At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a project to enhance internal conflict processes and train a team of analysts.
- Company: Join HFW, a global leader in risk and compliance with a commitment to diversity.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a dynamic work environment.
- Other info: Opportunity to build a team and shape the future of compliance at HFW.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact on compliance and conflict resolution in a prestigious firm.
- Qualifications: Qualified lawyer with 10 years of experience in conflicts management.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.
The Risk & Compliance Department at HFW is organised across four core functions: Risk Legal, Business Intake (KYC focused), Conflicts and Systems. The department includes a team of Risk Lawyers and paralegals across London and Hong Kong, advising on legal and regulatory risk, including financial crime, sanctions, data protection and broader compliance matters.
Business Intake Team (KYC focused): Led by the Head of Business Acceptance (KYC), with Deputy Compliance Managers for EMEA and APAC. Responsible for client and matter onboarding, KYC and business acceptance processes, and related risk assessment support.
Conflicts: Led by the Head of Conflicts, includes a Conflicts Researcher Team Leader and a Conflicts Researcher. Supports the firm’s conflicts checking process and escalates legal or confidential issues to the appropriate specialists.
Systems: Managed by the Compliance Systems Manager based in London. Responsible for the development, maintenance and optimisation of the firm’s compliance systems, including the IntApp suite.
The role: The Head of Conflicts will report to the Risk and Compliance Partner and is responsible for driving forwards a large-scale project to implement significant improvements to the firm’s internal conflicts processes and procedures, particularly as part of the firm’s IntApp Cloud Migration project. The successful candidate will conduct a gap analysis and train a small team of conflicts analysts over the next 2-3 years. This role is crucial in ensuring the firm’s compliance with professional standards and regulatory requirements.
Key responsibilities:
- Project management: Lead on, and successfully deliver, a large-scale project to implement improvements to the firm’s internal conflicts processes and procedures.
- Conflict resolution: Identify and resolve potential conflicts of interest and confidentiality issues arising from client matters, lateral hires, and mergers. Draft waivers and consent language required in the resolution of conflicts of interest and confidentiality issues. Update the conflicts and confidentiality provisions in the firm’s Terms of Business as necessary. Lead on internal investigations and other queries involving conflict of interest or confidentiality issues.
- Policy development: Draft and update the firm’s internal conflicts of interest policies and procedures.
- Training: Provide training to partners and staff globally on conflicts of interest and confidentiality.
- Reporting: Regularly report to the firm’s management, Conflicts Committee, and partners on conflicts-related issues.
- Team building: Build and lead a team of analysts to support the firm’s conflict resolution and risk management efforts. Line management and supervision of those currently running conflict checks.
Key skills & experience required:
- Legal background: Ideally qualified lawyer.
- Experience: Preferably 10 years of experience as a Conflicts Lawyer/equivalent in an international firm.
- People management: Strong people management skills and experience of successfully leading a team.
- Communication: Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
- Strategic: Demonstrable strategic and leadership skills.
- Analytical thinking: Strong problem-solving and holistic risk assessment abilities.
- Resilience: Ability to work under pressure and to deadlines.
- Systems: In-depth and hands-on experience of using IntApp suite of products (Open, Walls etc). Discretion, confidentiality and diplomacy.
HFW aims to ensure equality of opportunity and is actively working towards improving the diversity of our staff. All applications will be considered only on merit and the applicant’s suitability to meet the requirements of the role. HFW collects and processes personal data relating to job applicants to manage its recruitment process. The firm is committed to being transparent about how it collects and uses that data and to meeting its data protection obligations.
Head of Conflicts in London employer: Holman Fenwick Willan LLP
HFW is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of London where innovation meets compliance. With a strong focus on employee development, the firm provides ample opportunities for growth through training and leadership roles, particularly in the Risk & Compliance Department. The collaborative culture fosters diversity and inclusion, ensuring that every team member's contributions are valued as they work together to navigate complex legal landscapes.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Conflicts in London
✨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 Holman Fenwick Willan LLP looking for candidates who are engaged and informed.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Conflicts in London
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 Holman Fenwick Willan LLP. 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 Holman Fenwick Willan LLP
✨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 Holman Fenwick Willan LLP’s stance on compliance. A shared vision can really resonate with interviewers looking for fit as much as skill!
