At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and transform client intake and conflicts functions in a dynamic professional services firm.
- Company: Join a leading international professional services firm with a strong reputation.
- Benefits: Competitive executive-level salary, comprehensive benefits, and hybrid working options.
- Other info: Opportunity for significant career growth and impact on regulatory compliance and client relationships.
- Why this job: Shape a critical business function and influence strategic decisions at the highest level.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in risk, compliance, or client onboarding within professional services.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
Bristol (Hybrid – 3 Days per Week in Central Bristol Office) Senior Leadership Role | Professional Services
A leading international professional services firm is seeking an exceptional Head of Client Intake & Conflicts to lead, shape and transform a critical business function at the heart of the organisation. This is a rare opportunity for an experienced risk, compliance, client onboarding or conflicts professional to take ownership of a firm-wide intake and conflicts function that plays a pivotal role in balancing regulatory excellence, operational efficiency and commercial growth.
Reporting into senior leadership within Risk & Compliance, the successful candidate will provide strategic direction, operational leadership and end-to-end accountability for the client intake, conflicts and matter opening lifecycle. They will lead a team of approximately 50 professionals across Client & Matter Inception (CMI) and Anti-Money Laundering (AML), oversee key regulatory controls, and drive the ongoing evolution of people, processes, technology and service delivery across both UK and international operations.
The Head of Client Intake & Conflicts will be responsible for the vision, strategy and performance of the firm's client onboarding, conflicts and matter inception function, ensuring that new business is assessed, approved and onboarded efficiently, consistently and in line with the organisation's regulatory obligations and risk appetite. This role combines strategic leadership with operational oversight and will suit someone who enjoys influencing at the highest levels of an organisation while remaining close enough to the operation to drive meaningful change.
The successful candidate will:
- Own and lead the end-to-end client intake, conflicts and matter opening service, from instruction through to onboarding and associated risk clearances.
- Define and deliver the strategic roadmap for the function, aligning operational capability with wider business objectives.
- Lead, inspire and develop a team of approximately 50 professionals across CMI and AML through a multi-layer management structure, creating a high-performing and inclusive culture.
- Act as the senior escalation point for complex, high-profile and sensitive conflicts, onboarding and work acceptance matters.
- Partner closely with senior stakeholders across Risk, Compliance, Finance, Operations and the legal business to ensure seamless service delivery.
- Drive major transformation initiatives, including process redesign, technology optimisation and data-driven improvement programmes.
- Oversee relationships with international offices, promoting consistency, governance and best practice across multiple jurisdictions.
- Ensure the firm's approach to conflicts management, AML, sanctions, financial crime, data protection and professional conduct remains robust, proportionate and commercially focused.
This position requires a proven leader who can combine technical expertise with commercial awareness and exceptional stakeholder management skills. Applicants are likely to bring:
- Significant experience leading a client intake, conflicts, client onboarding, AML, financial crime, work acceptance or related risk function within a law firm or professional services environment.
- Experience leading sizeable operational teams, ideally through multiple management layers, with responsibility for service delivery, performance and employee engagement.
- Deep expertise in conflicts management and client acceptance processes, together with a strong understanding of regulatory and risk frameworks.
- Experience operating at senior leadership level, with the credibility to influence partners, executive stakeholders and business leaders.
- A track record of leading large-scale operational change, transformation and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Strong people leadership skills, including developing managers, building capability and creating high-performing teams.
- Experience of market-leading intake and conflicts technologies such as Intapp and Elite/3E, alongside a data-led approach to service management and performance improvement.
- Sound commercial judgement and the ability to balance regulatory requirements with business objectives.
- Excellent communication skills, with the confidence to challenge, influence and build consensus across a complex stakeholder environment.
This appointment offers the opportunity to shape a strategically important function within a highly respected international organisation. The successful candidate will have genuine influence over how client intake, conflicts management and risk services evolve, while leading major transformation initiatives and contributing to broader business strategy. The role offers significant visibility across the firm and the chance to work closely with senior leadership on matters that directly impact client relationships, regulatory compliance and sustainable growth.
Location: Central Bristol (hybrid working with an expectation of approximately three days per week in the office)
Team Size: Approximately 50 professionals across Client & Matter Inception and AML functions
Type: Permanent
Salary: Competitive executive-level package commensurate with experience, including comprehensive benefits.
This role requires an experienced senior leader who can operate confidently at executive and Board level while providing strategic and operational leadership to a large, multi-disciplinary function. The successful candidate will inherit strong technical expertise across Client Intake, Conflicts and AML, including dedicated subject matter experts and experienced managers. As such, the emphasis is on leadership, governance, stakeholder management, service excellence and transformation rather than being the firm's technical expert in every aspect of AML or conflicts.
Candidates are likely to bring:
- Experience leading large operational, risk, onboarding, compliance or client acceptance functions within a law firm, professional services organisation or regulated financial services environment.
- A track record of managing sizeable teams through multiple layers of leadership, creating high-performing cultures and delivering service excellence at scale.
- Experience operating at executive, Board or partner level, with the credibility and presence to influence senior stakeholders and drive strategic decision-making.
- Strong commercial acumen and the ability to balance risk management, regulatory requirements and business growth objectives.
- Experience leading organisational change, process improvement, technology transformation or shared services operations.
- A data-driven approach to service management, workforce planning and operational performance.
While experience of legal conflicts, client onboarding or matter inception would be advantageous, the organisation is open to considering exceptional candidates from wider professional services or financial services backgrounds who have led comparable risk, compliance, client onboarding, KYC, financial crime or operational functions. This is an opportunity for a strategic leader to shape the future direction of a critical business function, rather than a role requiring day-to-day technical ownership of AML or conflicts matters.
Head of Client Intake & Conflicts in Bath employer: Redland Search - Professional Recruitment Solutions
As a leading international professional services firm based in Central Bristol, we pride ourselves on fostering a dynamic and inclusive work culture that empowers our employees to thrive. With a strong focus on professional development, our team members benefit from extensive growth opportunities and the chance to lead transformative initiatives within a supportive environment. Our hybrid working model allows for flexibility while maintaining a collaborative atmosphere, making us an exceptional employer for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers.
Contact Details:
Redland Search - Professional Recruitment Solutions Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Client Intake & Conflicts in Bath
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join relevant groups on LinkedIn, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential contacts. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their values and how they align with your own. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine your answers and boost your confidence. The more comfortable you are speaking about your experience and skills, the better you'll perform in the real deal.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A simple thank-you email can go a long way in leaving a positive impression. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Client Intake & Conflicts in Bath
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in client intake, conflicts, and risk management. We want to see how your background aligns with the specific needs of the role!
Showcase Leadership Skills:Since this is a senior leadership role, emphasise your experience in leading teams and driving transformation initiatives. Share examples of how you've inspired and developed others in your previous roles.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to convey your achievements and how they relate to the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website for the best chance of being noticed. It’s the easiest way for us to track your application and get back to you quickly!
How to prepare for a job interview at Redland Search - Professional Recruitment Solutions
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the key responsibilities of the Head of Client Intake & Conflicts role. Brush up on your knowledge of client onboarding, conflicts management, and AML regulations. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you’re serious about the position.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your experience in leading large teams and driving transformation initiatives. Think about specific challenges you've faced and how you overcame them. This will demonstrate your capability to inspire and develop a high-performing team.
✨Understand the Company Culture
Research the firm’s values and culture. Be ready to discuss how your leadership style aligns with their approach to service excellence and operational efficiency. This shows that you’re not just looking for any job, but that you’re genuinely interested in contributing to their success.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Prepare to talk about your experience in stakeholder management. Think of instances where you’ve influenced senior leaders or navigated complex relationships. This is crucial for the role, so showcasing your communication skills will set you apart from other candidates.
