At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and evolve the Compliance function in a dynamic financial services environment.
- Company: Join a growing, ambitious financial services business with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 30 days holiday, private medical insurance, and more.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team that values innovation and personal development.
- Why this job: Shape compliance strategy and influence major business initiatives while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Extensive compliance leadership experience and strong knowledge of FCA regulations.
The predicted salary is between 110000 - 110000 £ per year.
- Description
- Hybrid, Cardiff Office | Up to £110,000 per annum
- Senior Leadership Opportunity | Financial Services
Ready to shape the future of Compliance in a growing, ambitious financial services business?
We're looking for an experienced
Head of Compliance to lead and evolve our second-line Compliance function.
This is a high-profile leadership role offering the opportunity to work closely with the Executive Team, Board and regulators, while influencing strategic decisions that drive sustainable growth and outstanding customer outcomes.
As a key member of our Risk Function and wider Senior Leadership Team, you'll play a pivotal role in ensuring our business remains compliant, customer-focused and forward-thinking in an ever-changing regulatory environment.
Why Join Us?
This is more than a compliance role. It's an opportunity to
- Shape and lead the Compliance strategy for a growing organisation
- Work directly with Executive leaders and Board stakeholders
- Influence major business initiatives, regulatory change programmes and growth projects
- Lead a high-performing, collaborative and customer-focused team
- Develop your career in a role that may progress to a full
- SMF16 (Compliance Oversight) position
- Be part of a business that values innovation, wellbeing, recognition and personal development
What's It Like Working Here?
We're proud of our collaborative, inclusive and high-performing culture. We work together to help the business grow safely, support our clients and deliver great customer outcomes.
You'll be recognised for your contributions, supported in your development and encouraged to bring new ideas to the table.
We invest in our people, embrace technology and genuinely care about creating a positive colleague experience where everyone can thrive.
The Opportunity
Reporting to the Chief Risk Officer, you'll provide expert regulatory leadership and oversight across the organisation, ensuring robust compliance frameworks, effective governance and positive customer outcomes.
You'll lead a talented Compliance team and act as a trusted advisor across the business, supporting strategic decision-making while balancing commercial growth with regulatory excellence.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and develop the Compliance function, creating a positive, engaged and high-performing culture
- Deliver and embed the organisation's Compliance strategy
- Provide expert regulatory advice and guidance across the business
- Own and oversee the annual Compliance Assurance Plan
- Lead regulatory risk assessments for key projects and business initiatives
- Support new client opportunities and growth strategies from a regulatory perspective
- Develop and maintain regulatory policies, frameworks and training programmes
- Act as a key point of contact for regulators, clients and industry bodies
- Prepare and submit regulatory reports and ensure timely regulatory engagement
- Own and maintain the Group's SM&CR framework
- Play a key role in regulatory change initiatives and business transformation programmes
- Support the CRO in maintaining effective compliance systems, controls and governance arrangements
- Act as Speak Up Officer, ensuring concerns are managed fairly and effectively
Requirements
You'll be a credible, influential leader who combines strong technical expertise with excellent relationship-building skills.
We're looking for someone who
- Builds trusted relationships quickly across all levels of the organisation
- Is confident influencing senior stakeholders, Executive teams and Boards
- Can challenge constructively while maintaining strong partnerships
- Has a strategic mindset and can balance commercial objectives with regulatory requirements
- Leads with authenticity, empathy and a strong customer focus
- Thrives in a fast-paced, evolving environment
Essential Skills & Experience
- Extensive Compliance leadership experience within Financial Services
- Previous experience as a
- Head of Compliance, Senior Compliance Manager or similar senior compliance role
- Strong knowledge of FCA regulations and the Consumer Credit regulatory landscape
• Experience across key regulatory frameworks including
- CONC
- MCOB
- DISP
- Consumer Credit Act (CCA)
- Consumer Duty
- Experience presenting to Boards, Risk Committees and senior governance forums
- Experience engaging directly with regulators, including the FCA
- Demonstrable track record of influencing business decisions and regulatory outcomes
Benefits
We offer industry leading benefits to our colleagues
- Competitive salary up to £110,000 per annum, depending on experience
- 30 days holiday entitlement plus bank holidays (From Day 1)
- Defined Pension Contribution Scheme (Employer matched up to 6%). Plus, option to contribute via Salary Exchange (alternatively known as Salary Sacrifice)
- Employee Discount Scheme, access to discounts and offers across 100s of leading retailers. Plus, cashback on purchases
- Company Paid Private Medical Insurance (benefit in kind)
- Group Life Assurance
- Group Income Protection
- Discretionary Annual Pay Review
- Discretionary Annual Bonus Scheme
- Loyal Service Scheme - rewarding your commitment with financial recognition, additional holidays, and matched pension contributions of up to 10% at key service milestones.
- Free Flu Vaccinations, Eye Tests and employer contribution towards glasses
- Recognition Scheme
- Free Mortgage Advice and Support
- Wisdom Wellbeing, your go to for wellbeing resources and solutions to include an Employee Assistance Program
- Everest Funeral Concierge
- Free Bereavement and Probate Advice and Support
- Access to a GP 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year through GP24
- Paid eye tests and employer contribution towards spectacles specifically for VDU use.
- Enhanced parental leave
You can also select other benefits, we cover the upfront cost and make monthly deductions from your pay, interest free!
- Technology Buying Scheme
- Discounted Gym Memberships
- Taste Card / Coffee Club Membership
- Charitable Payroll Giving
- Cycle to work Scheme (Salary Sacrifice)
Ready to make an impact?
If you're an experienced Compliance leader looking for a role where you can influence strategy, shape culture and drive meaningful change, we'd love to hear from you.
Apply today and help us build a stronger, safer and more customer-focused future.
Head of Compliance in Cardiff employer: Target
At Target Group, we pride ourselves on fostering a dynamic and inclusive work culture that prioritises innovation and employee growth. As a remote Analyst/Programmer, you'll enjoy the flexibility of working from home while having the opportunity to collaborate with talented professionals in our Cardiff or Newport offices when needed. We offer competitive salaries, generous holiday allowances, and a commitment to your professional development, making us an excellent employer for those looking to make a meaningful impact in the Financial Services and Technology sectors.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Compliance in Cardiff
✨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 Target looking for candidates who are engaged and informed.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Compliance in Cardiff
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 Target. 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 Target
✨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 Target’s stance on compliance. A shared vision can really resonate with interviewers looking for fit as much as skill!
