Lead Specialist – Compliance and Operations (Regulation)

Location: London / Hybrid
Salary: £60,000 - £70,000 + bonus & benefits
Working Pattern: Hybrid – typically 2 days per week in the London office, with the majority of the role worked remotely

We are working with a leading organisation within the education and qualifications sector that is looking for an experienced Lead Specialist – Compliance & Regulation to join its regulatory team.

The Role

• Provide expert advice and guidance on regulatory requirements and compliance.
• Work closely with business teams to strengthen regulatory compliance throughout the design, development, delivery and awarding of qualifications.
• Lead responses to regulatory requests, ensuring they are accurate, clear and delivered within required timescales.
• Identify regulatory risks, trends and areas for improvement.
• Lead regulatory compliance reviews and deep dives, working with teams to identify issues and implement improvement plans.
• Support root cause analysis and the development of effective corrective actions.
• Provide advice and updates to senior management on regulatory matters and risks.
• Maintain accurate records of regulatory correspondence and identify emerging themes.
• Lead appeals processes and contribute to annual regulatory compliance and self-assessment activity.
• Deliver training and guidance to colleagues on regulatory requirements and changes.
• Respond to queries relating to the interpretation and application of regulatory requirements.
• Support business development and bids by identifying and managing potential regulatory risks.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with regulators, government agencies and other external stakeholders.
• Represent the organisation at external meetings and industry forums.
• Contribute to responses to regulatory consultations and policy developments.

About You

• Strong knowledge of the UK regulatory and policy landscape for qualifications.
• A deep understanding of the Ofqual General Conditions of Recognition.
• Experience working within an awarding organisation, regulator or similar regulated environment.
• Knowledge of international and computer-based/onscreen assessments.
• An understanding of assessment methodology and validity.
• Experience within the English Language assessment market would be highly advantageous.
• Experience working collaboratively to improve compliance and regulatory processes.
• Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills, including experience working with senior-level stakeholders.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• The ability to interpret complex regulatory documentation and communicate it clearly to others.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Experience identifying risks and developing practical improvement plans.
• A proactive, organised and solutions‑focused approach.

Desirable

• Programme or project management experience.
• Experience of risk management.
• Experience conducting root cause analysis and implementing improvement plans.

What’s on Offer?

• £60,000 – £70,000 salary
• Bonus
• Excellent benefits package
• Hybrid working, typically 2 days per week in a London office
• Predominantly remote working outside of key meetings and collaboration days
• Opportunity to work in a senior regulatory position with significant stakeholder exposure
• The chance to influence regulatory compliance and improvement across a large organisation

To be considered, you should have strong experience within regulatory compliance, qualifications, assessment or a closely related regulated environment, with a good understanding of Ofqual requirements.

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