliance Communities
Get involved in compliance and risk communities — both online and offline. Look for forums, LinkedIn groups, or even local meetups where compliance pros hang out. You never know who might drop a job opportunity your way!
✨Attend Industry Conferences
Keep an eye out for compliance and risk management conferences and workshops in your area. These events are a goldmine for networking, and they often have job boards or recruiters on-site looking for new talent. Plus, it’s a chance to learn what's trending in the field.
✨Leverage Your University Career Services
If you’ve recently graduated or are still studying, head over to your university's career services. Many companies, including those in compliance, actively recruit fresh talent through these services, so make sure you tap into that resource.
✨Showcase Your Knowledge Online
Start writing articles or blog posts about compliance topics that interest you. Share them on platforms like LinkedIn to demonstrate your knowledge and passion. This not only builds your presence in the field but can also catch the attention of companies like Alexander Barnes looking for candidates who are engaged and informed.
We think you need these skills to ace Global Head of Sanctions in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Understanding of Compliance:In the compliance-risk field, it's super important to showcase your understanding of regulations and risk management frameworks. Highlight any relevant coursework, certifications (like ICA or AML), or even projects that demonstrate your knowledge and commitment to this area. We want to see how you can navigate this complex landscape!
Quantify Your Achievements:When detailing your experience, try to quantify your achievements. For example, if you've previously worked on a project that improved compliance metrics or reduced risk exposure, give us the numbers! This data-driven approach really stands out to hiring managers in compliance-risk roles.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Relevant Skills:Make sure your CV highlights skills that are particularly relevant to compliance, like attention to detail, analytical thinking, and report writing. Ensure these are easy to spot – consider using bullet points to break down your responsibilities and achievements for maximum impact!
Craft a Motivating Cover Letter:In your cover letter, let us know why you’re excited about the compliance-risk role at Alexander Barnes. Share what motivates you about compliance, and how you believe you can contribute to our mission. This is your chance to showcase not only your skills but also your passion for this important field!
How to prepare for a job interview at Alexander Barnes
✨Master the Regulations
Brush up on key compliance regulations relevant to the industry you're applying to. Familiarising yourself with specific laws and frameworks used in your field will give you an edge during technical questions. Show that you’re not just aware of them but can also apply them—think real-life scenarios!
✨Show Your Analytical Skills
Compliance roles really focus on analytical skills, so be prepared for case studies or situational questions during the interview. We've got to demonstrate how we approach risk assessments or compliance audits, possibly drawing on examples from past experiences or university projects. Bring some thoughtful case scenarios to discuss!
✨Know Your Tools
Get comfortable with commonly used compliance software and tools. Familiarity with platforms like RSA or MetricStream can really impress during your interview, as it shows you're ready to hit the ground running. If you’ve had any experience with them, make sure to highlight that!
✨Align with Company Culture
Since it's a full-time position, show your long-term commitment and interest in the company’s mission and values. Dive into how your ethics and professional philosophy align with Alexander Barnes’s stance on compliance. A shared vision can really resonate with interviewers looking for fit as much as skill!
