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- Tasks: Lead and develop compliance strategy across retail operations, ensuring regulatory adherence.
- Company: Agile business that values entrepreneurialism, collaboration, and integrity.
- Benefits: Autonomy to shape strategy, meaningful impact, and supportive work culture.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in a fast-paced environment while driving cultural change.
- Qualifications: Experienced in 2nd line compliance with strong leadership and influencing skills.
- Other info: Office presence required 3 days a week for engagement and collaboration.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.
We’re seeking an experienced leader in 2nd Line Compliance to lead and strengthen the compliance function across our client's business. This is a pivotal role within a highly regulated industry, offering the opportunity to shape policy, influence culture, and drive high standards across an ever changing retail network.
The Role
You’ll oversee retail compliance, ensuring all processes meet regulatory and licensing requirements. Working closely with Operations and the MLRO, you’ll provide assurance that the policies and processes remain robust, effective, and future-focused. This is a hands-on leadership role, combining strategic oversight with practical engagement across the retail estate. You’ll lead compliance monitoring, embedding a consistent and accountable compliance culture.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and develop the retail compliance strategy across all UK land based operations.
- Oversee retail compliance with all regulatory frameworks.
- Work collaboratively with Operations to review complaints, customer concerns, and emerging risks.
- Ensure systems and tools are effective and where possible monitoring processes are automated.
- Deliver and refine audit and quality assurance programmes, feeding insights into operational improvement.
- Conduct targeted field visits to identify issues, influence store performance, and shape policy decisions.
- Lead horizon scanning activities to anticipate future compliance and regulatory developments.
- Build strong relationships with senior stakeholders, providing confident and credible challenge.
About You
- Experienced in 2nd line compliance within a highly regulated environment.
- Deep understanding of shop-based operations, customer behaviour, and compliance risk.
- Strong ability to influence senior colleagues and drive cultural change at all levels.
- Practical leadership style — credible, composed, and confident working with field teams.
- Skilled at balancing operational realities with regulatory obligations.
- Gravitas and commercial awareness to operate effectively within a fast-changing landscape.
- Willing to be in office 3 days a week to create engagement.
Why Join?
This is a rare opportunity to make a meaningful impact within an agile business — one that values entrepreneurialism, collaboration, and integrity. You’ll have the autonomy to shape compliance strategy, improve operational resilience, and support a business committed to doing things the right way.
Head of Compliance employer: RJA-Consulting
Contact Detail:
RJA-Consulting Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Compliance
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts and attend relevant events. Building relationships can open doors that job applications alone can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company culture and compliance challenges they face. Tailor your responses to show how your experience aligns with their needs.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership style during interviews. Share examples of how you've influenced change and driven compliance in previous roles to demonstrate your fit for the Head of Compliance position.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed and shows you’re serious about joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Compliance
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in 2nd Line Compliance. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t be shy about showcasing your achievements in a regulated environment!
Showcase Your Leadership Style: Since this is a hands-on leadership role, let us know about your practical leadership style. Share examples of how you've influenced culture and driven compliance standards in previous roles — we love a good story!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that make it easy for us to see your qualifications and fit for the role. Avoid jargon unless it’s relevant!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at RJA-Consulting
✨Know Your Compliance Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest compliance regulations and frameworks relevant to the retail industry. Being able to discuss specific examples of how you've navigated compliance challenges in the past will show that you're not just familiar with the rules, but that you can apply them effectively.
✨Show Your Leadership Style
This role is all about hands-on leadership, so be prepared to share your approach to leading teams. Think of examples where you've influenced culture or driven change within a compliance function. Highlighting your practical leadership style will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Engage with Real Scenarios
Prepare for situational questions that might involve compliance monitoring or handling customer complaints. Think through how you would tackle these scenarios, demonstrating your ability to balance operational realities with regulatory obligations. This will showcase your problem-solving skills and strategic thinking.
✨Build Relationships in the Room
Since this role involves working closely with senior stakeholders, practice how you would build rapport and influence others. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully collaborated with different teams in the past, as this will highlight your interpersonal skills and ability to drive a compliance culture.