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- Tasks: Lead compliance strategy and ensure regulatory obligations are met while managing a high-performing team.
- Company: Join a high-growth, forward-thinking firm with a focus on innovation and compliance excellence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, leadership opportunities, and a chance to shape the future of compliance.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a pivotal leadership role at the heart of the business.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in senior compliance roles with strong FCA knowledge.
- Other info: Opportunity to develop a dynamic compliance framework and influence at senior levels.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
McFall Recruitment is partnering with a high-growth, forward-thinking firm to appoint a Head of Compliance - a pivotal leadership hire reporting directly to the Chief Risk & Compliance Officer. This is a high-impact role at the heart of the business, offering the opportunity to shape and lead a proactive, future-focused compliance framework while operating at senior leadership level. You’ll hold SMF16 (Compliance Oversight) and SMF17 (MLRO), with a structured and supportive handover in place. This role blends strategic leadership with hands-on oversight, giving you full ownership across compliance, financial crime, and regulatory engagement. You’ll play a key role in ensuring the business not only meets its regulatory obligations but stays ahead of them.
- Compliance Leadership
- Own and evolve the firm’s Compliance Framework and regulatory mapping
- Lead FCA engagement, submissions, and reporting
- Oversee policy development and compliance monitoring
- Provide clear regulatory guidance and escalation support
- Take ownership of AML & financial crime, including MLRO responsibilities
- Partner closely with Risk to ensure aligned oversight
- Provide pragmatic legal guidance across the business
- Manage external counsel on complex or high-risk matters
- Review key documentation (client agreements, contracts, NDAs)
- Identify and escalate legal risks effectively
- Build strong, credible relationships with regulators
- Support clients on regulatory matters
- Oversee governance and company secretarial responsibilities
- Deliver high-quality committee reporting and compliance MI
- Lead and embed compliance training across the organisation
- Lead, develop, and scale the Compliance function
- Build a high-performing, delivery-focused team
- Set clear objectives and drive accountability
- Navigate complexity and influence at senior level
What We’re Looking For
- Proven experience operating at Head of Compliance / Senior Compliance leadership level
- Strong working knowledge of FCA regulation and expectations
- Experience holding or stepping into SMF16 and/or SMF17
- A commercial, pragmatic mindset with the ability to influence stakeholders
- A leader who can balance strategy with execution
Head of Compliance - SMF16 & SMF17 employer: McFall Recruitment Limited
Contact Detail:
McFall Recruitment Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Compliance - SMF16 & SMF17
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the compliance field and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a role that’s perfect for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of FCA regulations and compliance frameworks. Be ready to discuss how you've navigated complex compliance issues in the past – real-life examples will make you stand out!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply anywhere; focus on firms that align with your values and career goals. When you find a role that excites you, apply through our website to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in keeping you top of mind. Use this opportunity to reiterate your enthusiasm for the role and how you can contribute to their compliance framework.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Compliance - SMF16 & SMF17
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Compliance role. Highlight your experience with FCA regulations and any leadership roles you've held. We want to see how your background aligns with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of how you've led compliance initiatives and influenced stakeholders in the past.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: Since this is a leadership role, don’t forget to showcase your ability to build and develop teams. We’re looking for someone who can navigate complexity and drive accountability, so give us the goods!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at McFall Recruitment Limited
✨Know Your Regulations
Make sure you brush up on FCA regulations and compliance frameworks before the interview. Being able to discuss specific regulations and how they apply to the role will show that you're not just familiar with the basics, but that you can navigate the complexities of compliance.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a compliance team or project in the past. Highlight your ability to develop and scale teams, set clear objectives, and drive accountability. This is a leadership role, so demonstrating your experience in managing people and processes is crucial.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect to be asked about how you would handle specific compliance challenges or regulatory issues. Think through potential scenarios related to AML, financial crime, or regulatory engagement, and be ready to articulate your thought process and decision-making strategies.
✨Build Rapport with Interviewers
Since this role involves significant interaction with senior stakeholders, practice building rapport during the interview. Be personable, engage with your interviewers, and demonstrate your ability to influence at a senior level. This will help them see you as a collaborative leader who can fit into their culture.