At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the SMCR compliance and foster a culture of accountability at Starling Bank.
- Company: Join Starling Bank, a forward-thinking financial institution committed to diversity and inclusion.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, private medical insurance, and generous family-friendly policies.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for professional growth and volunteering.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in regulatory governance while working with senior executives.
- Qualifications: Experience in financial services and strong communication skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Are you a regulatory expert who thrives at the intersection of governance, culture, and people? We are looking for an SMCR Lead / Manager to take ownership of the Senior Managers and Certification Regime (SMCR) across Starling. In this pivotal role, you will act as our ultimate subject matter expert, ensuring robust regulatory compliance while fostering a strong culture of individual accountability. You will partner closely with Senior Management Functions (SMFs), the wider People Team, Legal and Compliance to seamlessly embed the regime into our day‑to‑day business‑as‑usual processes.
Your work will include:
- Framework Management: Maintaining and overseeing the Management Responsibilities Map (MRM), Statements of Responsibilities (SORs), Delegations and Handover processes to ensure total accuracy and compliance.
- Fitness & Propriety (F&P): Coordinating the annual F&P reviews for SMFs, Non‑Executive Directors (NEDs) and Certified employees.
- Executive Support: Overseeing the 'reasonable steps' framework, guiding and supporting SMFs to effectively evidence their oversight and decision‑making.
- Lifecycle Oversight: Managing all SMCR‑related processes for joiners, internal role moves and leavers.
- Regulatory Liaison: Preparing and submitting regulatory forms and notifications to Compliance for submission via FCA Connect.
- Integration & Training: Collaborating with the People Team to embed SMCR into onboarding, performance management and disciplinary processes, while delivering engaging training sessions across the business.
- Audit & Horizon Scanning: Maintaining a flawless audit trail for internal and external reviews and keeping a pulse on evolving regulatory developments to advise key stakeholders.
Skills & Experience:
- Financial Services Expertise: Deep, hands‑on experience managing the FCA and PRA SMCR frameworks within a banking or financial services environment.
- Executive Presence: Proven track record working directly with, and supporting, Board‑level executives and SMFs.
- Technical Knowledge: Highly familiar with FCA Connect, the FCA Handbook and the PRA Rulebook.
- Sensitivity & Discretion: Experience handling sensitive matters calmly and professionally, such as conduct rule breaches or complex issues arising from F&P assessments.
- Process Mastery: Experience managing entire certification lifecycles, tracking individuals in scope and delivering impactful SMCR training.
Behaviours & Competencies:
- Influential Communicator: Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, with the natural ability to influence and guide senior stakeholders.
- Resilient & Proactive: A solutions‑oriented professional who stays calm under pressure and is comfortable navigating ambiguity or evolving regulations.
- Collaborative Mindset: A team player who looks at the bigger picture and works seamlessly cross‑functionally.
- Detail‑Oriented: Exceptional organisational, project management and time management skills with an unwavering eye for detail.
Benefits:
- 25 days holiday (plus take your public holiday allowance whenever works best for you)
- An extra day’s holiday for your birthday
- Annual leave is increased with length of service, and you can choose to buy or sell up to five extra days off
- 16 hours paid volunteering time a year
- Salary sacrifice, company enhanced pension scheme
- Life insurance at 4x your salary
- Private Medical Insurance with VitalityHealth including mental health support and cancer care. Partner benefits include discounts with Waitrose, Mr&Mrs Smith and Peloton
- Generous family‑friendly policies
- Perkbox membership giving access to retail discounts, a wellness platform for physical and mental health and weekly free and boosted perks
- Access to initiatives like Cycle to Work and Salary Sacrificed Gym partnerships
Starling Bank is an equal opportunity employer, and we’re proud of our ongoing efforts to foster diversity & inclusion in the workplace. Individuals seeking employment at Starling Bank are considered without regard to race, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, medical condition, ancestry, physical or mental disability, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
By submitting your application, you agree that Starling Bank may collect your personal data for recruiting and related purposes. Our Privacy Notice explains what personal information we may process, where we may process your personal information, its purposes for processing your personal information, and the rights you can exercise over our use of your personal information.
SMCR Lead/Manager in London employer: Starling Bank Limited
Starling Bank is an exceptional employer that prioritises a culture of accountability and collaboration, making it an ideal place for professionals passionate about regulatory compliance in the financial services sector. With generous benefits such as 25 days of holiday, enhanced pension schemes, and a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion, employees are empowered to thrive both personally and professionally. Located in a dynamic environment, Starling offers unique opportunities for growth and development, ensuring that every team member can make a meaningful impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land SMCR Lead/Manager in London
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like Starling Bank Limited. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace SMCR Lead/Manager in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to Starling Bank Limited.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on Starling Bank Limited's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Starling Bank Limited
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with Starling Bank Limited.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at Starling Bank Limited will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former Starling Bank Limited employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
