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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and strengthen compliance across a dynamic retail network.
- Company: Agile business that values entrepreneurialism and integrity.
- Benefits: Autonomy to shape strategy and improve operational resilience.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact in a highly regulated industry.
- Qualifications: Experienced in 2nd line compliance with strong leadership skills.
- Other info: Engage with senior stakeholders and drive cultural change.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ 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 in Manchester employer: RJA-Consulting
Contact Detail:
RJA-Consulting Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Compliance in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the compliance field and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a role that’s perfect for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company’s compliance culture and recent regulatory changes. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge and show how you can contribute to shaping their compliance strategy.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just wait for job postings! Be proactive and reach out directly to companies you admire, like ours at StudySmarter. Express your interest in compliance roles and share how your experience aligns with their needs.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after interviews with a thank-you note that highlights key points from your conversation. This shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you top of mind as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Compliance in Manchester
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 specific requirements of the Head of Compliance role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
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 high standards in previous roles. We love to see how you engage with teams and stakeholders!
Highlight Your Regulatory Knowledge: We’re in a highly regulated industry, so it’s crucial to demonstrate your deep understanding of compliance frameworks. Be sure to mention any specific regulations you’ve worked with and how you’ve ensured compliance in past positions.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
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 ready to share your approach to leading teams. Think about times when you've influenced culture or driven change within a team. Highlight your practical engagement strategies and how you’ve built strong relationships with stakeholders.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific compliance scenarios or emerging risks. Prepare by thinking through potential challenges in retail compliance and how you would address them. This shows your strategic thinking and ability to foresee issues before they arise.
✨Demonstrate Your Commercial Awareness
In a fast-changing landscape, it's crucial to show that you understand the balance between operational realities and regulatory obligations. Be prepared to discuss how you've successfully managed this balance in previous roles, and how you plan to do it in this new position.