Head of Compliance in London

Head of Compliance in London

London Full-Time 75600 - 92400 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead compliance strategy and inspire a high-performing team in a tech-driven environment.
  • Company: Simply Business, a forward-thinking insurance technology company.
  • Benefits: Flexible work, competitive salary, private medical insurance, and generous leave policies.
  • Other info: Join a diverse team committed to inclusivity and personal development.
  • Why this job: Shape the future of digital insurance while driving responsible innovation.
  • Qualifications: Proven regulatory leadership in UK financial services and strong communication skills.

The predicted salary is between 75600 - 92400 £ per year.

Who Are We? We insure small businesses and enable big dreams – not just for our customers, but for our people and communities too. With over 1,000,000 active insurance policies, we protect builders, bakers, landlords and more than 1,200 other trades. We’re a technology company as well as one that sells insurance. That means we build, we fail, we learn and we improve. Through our global social impact strategy, called 'The Big Dreams Project’, we're working to help 10,000 small businesses start or grow by 2030.

What Is the Opportunity? Compliance isn’t about ticking boxes or standing in the way of progress. At Simply Business, it’s about enabling high-speed commercial growth, pioneering digital insurance journeys, and serving as a trusted partner to fuel responsible innovation while keeping our enterprise robust and reliable as we scale.

As our Head of Compliance, you’ll be a strategic, forward-thinking leader overseeing our entire UK compliance architecture. Reporting directly to the General Counsel, you’ll define and embed proactive regulatory frameworks that support ambitious digital tech, algorithmic pricing, and customer-first products—proving that strong governance and rapid business growth can go hand in hand.

As one of our Head of Compliance, you’ll:

  • Lead, develop, and inspire a high-performing team across Compliance Business Partnering, Monitoring, and Governance.
  • Own and execute our multi-year UK compliance strategy, ensuring regulatory expectations and Consumer Duty are embedded into our company DNA.
  • Act as our primary contact for regulatory authorities, holding key Senior Management Functions (SMF16 and SMF17).
  • Architect and continuously optimise proactive, risk-based compliance frameworks, oversight policies, and operational controls.
  • Partner closely with executive peers across Tech, Product, Finance, and Commercial to build compliant-by-design, frictionless operations.
  • Deliver high-impact, actionable insights and Management Information (MI) directly to the Board and Executive Leadership.

We’re looking for someone who is:

  • An experienced regulatory leader with a proven record of modernising compliance functions within regulated UK financial services.
  • Deeply knowledgeable about FCA frameworks (Consumer Duty, ICOBS, PROD 4), backed by a relevant senior qualification (e.g., ICA, CISI, LLM).
  • Experienced in digital distribution, e-commerce, and algorithmic or AI pricing governance.
  • An exceptional, plain-English communicator who can translate complex regulatory mandates into clear, commercial guidance.
  • Highly collaborative, with the strategic gravitas to build strong, trusted relationships across executives, boards, and regulators.
  • Agile, resilient, and energised by solving complex challenges in a fast-paced environment.

We encourage people of all different backgrounds and identities to apply. We are committed to maintaining an inclusive, supportive place for you to be you and do your very best work.

Build the future of digital tech governance with us. We are a technology-driven company redefining the insurance landscape. Here, compliance isn't a modern bottleneck—it’s an active partner in innovation. If you are excited by algorithmic pricing models, scalable e-commerce journeys, and building a compliant-by-design future alongside brilliant tech, product, and data talent, we want to hear from you.

Ready to make an impact? Apply today to lead our compliance team into the next era.

What are the benefits of working at Simply Business:

  • We offer a great work-life balance where workloads are manageable and everyone has the flexibility to work hybrid.
  • On top of the 25 days annual leave (plus bank holidays), we offer the option to buy five more days of holiday with your flexible benefits.
  • Our flexible parental leave allows you to approach an important time how you want - with six months full pay to the primary caregiver and four weeks full pay if you're the secondary caregiver.
  • Our life event leave is an extra days leave every two years for those big moments in your life like moving house or your birthday.
  • Long-serving employees get a two week paid sabbatical after five years of service, then four weeks off after ten years of service.
  • Private medical insurance through BUPA, that covers any pre-existing condition is a core benefit.
  • A health cash plan that covers your everyday medical expenses.
  • A competitive salary based on your experience and the current market, plus the potential to earn an annual bonus based on performance.
  • Access to tools to support your personal development on our dedicated learning platform, as well as support for your mental health with access to counselling.
  • We match what you put into your pension up to five per cent, and pass on a tax-free sum that's four times your basic salary with our life assurance policy, with the option to increase it to ten times through our flexible benefit scheme.
  • Our salary sacrifice car scheme gives you the option to buy a brand new, fully insured, and maintained car for a convenient fixed monthly amount taken from your gross salary (after 6 months service).
  • Our flexible benefits scheme gives you an allocated amount to use each year on benefits like critical illness cover, dental insurance, travel insurance, or a gym membership.

Ready to join us and drive our success as a high-performing team? Apply today.

Employment Practices: Simply Business is committed to providing equality and opportunities for all employees and candidates considering a career with us. We offer a workplace where colleagues are treated with respect and dignity. We don’t (and won’t) discriminate either directly or indirectly on the grounds of race, colour, religion, belief, political opinion, disability, nationality, ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation or relationship status at any stage of the hiring process or during the course of your employment.

Head of Compliance in London employer: Simply Business

Simply Business is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and growth of its employees while making a significant impact on small businesses. With a strong focus on work-life balance, flexible benefits, and opportunities for personal development, our London and Northampton teams thrive in a supportive environment that champions innovation and operational excellence. Join us to not only advance your career but also contribute to our mission of empowering entrepreneurs and fostering community growth.

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Contact Details:

Simply Business Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of Compliance in London

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 Simply Business looking for candidates who are engaged and informed.

We think you need these skills to ace Head of Compliance in London

Regulatory Leadership
FCA Frameworks Knowledge
Compliance Strategy Development
Risk-Based Compliance Frameworks
Digital Distribution Expertise
E-commerce Governance
Algorithmic Pricing Governance

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 Simply Business. 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 Simply Business

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 Simply Business’s stance on compliance. A shared vision can really resonate with interviewers looking for fit as much as skill!