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- Tasks: Lead compliance and governance in a dynamic law firm, shaping its future.
- Company: Innovative law firm focused on digital transformation and client support.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonuses, hybrid working, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity for career growth in a supportive and evolving environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a growing business while enhancing compliance culture.
- Qualifications: Experience in legal compliance or regulatory law; strong stakeholder engagement skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Haggerty Jaques is delighted to be instructed on a sole agency basis to recruit a Head of Compliance for this innovative law firm.
The Opportunity
This is a senior, high-impact role at a particularly exciting stage of the organisation's growth. Operating at the intersection of legal services, risk management and digital innovation, the business supports a large and diverse client base across the UK. As it continues to scale, there is a clear focus on strengthening governance, enhancing operational discipline and ensuring a robust, forward-looking compliance framework.
Reporting directly to the Director of Legal Services, you will take ownership of the compliance and professional standards function - hands-on initially but having a greater strategic focus as the business evolves.
The Role
You will lead and shape the organisation's approach to legal compliance, risk and governance, ensuring alignment with a complex and evolving regulatory landscape. Key responsibilities will include:
- Setting the strategic direction for compliance and professional standards
- Developing and maintaining policies, procedures and guidance
- Overseeing compliance monitoring, audit frameworks and reporting
- Driving a strong risk culture and regulatory adherence
- Ownership of the Risk Register and wider risk management processes
- Managing regulatory obligations (including SRA compliance, breach reporting and PI claims)
- Overseeing complaints handling and conflicts processes
- Supporting training and development initiatives alongside L&D
- Leading and developing the Professional Standards team
Where a candidate is interested and has relevant experience, there is also scope to become the firm's COLP.
The Ideal Candidate
We are open to a range of backgrounds for this role. You may be:
- A qualified lawyer with experience in legal compliance / governance or regulatory law; or
- A compliance professional from a regulated environment (e.g. insurance or financial services).
You will bring:
- A strong understanding of regulatory frameworks, SRA requirements and governance
- Experience of designing or operating compliance frameworks, audit or risk programmes
- The ability to influence and engage senior stakeholders
- A commercial, pragmatic and solutions-focused mindset
- Confidence operating in a growing, evolving business environment
- The ability to communicate complex issues in a clear and accessible way
- Previous team leadership experience would be beneficial, but is not essential.
Why This Role?
This is a genuinely exciting opportunity to lead and develop a compliance function within a business that is doing things differently. You will play a key role in:
- Embedding a strong compliance and risk culture
- Supporting the organisation through its next phase of growth
- Influencing the quality, governance and reputation of the wider business
For more information and a confidential discussion about this opportunity, please contact Haggerty Jaques Katie Haggerty and Amy Jaques on 07740 662995 or 07974 131939.
Haggerty Jaques is committed to promoting equality and diversity. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals, regardless of background.
Head of Compliance in Leeds employer: Haggerty Jaques Limited
Contact Detail:
Haggerty Jaques Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Compliance in Leeds
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the legal and compliance sectors. Attend industry events or webinars where you can meet potential employers or colleagues. Remember, it’s all about who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its compliance framework. Think about how your experience aligns with their needs. We want you to showcase your understanding of regulatory landscapes and how you can contribute to their growth.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just wait for job postings! Be proactive and reach out directly to firms you admire. Express your interest in compliance roles and share your relevant experience. You never know when an opportunity might pop up!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. We’re committed to finding the right fit for both candidates and employers, so make sure your application stands out by highlighting your strategic thinking and leadership skills.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Compliance in Leeds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Head of Compliance role. Highlight your experience in legal compliance, risk management, and governance, as these are key areas for us. Show how your background aligns with our innovative approach!
Showcase Your Skills: We want to see your ability to influence and engage senior stakeholders. Use specific examples from your past roles to demonstrate your commercial mindset and solutions-focused approach. This will help us understand how you can contribute to our growth.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, especially when discussing complex regulatory frameworks. Make it easy for us to see your qualifications and fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! This ensures that your application reaches us directly and is considered for the Head of Compliance position. We’re excited to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Haggerty Jaques Limited
✨Know Your Compliance Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest regulatory frameworks and SRA requirements. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you're not just familiar with compliance but are genuinely passionate about it.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Even if you haven't led a team before, think of examples where you've influenced or engaged stakeholders. Prepare to share how you can drive a strong risk culture and support your future team in their development.
✨Be Solutions-Focused
This role is all about navigating complex issues. Come prepared with examples of how you've tackled challenges in the past, especially in compliance or governance. Highlight your commercial mindset and how you approach problem-solving.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the firm's growth and how they envision the compliance function evolving. This shows your interest in the role and helps you gauge if the company aligns with your values and career goals.