At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and shape the Risk & Compliance function in a fast-growing fintech.
- Company: Join Suits Me®, an ethical fintech focused on financial inclusion.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 30 days holiday, and high autonomy at Board level.
- Other info: Opportunity to build a high-performing team and influence strategic objectives.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a purpose-led company during a pivotal growth phase.
- Qualifications: Significant executive-level risk and compliance experience in financial services.
The predicted salary is between 100000 - 120000 £ per year.
We are seeking an experienced executive-level financial services risk professional to lead and shape our Risk & Compliance function within a fast-growing, regulated fintech environment. This is a key executive leadership role responsible for the ongoing development, oversight, and effectiveness of our risk and compliance framework. You will work closely with the Legal Director, Executive Team, and Board to ensure risks are appropriately identified, assessed, monitored and reported, with clear governance and accountability in place.
You will lead and evolve our second line Risk & Compliance function, providing independent oversight, challenge and assurance across the business. This includes oversight of the Risk & Compliance Manager and responsibility for ensuring robust risk assessment, controls testing and governance across first line teams. In addition, you will act as a key regulatory stakeholder contact for the business and take ownership of our operational resilience programme, including annual scenario testing and regulatory engagement. This role carries significant Board-level exposure and plays a critical part in strengthening our governance, risk and compliance maturity as we scale.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead, shape and embed a strong risk and compliance culture across the organisation.
- Lead and evolve the second line Risk & Compliance function, ensuring effective independent oversight and challenge.
- Oversee risk monitoring activities, including risk assessments, thematic reviews and controls testing across first line teams.
- Ensure high-quality risk MI, reporting and insights for the Management Committee and Board, including clear escalation of risks outside appetite.
- Develop, maintain and continuously improve the risk management framework, policies, and risk appetite.
- Lead the annual operational resilience programme, including scenario testing and regulatory reporting.
- Act as a key regulatory contact, managing relationships with relevant regulators and ensuring proactive, transparent engagement.
- Provide leadership, direction and support to the Risk & Compliance Manager.
- Partner with senior leaders across the business to ensure risk management enables sustainable growth and supports strategic objectives.
- Work closely with our Non-Executive Director (Risk & Compliance specialist), who provides additional independent oversight and guidance to the function.
About You
We are looking for someone who brings:
- Significant executive-level risk and compliance experience within financial services, ideally within fintech, payments, gaming, or similarly fast-paced regulated environments.
- Experience operating within organisations undergoing rapid regulatory, operational, or structural change.
- Proven ability to design and embed strong risk culture in a scaling organisation.
- Strong practical understanding and application of the three lines of defence model.
- Extensive experience engaging with Boards, Executive Teams and regulators at senior level.
- Demonstrable experience leading operational resilience programmes and understanding evolving regulatory expectations.
- Strong regulatory relationship management experience, with confidence engaging proactively and transparently with regulators.
- A commercial mindset, combining pragmatic judgement with strong technical risk and compliance expertise.
You will be credible, collaborative and comfortable providing constructive challenge while building strong relationships across all levels of the organisation.
Why Join Us?
This is a rare opportunity to shape and strengthen the risk and compliance function at a pivotal stage in our growth. You will have genuine executive influence, direct Board exposure and the opportunity to build and mature a high-performing second line function within a purpose-led, ambitious fintech. You will play a critical role in enabling safe, sustainable growth while ensuring strong customer outcomes and regulatory confidence.
Competitive salary (£100,000+ depending on experience) 30 days holiday per year plus Bank Holidays. Opportunity to work in a purpose-led fintech with real social impact. High autonomy and direct influence at Board level.
Chief Risk and Compliance Officer in Manchester employer: Suits Me
Suits Me® is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to lead the Risk & Compliance function in a fast-growing fintech environment dedicated to financial inclusion. With a strong focus on employee growth, competitive salaries, and a purpose-driven culture, you will have the autonomy to influence key decisions at the Board level while contributing to meaningful social impact. Join us to shape a robust risk framework that supports sustainable growth and ensures positive customer outcomes.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Risk and Compliance Officer in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts on LinkedIn or attend fintech events. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. We want you to show how your experience aligns with their mission. Tailor your responses to highlight your risk and compliance expertise in a way that resonates with their goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors. We can’t stress enough how important it is to articulate your thoughts clearly, especially when discussing complex risk frameworks and compliance strategies.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our mission at Suits Me.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Risk and Compliance Officer in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Chief Risk and Compliance Officer role. Highlight your executive-level experience in risk and compliance, especially within fintech or similar fast-paced environments. 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 passionate about risk and compliance in the fintech space. Share specific examples of how you've shaped risk cultures or led operational resilience programmes in previous roles.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:As this role involves significant Board-level exposure, make sure to highlight your leadership experience. Talk about how you've successfully engaged with Boards and senior teams, and how you’ve driven change in risk management frameworks.
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 this exciting opportunity to shape our risk and compliance function!
How to prepare for a job interview at Suits Me
✨Know Your Risk & Compliance Framework
Before the interview, make sure you have a solid understanding of risk and compliance frameworks, especially in fintech. Brush up on the three lines of defence model and be ready to discuss how you've implemented these in previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
This role requires strong leadership, so prepare examples that highlight your experience in leading teams and shaping risk culture. Think about specific instances where you've successfully influenced change or improved compliance processes.
✨Engage with Regulatory Knowledge
Familiarise yourself with current regulatory expectations and be prepared to discuss how you've managed relationships with regulators. Highlight any experience you have with operational resilience programmes and scenario testing.
✨Prepare for Board-Level Discussions
Since this position involves significant Board exposure, practice articulating your insights and recommendations clearly and confidently. Be ready to discuss how you would present risk assessments and governance strategies to senior stakeholders.
