Head of Compliance – Commercial Lines in London

Head of Compliance – Commercial Lines in London

London Full-Time 60000 - 80000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Vermelo

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead compliance strategy for Commercial Lines and ensure regulatory adherence.
  • Company: Dynamic insurance firm with a focus on integrity and ethical conduct.
  • Benefits: Private medical insurance, generous leave, life assurance, and matched pension contributions.
  • Other info: Hybrid role with opportunities for professional development and team mentorship.
  • Why this job: Shape compliance culture and make a real impact in a fast-paced environment.
  • Qualifications: Extensive compliance experience in insurance or financial services, strong leadership skills.

The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.

This role can be hybrid to Manchester, Southampton or Birmingham. We are looking for a Head of Compliance who will be responsible for shaping and executing the compliance strategy for our Commercial Lines Business. We encourage applications from small or family-run brokerages.

The role holder will lead a team in the provision of expert advice, guidance, oversight, and robust challenge, ensuring the organisation adheres to all regulatory requirements and best practice standards. As a trusted advisor to senior management, the Head of Compliance champions a culture of integrity and ethical conduct throughout the business.

Key Accountabilities & Responsibilities

  • Lead the development and implementation of the overall compliance strategy for the commercial lines business, aligned with relevant regulations and industry standards.
  • Provide proactive compliance advice, support, and challenge to senior leadership and operational teams, enabling informed decision-making and risk management.
  • Working with Group R&C colleagues to oversee the design, maintenance, and continual improvement of compliance policies, frameworks, and controls across all business activities.
  • Support the business to identify, assess and implement changes arising from regulatory developments, ensuring continual compliance with all regulatory requirements.
  • Act as the principal point of contact for external stakeholders as required on compliance matters, representing the business effectively and transparently.
  • Ensure the design and delivery of compliance training and awareness programmes, embedding a strong compliance culture across the organisation.
  • Prepare and present compliance reports, metrics, and insights to senior management including executive governance committees as required.
  • Support the investigation and resolution of compliance breaches and other business incidents, ensuring lessons are learned and corrective actions implemented.
  • Manage and mentor a team of two compliance professionals, fostering their professional development and supporting high performance.
  • Champion the delivery of good customer outcomes, ethical business conduct and risk management across the business, engaging with colleagues at all levels to promote best practice and continuous improvement.

Skills, Experience & Knowledge

  • Extensive experience in compliance management within the insurance or financial services sector, with a proven track record of delivering strategic compliance initiatives.
  • Experience working with Commercial lines products and/or London markets.
  • In-depth understanding of relevant regulatory frameworks, including FCA requirements, and a strong grasp of industry best practices.
  • Excellent communication and influencing skills, with the ability to engage effectively with senior stakeholders and provide authoritative advice and challenge.
  • Demonstrated leadership capabilities, including the ability to foster a culture of integrity, ethical conduct, and continuous improvement across the organisation.
  • Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, with a keen eye for detail and the capacity to manage complex compliance matters.

What we offer in return?

  • A collaborative and fast‑paced work environment
  • Private Medical Insurance
  • 25 days annual leave increasing to 29 days with length of service, plus bank holidays and the ability to buy additional leave
  • Life Assurance 4× annual salary
  • Pension contributions matched up to 5%

Head of Compliance – Commercial Lines in London employer: Vermelo

Join a dynamic and collaborative team as the Head of Compliance for our Commercial Lines Business, where you will play a pivotal role in shaping compliance strategies while enjoying a hybrid work environment in Manchester, Southampton, or Birmingham. We pride ourselves on fostering a culture of integrity and ethical conduct, offering extensive professional development opportunities, competitive benefits including private medical insurance and generous annual leave, and a commitment to supporting your career growth within the insurance sector.

Vermelo

Contact Details:

Vermelo Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of Compliance – Commercial Lines in London

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 Vermelo looking for candidates who are engaged and informed.

We think you need these skills to ace Head of Compliance – Commercial Lines in London

Compliance Management
Regulatory Knowledge
FCA Requirements
Commercial Lines Products
Leadership Skills
Communication Skills
Influencing Skills

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 Vermelo. 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 Vermelo

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 Vermelo’s stance on compliance. A shared vision can really resonate with interviewers looking for fit as much as skill!