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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead compliance strategy and oversee financial crime risk management in a growing UK bank.
- Company: Join a dynamic, customer-focused financial services provider making waves in the industry.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, bonus, and benefits package with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Shape the culture of compliance while collaborating with senior leaders in a strategic role.
- Qualifications: Extensive experience in compliance roles, preferably in consumer lending, with strong leadership skills.
- Other info: This is a senior leadership position with significant influence on regulatory matters.
The predicted salary is between 120000 - 180000 £ per year.
Job Description
Exclusive Assignment
Director – Conduct & Compliance
c.£150,000 + Bonus + Benefits
📍 Manchester | 💼 Full-Time | 📊 SMF 16 & 17 (Approved Role)
Reporting to: Chief Risk Officer
Department: Risk & Compliance
Are you a strategic compliance leader with deep expertise in consumer lending? Ready to shape the culture and risk agenda of a growing UK bank? A dynamic and customer-focused financial services provider is seeking a confident, collaborative, and forward-thinking Director – Conduct & Compliance to join its Risk & Compliance leadership team.
About the Role
This senior leadership role leads the second line of defence for all compliance, conduct, and financial crime risk matters. You’ll be responsible for oversight and challenge, ensuring regulatory obligations are met and risk appetite is maintained. The role also includes acting as the Money Laundering Reporting Officer (MLRO) and holding SMF 16 & 17 responsibilities under the Senior Managers and Certification Regime (SMCR).
You'll sit on key executive committees, report directly to the Chief Risk Officer, and collaborate closely with senior leaders across the organisation.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and develop the Compliance team, setting the strategy and culture for conduct and compliance risk.
- Maintain and evolve risk frameworks, policies, and procedures aligned to FCA expectations and business objectives.
- Monitor and escalate emerging risks, ensuring readiness for regulatory developments.
- Manage relationships with key regulatory bodies and lead thematic reviews.
- Oversee financial crime risk management, including AML, sanctions, bribery, and fraud prevention.
- Support external reporting and enhance internal decision-making with insight-led compliance metrics.
What We’re Looking For
- Extensive experience in senior compliance and financial crime roles within regulated financial services—consumer and/or commercial lending experience is highly desirable.
- Track record of managing regulator engagement and driving regulatory change.
- Previously held an SMF16 or 17 role
- Strategic mindset with the ability to apply risk-based, proportionate solutions.
- Strong stakeholder engagement and leadership skills with the ability to challenge and influence at all levels.
- Committed to upholding ethical standards and promoting a culture of good conduct.
Director of Compliance (SMF16/17) employer: MERJE
Contact Detail:
MERJE Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Compliance (SMF16/17)
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the compliance and financial services sectors. Attend industry events, webinars, or local meetups to connect with individuals who may have insights into the role or the company. Building these relationships can provide you with valuable information and potentially a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Stay updated on the latest regulatory changes and trends in consumer lending. Demonstrating your knowledge during interviews can set you apart from other candidates. Consider subscribing to relevant newsletters or joining professional associations focused on compliance.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your strategic mindset and how you've applied risk-based solutions in previous roles. Use specific examples that highlight your leadership skills and ability to influence stakeholders, as these are crucial for the Director of Compliance position.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the company’s culture and values, particularly around compliance and conduct. Tailor your discussions to align with their ethos, showcasing your commitment to ethical standards and good conduct, which is essential for this role.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Compliance (SMF16/17)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your extensive experience in compliance and financial crime roles, particularly within regulated financial services. Emphasise any previous SMF16 or 17 roles you've held, showcasing your strategic mindset and stakeholder engagement skills.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that clearly outlines your motivation for applying to this role. Discuss your leadership experience and how you plan to shape the culture and risk agenda of the organisation. Be specific about your achievements in managing regulatory engagement and driving change.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, focus on key skills such as risk management, compliance oversight, and financial crime prevention. Provide examples of how you've successfully implemented risk frameworks and policies that align with FCA expectations.
Showcase Your Strategic Vision: Demonstrate your strategic mindset by discussing how you would approach the challenges faced by the compliance team. Include insights on emerging risks and regulatory developments, and how you would prepare the organisation to meet these challenges.
How to prepare for a job interview at MERJE
✨Showcase Your Strategic Mindset
As a Director of Compliance, it's crucial to demonstrate your strategic thinking. Prepare examples of how you've previously developed and implemented compliance strategies that align with business objectives, especially in consumer lending.
✨Highlight Regulatory Engagement Experience
Be ready to discuss your experience managing relationships with regulatory bodies. Share specific instances where you successfully navigated regulatory challenges or led significant changes in compliance practices.
✨Emphasise Leadership Skills
This role requires strong leadership capabilities. Prepare to talk about how you've led teams, fostered a culture of compliance, and influenced stakeholders at all levels within an organisation.
✨Demonstrate Ethical Commitment
Given the importance of ethical standards in this role, be prepared to discuss how you've promoted good conduct in previous positions. Share your views on maintaining integrity in compliance and how it impacts organisational culture.
