Head of Risk and Regulation

As Head of Risk & Regulation, you’ll lead how Sumer approaches risk, governance, and compliance across the group. This is a hands‑on leadership role, working closely with senior stakeholders to make sure we’re operating to a high standard while continuing to grow at pace. You’ll connect the dots across risk, regulation, and commercial decision‑making, bringing structure where it’s needed, challenge where it matters, and clarity where things can easily become overcomplicated. This role has real visibility and influence, with a direct impact on how the business operates day‑to‑day and how it evolves longer term.

Key Responsibilities

• You’ll take the lead on building a risk and regulatory approach that people understand, respect, and actually use.
• Owning and evolving the firm’s risk framework – keeping it relevant, not over‑engineered.
• Spotting where things could go wrong (or already are) and getting ahead of it early.
• Giving boards and senior leaders a clear view of risk – what matters, what doesn’t, and what we’re doing about it.
• Working closely with Compliance and Quality to make sure policies land in the real world, not just on paper.
• Keeping pace with regulatory change and cutting through it – turning rules into practical direction.
• Playing a key role in M&A activity, particularly around change of control and regulatory requirements.
• Acting as a go‑to on ethical judgement – especially where the answer isn’t obvious.
• Supporting teams across the business with straightforward, pragmatic advice.
• Stepping in when issues hit – leading investigations, managing regulators, and driving resolution end‑to‑end.
• Building an environment where people raise things early, deal with them properly, and move on.

Skills, Knowledge & Expertise

• You’re not just technical, you know how to make this stuff land.
• Solid experience in risk, compliance, or audit within a UK accountancy firm.
• Strong grip on the UK regulatory landscape (ICAEW, FCA, SRA etc.), but not overly academic about it.
• Comfortable operating at senior level, able to challenge, influence, and hold your ground.
• Good judgement, especially in grey areas where there isn’t a clean answer.
• Able to simplify complex regulation into something people can actually use.
• Naturally proactive, you spot patterns, risks, and gaps early.
• High integrity with low ego, trusted to handle sensitive situations properly.
• Used to working in a business that’s growing, changing, and not perfectly structured.

Belong @ Sumer

At Sumer, we know everyone’s journey is different. That’s why we’re committed to fairness, removing barriers and giving people the support they need to do their best work. If you need any support during the hiring process, just let us know. Our values represent what matters most to us and guide how we work every day:

• We Shine Together
• We Do the Right Thing
• We Make It Count

We know diverse teams make us stronger. That’s why we’re creating an inclusive workplace where everyone belongs and differences are valued and celebrated.