At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead compliance and economic crime functions for a new investment management company.
- Company: Join Northern LGPS, managing £70bn in assets for local government pension funds.
- Benefits: Flexible working arrangements, supportive culture, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative culture focused on integrity, learning, and long-term success.
- Why this job: Shape compliance strategy and make a real impact in a dynamic financial environment.
- Qualifications: Deep knowledge of UK regulatory framework and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 75600 - 92400 £ per year.
Shape the compliance and economic crime framework for a new investment management company. Northern LGPS is entering an important new phase of its development, establishing an FCA authorised investment management company to manage around £70bn of assets on behalf of three Local Government Pension Scheme funds. As Head of Compliance and Money Laundering Reporting Officer (MLRO), you’ll play a pivotal role in establishing an effective compliance and economic crime framework for the organisation. Reporting to the Chief Risk Officer, you’ll lead the Compliance and Economic Crime functions, provide independent second-line oversight and act as a trusted adviser to the Board and executive team. As the designated SMF16 and SMF17, you’ll also play a central role in Northern LGPS’s regulatory relationships and help embed a strong culture of compliance and integrity.
About Northern LGPS: Northern LGPS is a c£70bn pooled investment partnership for the Local Government Pension Scheme, bringing together the investments of Greater Manchester Pension Fund, Merseyside Pension Fund and West Yorkshire Pension Fund. Building on the foundations of its collaboration over several years, Northern LGPS is now entering the next phase of its development. This phase focuses on establishing an FCA authorised investment management company with a dedicated senior leadership team; strengthening governance and creating a clear operating model to support long-term investment outcomes.
Main responsibilities:
- Establish, maintain and oversee Northern LGPS’s compliance framework, policies and risk-based Compliance Monitoring Plan.
- Lead compliance monitoring, breach management and attestations, providing clear reporting and insight to the executive team, Board and committees.
- Advise the Board and executive team on regulatory change, compliance risk and the application of the UK regulatory framework for asset management.
- Support engagement with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and other regulators, including regulatory correspondence and Senior Managers and Certification Regime requirements.
- Oversee conduct rules and compliance training and help promote a culture of integrity and compliance across the organisation.
- Design and oversee anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing (AML/CTF) systems and controls, including risk assessment, monitoring, escalation and reporting.
- Act as the nominated MLRO, assessing internal suspicious activity reports and determining appropriate action, including reporting to relevant authorities where required.
- Prepare the annual MLRO report and advise the Board and senior management on economic crime risks, emerging threats and the effectiveness of controls.
- Oversee outsourced Compliance and Economic Crime services and coordinate assurance and remediation activity with Internal Audit.
- Lead and develop the compliance team, setting objectives and supporting professional development.
What we’re looking for: This role requires deep knowledge of the UK regulatory framework for asset management and the ability to provide credible compliance and economic crime advice and oversight at Board and executive level. You’ll need the capability to lead effective compliance and AML/CTF frameworks, engage with regulators and law enforcement agencies, and discharge the responsibilities associated with the SMF16 and SMF17 functions.
Location: You can be based at any of our offices in Bradford, Manchester or Liverpool.
Hours of work: 37 hours per week, Monday to Friday. Flexible and hybrid working arrangements are available.
Sponsorship: We are unable to offer sponsorship for this role.
Equal opportunities: We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued, respected, and able to thrive.
Head of Compliance & MLRO in Manchester employer: Northern LGPS
Northern LGPS is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to shape the compliance and economic crime framework for a new FCA authorised investment management company. With a strong focus on collaboration, flexibility, and professional development, employees are encouraged to thrive in a supportive culture that values integrity and innovation. Located in vibrant cities like Bradford, Manchester, and Liverpool, Northern LGPS provides a dynamic work environment where you can make a meaningful impact on the future of investment management.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Compliance & MLRO 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 Northern LGPS looking for candidates who are engaged and informed.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Compliance & MLRO 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 Northern LGPS. 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 Northern LGPS
✨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 Northern LGPS’s stance on compliance. A shared vision can really resonate with interviewers looking for fit as much as skill!
