At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead compliance and governance in a dynamic law firm, shaping strategic direction.
- Company: Innovative law firm at the forefront of legal services and digital innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary up to £100,000, bonuses, hybrid working, and professional development.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity for career growth in a supportive and evolving environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on compliance and risk culture in a growing business.
- Qualifications: Qualified lawyer with compliance experience or a compliance professional from a law background.
The predicted salary is between 78750 - 96250 £ per year.
Up to £100,000 dependent on experience Plus Bonus & Benefits
Yorkshire (Hybrid and Potentially Remote)
Haggerty Jaques is delighted to be instructed on an exclusive basis to recruit a Head of Compliance for this innovative law firm. 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
- Lead and shape the organisation’s approach to legal compliance, risk, and governance, ensuring alignment with a complex and evolving regulatory landscape.
- Set the strategic direction for compliance and professional standards.
- Develop and maintain policies, procedures and guidance.
- Oversee compliance monitoring, audit frameworks and reporting.
- Drive a strong risk culture and regulatory adherence.
- Own the Risk Register and wider risk management processes.
- Manage regulatory obligations (including SRA compliance, breach reporting and PI claims).
- Oversee complaints handling and conflicts processes.
- Support training and development initiatives alongside L&D.
- Lead and develop the Professional Standards team.
The Ideal Candidate
This role would suit either:
- A current compliance professional who previously qualified and ideally practised as a lawyer and has been doing a similar job already for a law firm.
- A qualified lawyer with some experience of legal compliance, governance or regulatory law, who is keen to move into a specialist compliance role and is (over time) happy to hone their expertise on the job.
Key qualifications include:
- An understanding of regulatory frameworks 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 (beneficial but not essential).
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.
The successful candidate would have an office base within Yorkshire. The business operates a hybrid working model but there is also potential for the successful candidate to work remotely for the majority of the time, with more occasional office presence once they are properly embedded within the business.
Haggerty Jaques is exclusively retained by the business and any agency or direct candidate applications or enquiries will be forwarded to Haggerty Jaques for consideration.
Please note that Haggerty Jaques only advertises vacancies through established legal and professional recruitment channels.
Hiring: Head of Compliance (Hybrid/ Remote) employer: Haggerty Jaques
Haggerty Jaques is an exceptional employer for early-career lawyers seeking to develop their expertise in a supportive and dynamic in-house environment. With a focus on flexible hybrid working, competitive salaries, and a strong benefits package, employees can enjoy a healthy work-life balance while gaining exposure to a variety of legal matters alongside experienced colleagues. This role offers a unique opportunity to build a well-rounded career in law, making it an attractive choice for those looking to make a meaningful impact in the North East.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Hiring: Head of Compliance (Hybrid/ Remote)
✨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 Haggerty Jaques looking for candidates who are engaged and informed.
We think you need these skills to ace Hiring: Head of Compliance (Hybrid/ Remote)
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 Haggerty Jaques. 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 Haggerty Jaques
✨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 Haggerty Jaques’s stance on compliance. A shared vision can really resonate with interviewers looking for fit as much as skill!
