At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Business Acceptance function, overseeing AML and conflicts across global offices.
- Company: Elite international law firm with a strong reputation for excellence.
- Benefits: Attractive six-figure salary, hybrid working, and significant international exposure.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and to manage complex, high-stakes issues.
- Why this job: Shape policy and strategy while influencing top-level decisions in a prestigious firm.
- Qualifications: 6+ years in risk and compliance within an international law firm; strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
An exceptional opportunity has arisen for an experienced risk and compliance professional to step into a senior leadership role offering a highly attractive six-figure salary, hybrid working, and significant international exposure. This position offers the chance to shape and lead the firm’s Business Acceptance function across multiple jurisdictions, playing a pivotal role in safeguarding the firm while enabling its continued international growth.
Why apply?
- Lead at scale – oversee a well-established AML and Conflicts function across key global offices
- Influence at the top level – work closely with senior leadership
- International exposure – engage with complex, cross-border matters, including US conflicts
- Drive strategy and change – shape policy, processes, and best practice within a highly regarded firm
This role reports directly to the Director of Risk and carries overall responsibility for the firm’s Business Acceptance function across the UK, Ireland, and Dubai, with regular interaction with US teams. The successful individual will provide both strategic oversight and hands-on leadership, acting as a trusted advisor on complex AML, conflicts, sanctions, and financial crime matters, while ensuring robust compliance frameworks are maintained and continuously improved.
Key responsibilities
- Lead and oversee the Business Acceptance function, including AML and Conflicts
- Act as a senior escalation point for complex onboarding and conflicts issues
- Deputise for the MLRO, supporting on SARs and financial crime matters
- Liaise with international teams, particularly the US, on cross-border conflicts resolution
- Manage and develop a multi-location team, supported by a Business Acceptance Manager
- Oversee anti-bribery & corruption and sanctions frameworks, providing guidance to stakeholders
- Support regulatory audits and ensure recommendations are effectively implemented
- Deliver training and promote best practice across the firm
- Collaborate with senior business services leaders to drive operational excellence and alignment
This role would suit a seasoned risk and compliance professional, with strong experience (at least 6 years) in an international law firm environment. Candidates will bring a deep understanding of AML, conflicts, and financial crime, alongside the ability to manage complex, high-stakes issues with a commercial and pragmatic approach. Experience with US conflicts frameworks is highly desirable. Strong leadership capability, excellent communication skills, and the ability to influence at all levels are essential. A legal qualification or equivalent experience in risk is expected.
This is a rare opportunity to take ownership of a critical function within a global firm, leading on everything from team management and regulatory engagement to complex conflicts resolution and financial crime oversight. The role combines strategic influence with operational leadership, offering both challenge and visibility in equal measure.
Director of New Business Intake - Elite International Law Firm in Slough employer: Pembury Legal
Join an elite international law firm that prioritises employee growth and development, offering a dynamic work culture that values collaboration and innovation. With a competitive six-figure salary, hybrid working options, and the opportunity to engage with complex, cross-border matters, this role not only enhances your professional journey but also places you at the forefront of shaping compliance strategies in a globally recognised firm. Experience unparalleled international exposure while working alongside senior leadership to drive meaningful change and operational excellence.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of New Business Intake - Elite International Law Firm in Slough
✨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 Pembury Legal looking for candidates who are engaged and informed.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of New Business Intake - Elite International Law Firm in Slough
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 Pembury Legal. 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 Pembury Legal
✨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 Pembury Legal’s stance on compliance. A shared vision can really resonate with interviewers looking for fit as much as skill!
