At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead sports compliance strategy and ensure regulatory adherence across multiple jurisdictions.
- Company: Join Spreadex, a trusted name in sports and financial betting for over 25 years.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, hybrid working, generous holiday, and private medical insurance.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with opportunities for mentorship and career development.
- Why this job: Be part of an exciting growth phase and influence the future of sports compliance.
- Qualifications: Strong legal background and significant experience in sports betting compliance required.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
About Us
Spreadex has been a trusted name in sports and financial spread betting for over 25 years. Since expanding into fixed odds betting in 2010 and CFD trading in 2017, we remain the only global operator to offer all these services under a single brand. Following a quarter-century of sustained profitability, we’re entering an exciting new phase of growth across both our sports and financial divisions. This ambitious expansion is backed by a significant increase in our marketing investment and the recent acquisition of Sporting Index. This role offers a unique opportunity to join a dynamic and growing team at our vibrant St Albans office, just outside London. The position offers a hybrid working model, combining both office-based and remote work.
Our office is based in St Albans, Hertfordshire with a fast and simple commute from London and the surrounding area:
- 20 minutes from London St Pancras/Kings Cross by direct train
- Regular services also run from Farringdon, City Thameslink, and Blackfriars
- Easy access from the M1, A1(M), and M25
About The Position
Reporting to the CFO, with direct access to the Executive Board on regulatory matters, you will lead sports compliance strategy and operations across UK FCA‑regulated sports spread betting, UK Gambling Commission‑regulated fixed odds sports betting, and our licensed sports betting operations in Denmark and Ireland. You will work in close partnership with our existing Head of FCA Compliance, Legal and MLRO, and will provide senior leadership and strategic direction to our Sports Compliance Manager and the wider sports compliance team, ensuring that Spreadex's sports business remains fully compliant, commercially agile and at the forefront of responsible gambling practice.
Responsibilities
- Own the regulatory relationship with each of the four sports licensing authorities and lead responses to enquiries, inspections and thematic reviews.
- Set and execute the firm's sports compliance strategy, translating multi‑jurisdictional regulatory change into practical policy and process while ensuring that compliance supports, rather than unnecessarily constrains, commercial growth.
- Provide day‑to‑day legal advice on sports trading, product development, advertising, data rights and customer terms.
- Oversee safer gambling, social responsibility and sports‑specific AML/CTF controls.
- Act as a Deputy MLRO alongside the existing Deputy MLRO.
- Design and deliver the annual sports compliance monitoring programme.
- Work with the CEO and CDO to develop and implement the firm's A.I. strategy within compliance, including prompt design, testing and regulatory assessment.
- Mentor and develop the sports compliance team.
About You
- A first‑class academic record, including a degree from a leading university. Candidates with a 2:1 or above from a Russell Group, Ivy League or equivalent internationally recognised institution will be given preference.
- A legal qualification (solicitor, barrister or equivalent) is strongly preferred, though candidates with an equivalent professional compliance qualification and outstanding practical experience will also be considered.
- Significant senior‑level experience of running or playing a leading role in a compliance department at a sports betting or gambling firm, with demonstrable exposure to multi‑jurisdictional regulation.
- Excellent written and verbal communication, analytical rigour and the ability to provide clear, commercially aware advice.
- A track record of building effective regulatory relationships and leading successful responses to regulatory enquiries or audits.
- The confidence and credibility to operate at senior management level and to influence across the business.
- Strong knowledge of the UK’s sports betting regulations and framework.
- Experience of or exposure to international gambling licensing regimes, including licensing applications, renewals and regulatory transitions.
Benefits
- Competitive salary and bonus scheme
- Hybrid working, including 2 weeks remote working from any location after 6 months of service
- 25 days holiday, rising to 30 after 2 years
- Enhanced parental leave
- Contributory pension scheme
- Private medical insurance scheme
- Discounts for gym membership, travel & cinema
- Sabbatical after 10 years of service
Head of Sports Legal and Compliance in St Albans employer: Spreadex
Spreadex is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture in St Albans that combines the best of both office and remote working. With a strong focus on employee growth, competitive benefits including enhanced parental leave and a sabbatical after 10 years, and the opportunity to lead compliance in a dynamic and expanding sector, Spreadex provides a meaningful and rewarding environment for professionals looking to make a significant impact in the sports betting industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Sports Legal and Compliance in St Albans
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the sports betting and compliance sectors on LinkedIn. Join relevant groups and engage in discussions. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of UK sports betting regulations. Be ready to discuss how you would handle compliance challenges at Spreadex. Show us that you’re not just a candidate, but the perfect fit for our dynamic team!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of a follow-up! After an interview, drop a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation. It keeps you fresh in their minds and shows your enthusiasm for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining Spreadex and being part of our exciting growth journey.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Sports Legal and Compliance in St Albans
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Sports Legal and Compliance role. Highlight your relevant experience in compliance, especially in sports betting or gambling, and showcase any leadership roles you've held. We want to see how your background aligns with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this position. Mention specific experiences that demonstrate your ability to lead compliance strategies and manage regulatory relationships. Let us know what excites you about joining Spreadex!
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since excellent written communication is key for this role, make sure your application is clear and concise. Avoid jargon unless necessary, and ensure your points are easy to understand. We appreciate straightforward communication that gets to the heart of the matter.
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 the role. Plus, it shows us you’re keen on being part of our team at Spreadex!
How to prepare for a job interview at Spreadex
✨Know Your Regulations
Make sure you brush up on the UK’s sports betting regulations and any relevant international licensing regimes. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you’re not just familiar with the rules, but that you can navigate them effectively.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've led compliance teams or initiatives in the past. Highlight your experience in mentoring and developing team members, as this role requires strong leadership to guide the sports compliance team.
✨Demonstrate Commercial Awareness
Think about how compliance can support commercial growth rather than hinder it. Be ready to discuss strategies you've implemented that balance regulatory requirements with business objectives, showcasing your ability to think commercially.
✨Build Rapport with Regulatory Bodies
Share your experiences in building effective relationships with regulatory authorities. Discuss specific instances where you successfully managed inquiries or audits, as this will demonstrate your capability to handle the regulatory landscape.