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 community engagement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in regulatory governance while working with senior executives.
- Qualifications: Experience in financial services and deep knowledge of FCA and PRA frameworks required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Your new role
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 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 looking to make a meaningful impact in the financial services sector. With generous benefits such as enhanced pension schemes, private medical insurance, and a commitment to employee growth through training and volunteering opportunities, Starling fosters an inclusive environment where every team member can thrive. Located in a dynamic and innovative banking landscape, employees are empowered to influence governance and compliance while enjoying a supportive work-life balance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land SMCR Lead/Manager
✨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 Starling Bank Limited looking for candidates who are engaged and informed.
We think you need these skills to ace SMCR Lead/Manager
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 Starling Bank Limited. 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 Starling Bank Limited
✨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 Starling Bank Limited’s stance on compliance. A shared vision can really resonate with interviewers looking for fit as much as skill!
