Operational Compliance Team Leader

Operational Compliance Team Leader

Full-Time 40500 - 49500 £ / year (est.) On-site
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead a dynamic Compliance Team and drive operational excellence in transport solutions.
  • Company: Join Arriva Road Transport Services, a leader in innovative transport solutions.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, personal development opportunities, and a supportive leadership team.
  • Other info: Embrace innovation through technology and AI in your role.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on compliance and customer experience in a fast-paced environment.
  • Qualifications: Leadership experience in compliance and strong analytical skills required.

The predicted salary is between 40500 - 49500 £ per year.

Arriva Road Transport Services (ARTS) , we're committed to delivering exceptional transport solutions and outstanding customer experiences. Every year, we deliver more than

80,000 rail replacement journeys , facilitate

20,000 taxi journeys , and provide frontline support to customers across the UK.

As our business continues to grow, we're looking for an experienced

Operational Compliance Team Leader to lead our compliance function and drive the highest standards of operational assurance, quality, and supplier compliance.

This is an exciting opportunity for an ambitious compliance professional to make a genuine impact within a fast-paced and evolving transport environment.

The Role

Reporting to the

Head of Operations , you'll be responsible for the operational delivery of ARTS' compliance and audit activities through the leadership of our Compliance Team.

You'll oversee supplier and internal audit programmes, ensure compliance activities are delivered effectively, and drive continuous improvement through data-led decision making and innovative digital solutions.

You will lead a dedicated team, ensuring that compliance processes remain robust, evidence-based, and aligned with contractual, regulatory, and quality requirements.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead and develop the Compliance Team, including Lead Auditors and Compliance Administrators.
  • Plan, manage and deliver a risk-based programme of supplier audits, operational audits and compliance checks.
  • Oversee compliance administration and quality assurance activities to ensure records remain accurate, traceable and audit-ready.
  • Manage supplier assurance activities and ensure corrective actions are completed effectively.
  • Monitor compliance with PSVAR requirements and oversee taxi permit administration.
  • Maintain and monitor CAPA (Corrective and Preventative Action) processes.
  • Produce weekly compliance dashboards and monthly performance reports for operational leadership.
  • Support ISO surveillance and certification audits, including ISO 9001, ISO 45001 and ISO 22301.
  • Drive improvements through digital technology, AI-assisted solutions and process innovation.

About You

Essential Experience & Skills

We're looking for someone who can demonstrate

  • Previous leadership experience within a compliance, audit or operational assurance environment.
  • A proven track record of delivering audit programmes within a regulated industry.
  • Strong knowledge of supplier assurance and contract compliance.
  • Experience managing findings, corrective actions and compliance improvement plans.
  • Knowledge of ISO 9001 and ISO 45001 standards.
  • Excellent analytical, reporting and stakeholder management skills.
  • Strong IT skills including Excel, Power Query and reporting tools such as Power BI.
  • Experience using AI-powered business tools responsibly and effectively.
  • The ability to challenge and influence stakeholders professionally and constructively.
  • Willingness to travel nationally for supplier audits and compliance activities.
  • Experience within rail, transport, logistics, aviation or other regulated industries.
  • Knowledge of PSVAR and DVSA-regulated operations.
  • Experience supporting ISO audits and accreditation programmes.
  • Familiarity with audit management systems such as Q-Pulse, Intelex or i Auditor.
  • Experience implementing digital transformation or AI-assisted compliance processes.
  • Environmental auditing awareness or IEMA experience.

What We're Looking For

  • Delivery focused and highly organised.
  • Evidence-led and detail oriented.
  • A confident and supportive leader.
  • Digitally minded and comfortable embracing new technologies.
  • Calm under pressure and able to manage challenging conversations.
  • Collaborative and relationship driven.
  • Professional, ethical and committed to maintaining high standards.

Qualifications

  • Full UK Driving Licence
  • Right to work in the UK
  • NEBOSH General Certificate or equivalent
  • Responsible AI or AI Governance certification

Why Join ARTS?

  • Join a growing and ambitious business
  • Lead a critical compliance function
  • Make a genuine impact on operational performance and customer experience
  • Work with a supportive and experienced leadership team
  • Drive innovation through data, technology and AI
  • Excellent opportunities for personal and professional development

If you're passionate about compliance, operational excellence and leading high-performing teams, we'd love to hear from you.

Operational Compliance Team Leader employer: Arriva Road Transport Services

Arriva Road Transport Services is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment in York or Derby with the flexibility of hybrid working. Employees benefit from free travel on Arriva services after six months, a supportive Employee Assistance Programme, and a culture that values diversity and inclusion, ensuring meaningful career growth and a rewarding experience in the transport industry.

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Contact Details:

Arriva Road Transport Services Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Operational Compliance Team Leader

✨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 Arriva Road Transport Services looking for candidates who are engaged and informed.

We think you need these skills to ace Operational Compliance Team Leader

Leadership Experience
Compliance Management
Audit Programme Delivery
Supplier Assurance
Contract Compliance
ISO 9001 Knowledge
ISO 45001 Knowledge

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 Arriva Road Transport Services. 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 Arriva Road Transport Services

✨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 Arriva Road Transport Services’s stance on compliance. A shared vision can really resonate with interviewers looking for fit as much as skill!