At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop the Compliance & Risk function in a fast-growing law firm.
- Company: Ambitious law firm seeking a dynamic Head of Compliance & Risk.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, and leadership opportunities.
- Other info: Based in Manchester City Centre with some remote work flexibility.
- Why this job: Join the Senior Leadership Team and make a real impact on compliance and risk management.
- Qualifications: Strong legal compliance experience, leadership skills, and knowledge of AML and GDPR.
The predicted salary is between 75600 - 92400 £ per year.
MERJE is exclusively partnering with an ambitious, fast-growing law firm to appoint a Head of Compliance & Risk. This is a senior and highly visible appointment, offering the opportunity to lead and develop the Compliance & Risk function and become a key member of the Senior Leadership Team. The firm is looking for someone who combines strong technical expertise with genuine leadership capability. You will need to be personable, collaborative and commercially minded, with the ability to build trusted relationships across the business and lead, motivate and develop others.
Key responsibilities include:
- Lead, develop and manage the Compliance & Risk function
- Take responsibility for AML matters and become MLRO following probation
- Manage the firm’s compliance policies, processes, protocols and risk register
- Lead on claims, complaints and associated insurer liaison
- Manage conflicts of interest, file reviews and compliance monitoring
- Oversee regulatory reporting and SRA requirements
- Coordinate the annual AML audit and firm-wide compliance training
- Maintain key compliance registers and logs, including GDPR/data breaches and PII notifications
- Produce regular compliance and risk reporting for senior management and the Board
- Identify opportunities to improve processes, efficiency and automation
- Build strong relationships across the firm and contribute as a member of the Senior Leadership Team
The responsibilities reflect the breadth of the client’s specification, including MLRO responsibility, claims and complaints, conflicts, SRA requirements, AML audit, training and Board reporting.
About you
We are interested in speaking with experienced law firm Compliance professionals who can demonstrate:
- Strong experience across legal compliance, AML and risk
- Previous MLRO experience
- Experience of claims, complaints and GDPR/data protection matters
- Strong knowledge of the regulatory environment within an SRA-regulated law firm
- Leadership capability and the ability to inspire, develop and bring people with you
- A pragmatic, commercial and hands-on approach
- Strong communication and stakeholder management skills
- Experience within a predominantly B2B/commercial law firm environment
- Ideally, qualification as a solicitor, with the potential to become COLP in the future
A solicitor qualification is advantageous rather than mandatory in the formal specification. This could suit an existing Head of Compliance, or an experienced Senior Compliance Manager/Deputy Head who is ready to take the next step and lead a function. The position is based in Manchester City Centre with some flexibility to work from home. For a confidential discussion about this opportunity, please apply or contact Paul Sherlock at MERJE.
Head of Risk & Compliance in Manchester employer: MERJE Ltd Careers
As a leading organisation in the highly regulated sector, we pride ourselves on fostering a culture of integrity and excellence. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through tailored training programmes and opportunities for advancement, ensuring that our team members are equipped to excel in their roles. Located in a vibrant area, we offer a collaborative work environment where innovation thrives, making us an exceptional employer for those passionate about data protection and privacy.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Risk & Compliance in Manchester
✨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 MERJE Ltd Careers looking for candidates who are engaged and informed.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Risk & Compliance in Manchester
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 MERJE Ltd Careers. 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 MERJE Ltd Careers
✨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 MERJE Ltd Careers’s stance on compliance. A shared vision can really resonate with interviewers looking for fit as much as skill!
