Senior Managers and Certification Regime (SMCR) Compliance Lead

Senior Managers and Certification Regime (SMCR) Compliance Lead

Full-Time 40500 - 49500 £ / year (est.) Hybrid
I

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead compliance with SMCR and collaborate with senior stakeholders to ensure regulatory requirements are met.
  • Company: Join Investec, a leading international bank known for its innovative culture and human connection.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, wellbeing benefits, and a flexible work schedule with 4 days in-office.
  • Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace that values unique perspectives and fosters career growth.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact by shaping compliance strategies in a dynamic and supportive environment.
  • Qualifications: Strong knowledge of SMCR and experience advising senior executives on regulatory matters.

The predicted salary is between 40500 - 49500 £ per year.

At Investec, we do things differently. We're a leading international bank and wealth manager built on a culture of curiosity, entrepreneurial spirit and human connection. Ideas are heard, ambition is celebrated, and impact is encouraged. As part of a team that challenges convention and strives for outperformance, you'll help shape bold solutions for clients who expect something more than the ordinary.

Join Investec's Central Compliance team as an SMCR Compliance Lead, taking a lead role in overseeing the Bank's compliance with the Senior Managers and Certification Regime. Working closely with Senior Managers, Executives, People & Organisation, Company Secretarial and Compliance colleagues, you will help ensure regulatory requirements are understood, embedded and applied effectively. You will act as a trusted subject-matter expert, providing pragmatic advice, maintaining key governance frameworks and supporting Investec's response to regulatory change, including the incoming Phase 2 SMCR changes.

What will I be doing?

  • Oversee our compliance with SMCR, working with key stakeholders to ensure requirements are understood, implemented and maintained.
  • Own and maintain core SMCR documentation, including the Management Responsibilities Map, Statements of Responsibility, Certification Methodology, Handover Policy and supporting procedures.
  • Lead the implementation of relevant regulatory developments, including the incoming Phase 2 SMCR changes, and provide clear briefings and advice to stakeholders.
  • Prepare and submit Senior Management Function applications to the FCA and PRA.
  • Advise Senior Managers on their individual responsibilities, including updates to role descriptions, Statements of Responsibility and Personal Accountability Frameworks.
  • Develop engaging training and communications on SMCR and Conduct Rules, including induction materials, senior management briefings and mandatory training content.
  • Support key governance forums by preparing meeting materials, presenting Compliance updates and contributing to Employee Conduct Forum discussions.
  • Contribute to wider Central Compliance activity, including policies and frameworks, regulatory consultations, management information and advice on related compliance matters.

What I bring

  • Strong working knowledge of SMCR, Conduct Rules, Fitness & Propriety and Training & Competence requirements, with experience applying these in practice.
  • A good understanding of the UK regulatory landscape and the key regulatory priorities affecting financial services.
  • Confidence working with C-suite executives, non-executive directors and other senior stakeholders, providing clear advice and appropriate challenge.
  • Experience interpreting complex regulation and translating it into pragmatic, business-focused advice and solutions.
  • Strong experience drafting policies, procedures, governance frameworks and regulatory submissions.
  • Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with strong attention to detail, intellectual curiosity and professional scepticism.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to produce and deliver clear, engaging briefings and regulatory communications.
  • The ability to work autonomously as an SMCR subject-matter expert while building trusted relationships across the business.

This role would suit an experienced SMCR Compliance professional who can combine strong regulatory judgement with a practical approach, building trusted relationships while providing effective advice and challenge. Integrity, sound risk awareness, and strong technical knowledge will be central to success.

As part of our collaborative & agile culture, our working week is 4 days in the office and one day remote. We believe that being together enables us to live our values and support our clients and communities in an extraordinary way.

Investec offers a range of wellbeing benefits to make our people feel healthier, balanced and more fulfilled in their lives inside and outside of work.

Embedded in our culture is a sense of belonging and inclusion. At Investec we want everyone to find it easy to be themselves, and to feel they belong. It's a responsibility we all share and is integral to our purpose and values as an organisation. We believe that innovation thrives when everyone feels respected, included, and empowered to contribute.

We actively seek out diverse talent and foster an inclusive environment, encouraging applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences. Here, you'll find networks, benefits, and development opportunities designed to support your career journey, wherever it may lead.

If this role excites you but you don't meet every requirement, we'd still love to hear from you. Your unique perspective and experience could be exactly what we are looking for. Get in touch!

At Investec, we're deeply invested in our clients, our colleagues, and our communities. It's more than a mindset; it's how we show up every day. Be part of something Out of the Ordinary.

We commit to ensure that everyone is fairly assessed during our recruitment process. To assist candidates in completing their application form, Recite Me assistive technology is available on our Careers pages. This can be accessed by clicking on the ‘Accessibility Options' link at the top of the page.

If you have any form of disability or neurodivergent need and require further assistance in completing your application, please contact the Careers team at careers@investec.com who will be happy to assist.

Location: London - 30 Gresham Street

Department: Compliance (IBP)

Division: IBP Risk & Compliance

Employment Type: Full time

Salary: Competitive

Senior Managers and Certification Regime (SMCR) Compliance Lead employer: Investec

Investec is an exceptional employer that champions a culture of curiosity and collaboration, making it an ideal place for Financial Planning and Analysis professionals. With a commitment to employee wellbeing, a flexible working model, and a strong focus on diversity and inclusion, we provide ample opportunities for personal and professional growth in the vibrant city of London. Join us to be part of a team that not only drives financial performance but also fosters a sense of belonging and community.

I

Contact Details:

Investec Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Senior Managers and Certification Regime (SMCR) Compliance Lead

✨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 Investec looking for candidates who are engaged and informed.

We think you need these skills to ace Senior Managers and Certification Regime (SMCR) Compliance Lead

SMCR Knowledge
Conduct Rules Understanding
Fitness & Propriety Requirements
Training & Competence Requirements
UK Regulatory Landscape Knowledge
Stakeholder Engagement
Regulatory Interpretation

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 Investec. 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 Investec

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