At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team in compliance operations and drive meaningful improvements.
- Company: Dynamic IFA business with a collaborative culture in Leeds.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid work, and genuine development opportunities.
- Other info: Flat structure where your voice matters and expertise is valued.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while shaping change and supporting your team.
- Qualifications: Level 4 Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning and strong compliance knowledge.
The predicted salary is between 56700 - 69300 £ per year.
Phoenix Talent Partners is exclusively representing a growing IFA business in the appointment of a Head of Compliance Operations — an opportunity for someone who wants to lead, influence and make a genuine difference. This is more than a team management role. You’ll oversee a small team of Compliance Officers and Business Assessors, supporting IFA communities, while becoming the technical SME and go-to person for complex queries and day-to-day guidance. You’ll also be the key conduit between the operational team and SLT, ensuring insight flows both ways and helping turn ideas and challenges into meaningful improvements.
- THE ROLE
- Lead and support Compliance Officers & Business Assessors
- Act as the technical SME / escalation point
- Support IFA communities and champion high service standards
- Work closely with SLT and provide operational insight
- Identify and implement improvements to processes and controls
- Coach and develop your team
- Help shape change rather than simply implement it
- Champion a high-quality, client-focused service
- WE’RE LOOKING FOR
- Level 4 Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning or equivalent
- Strong technical knowledge across IFA / financial planning compliance
- People management experience — or experience managing through dotted-line / matrix relationships
- Confidence acting as a technical escalation point
- Excellent communication skills with staff, SLT and clients
- Passion for service standards and doing things well
- Collaborative, solutions-focused and confident challenging and influencing
WHY THIS ROLE?
A flat, collaborative culture where everyone has a voice and your experience can genuinely make a difference. You’ll have scope to add value, influence change and support people — your team, senior leadership and the IFA communities you work with.
Competitive package & benefits. Genuine development opportunity. Supportive, collaborative culture. A role where your expertise and ideas will be valued.
If you're a strong technical Compliance professional who combines technical expertise with a passion for people and service, this could be an excellent next step.
Head of Operations and Compliance in Leeds employer: Phoenix Talent Partners
Join a dynamic and ambitious advisory team dedicated to providing bespoke financial solutions for High Net Worth and Ultra High Net Worth clients. With a strong emphasis on professional development, you will benefit from clear progression paths towards senior roles, alongside mentorship and funding for chartered qualifications. Our collaborative work culture fosters innovation and excellence, making it an exceptional place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment in the financial sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Operations and Compliance in Leeds
✨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 Phoenix Talent Partners looking for candidates who are engaged and informed.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Operations and Compliance in Leeds
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 Phoenix Talent Partners. 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 Phoenix Talent Partners
✨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 Phoenix Talent Partners’s stance on compliance. A shared vision can really resonate with interviewers looking for fit as much as skill!
