Enhanced Due Diligence (Edd) Lead - Senior Manager in Cardiff

Enhanced Due Diligence (Edd) Lead - Senior Manager in Cardiff

Cardiff Full-Time 70000 - 90000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Grant Thornton

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead the Enhanced Due Diligence process and manage a team across multiple jurisdictions.
  • Company: Join Grant Thornton, a global leader in audit, tax, and advisory services.
  • Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, competitive salary, and comprehensive family-friendly policies.
  • Other info: Collaborative culture that values your unique contributions and supports your growth.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in financial crime compliance with cutting-edge AI tools.
  • Qualifications: Deep EDD expertise and experience in managing teams and quality frameworks.

The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.

Grant Thornton UK LLP is part of a global network of independent audit, tax and advisory firms, made up of some 58,000 people in over 135 countries.

We’re a team of independent thinkers who put quality, inclusion and integrity first.

All around the world we bring a different experience to our clients.

A better experience.

One that delivers the expertise they need in a way that goes beyond.

Personal, proactive, and agile.

That’s Grant Thornton.

Every day our teams help people in businesses and communities to do what is right and achieve their goals.

About the team

Our Client Due Diligence (CDD) practice sits at the heart of our Financial Crime team, supporting banks, payment firms, wealth managers and other regulated institutions across onboarding, remediation and ongoing compliance.

Within the practice, our Enhanced Due Diligence (EDD) capability handles the most complex and high‑risk cases — including PEPs, sanctioned entities, adverse media exposures and multi‑jurisdictional corporate structures.

We operate a hybrid onshore and offshore delivery model, supported by AI‑assisted research and drafting tools, and we are investing in experienced leadership to drive quality, consistency and innovation across everything we produce.

We’re happy to talk flexible working and consider reduced hours and job shares, we’ll support you to balance your work and life.

A look into the role

As an Enhanced Due Diligence Lead (Senior Manager) within our Financial Crime & Compliance practice, you will lead the firm’s EDD production capability end to end — owning quality, process, systems and the skills framework that underpins our output.

You will act as the operational owner of our AI‑assisted EDD drafting and research capability and you will be accountable for the standard of every EDD risk assessment that reaches the second‑line Financial Crime Risk Advisory function for decision.

This is a technically demanding, client‑facing leadership role that requires deep EDD practitioner expertise, a genuine appetite for AI‑assisted compliance tools, and the ability to lead and develop a team of managers and analysts working across multiple jurisdictions.

Day to day you will

  • Own the EDD process end to end…
  • Maintain quality oversight of all EDD output…
  • Take operational ownership of the firm’s AI‑assisted EDD drafting capability, including accuracy monitoring, human‑review and override logging, versioning control, and building the evidence base for progressive reliance on the system.
  • Own and manage the firm’s specialist research and screening intelligence relationships, and contribute to use‑case design for High and Restricted risk clients, third parties and insolvency payments.
  • Design and maintain the competence framework for EDD risk assessment compilation, including training standards, assessment criteria and the sampling regime for all populations performing input work, onshore and offshore.
  • Operate the risk‑based review framework, applying the MLRO‑approved tiering ruleset that determines the level of human review required for each assessment, and manage the competence gate governing analyst conclude authority.
  • Lead and develop two direct report Managers, allocating and rotating responsibilities including ownership of the AI drafting accuracy log and override reporting.
  • Lead the transition of EDD production from the current operating model into the target model, managing the change with minimal disruption to quality or throughput.
  • Provide guidance and act as escalation point on complex compilation questions, including source corroboration, adverse media relevance, identity resolution and narrative fairness.
  • Produce management information for the Head of CDD and the MLRO covering volumes, quality outcomes, system accuracy and capacity.
  • Knowing you’re right for us

Joining us as an Enhanced Due Diligence Lead (Senior Manager), the minimum criteria you’ll need is a deep EDD practitioner background with hands‑on experience producing and reviewing enhanced due diligence on complex structures, including PEPs, adverse media and sanctions exposure.

It would be great if you had some of the following skills, but don’t worry if you don’t tick every box — we’ll help you develop along the way.

  • Significant hands‑on EDD production and review experience…
  • Demonstrable experience building or running a quality framework, including sampling, calibration, feedback loops and competence assessment.
  • Genuine fluency with research and screening systems; direct experience of AI‑assisted compliance tools is a strong advantage, and an evidenced appetite for working with them is essential.
  • Strong writing and analytical standards, with the ability to distinguish between a data pack and a coherent, well‑reasoned risk assessment — and to coach others to do the same.
  • Experience managing teams across jurisdictions and time zones, including offshore delivery models.
  • Solid working knowledge of MLR 2017 and JMLSG guidance; familiarity with the accountancy‑sector AMLGAS is an advantage.
  • Experience contributing to the build‑out or rollout of a new EDD platform, case management system or operating model would be a distinct advantage.
  • Knowing we’re right for you

Our open and accessible culture means you’ll interact with leaders who are interested in you and everything you bring to our firm.

The things that set you apart, we value them.

That’s why we give you the freedom to bring your whole self to work and pursue your passions inside and outside of work.

We’re also committed to supporting you through different life stages, with a range of family‑friendly and wider leave policies.

You can find full details of our reward, benefits and leave policies on our website.

  • Location
  • Enhanced Due Diligence (EDD) Lead - Senior Manager • Cardiff
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Enhanced Due Diligence (Edd) Lead - Senior Manager in Cardiff employer: Grant Thornton

Grant Thornton offers an exceptional work environment for cybersecurity auditors in the heart of the City of London, where you can thrive in a supportive Agile Talent Community. With a focus on career development and meaningful client connections, you'll enjoy the flexibility of independent contracting while benefiting from a collaborative culture that prioritises your growth and expertise in UK compliance. Join us to make a significant impact in the cybersecurity landscape while enjoying the unique advantages of working in one of the world's leading financial hubs.

Grant Thornton

Contact Details:

Grant Thornton Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Enhanced Due Diligence (Edd) Lead - Senior Manager in Cardiff

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 Grant Thornton looking for candidates who are engaged and informed.

We think you need these skills to ace Enhanced Due Diligence (Edd) Lead - Senior Manager in Cardiff

Enhanced Due Diligence (EDD) expertise
AI-assisted compliance tools
Quality framework development
Research and screening systems fluency
Analytical writing skills
Team management across jurisdictions
Knowledge of MLR 2017

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 Grant Thornton. 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 Grant Thornton

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 Grant Thornton’s stance on compliance. A shared vision can really resonate with interviewers looking for fit as much as skill!