At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead compliance strategy and ensure regulatory adherence across data-centre campuses.
- Company: Join a leading age-inclusive jobs board focused on compliance and security.
- Benefits: Hybrid work, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Build a high-performing team and influence key business decisions.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact on compliance and operational resilience in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in compliance management with strong regulatory knowledge.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
Department: Compliance & Security
Reports To: Head of Compliance and Security
Location: Hybrid, UK (London)
Role Purpose
As Head of Compliance, you will lead the enterprise compliance strategy and ensure that the organisation meets all regulatory, contractual and internal control requirements across our data‑center campuses and corporate environment. You will oversee regulatory compliance, policy management, internal controls, audit readiness, third‑party assurance, data governance alignment and risk management. This role ensures the compliance framework strengthens operational resilience, protects the organisation from sanctions and reputational risk, and supports customer trust and market differentiation.
Key Responsibilities
- Strategy & Governance
- Define the enterprise compliance strategy, roadmap and operating model; align to ERM, security and resilience frameworks.
- Develop and maintain the compliance management system, ensuring governance across all business units.
- Set compliance KPIs and coordinate reporting to executive and board‑level committees.
- Ensure policies and procedures remain current, effective and aligned with regulatory expectations.
- Certification & Regulatory Management
- Own compliance across relevant regulatory frameworks (e.g., NIS2, GDPR, environmental and energy reporting obligations, critical infrastructure rules) with support from departmental leaders.
- Own compliance across company certifications such as ISO standards, PCI DSS, SOC1 and SOC2.
- Monitor emerging regulations across the UK, EU and global markets; provide impact assessments and implementation guidance.
- Lead engagement with regulators, auditors and external bodies.
- Audit, Controls and Assurance
- Lead internal and external audit programs and ensure evidence, findings and remediation actions are managed effectively.
- Maintain internal control frameworks, including RACI documents, control inventories, testing schedules and corrective action plans.
- Coordinate compliance assurance activities across Verne and support InfoSec, ESG, H&S, Development and Operations.
- Lead and support case management across the company, including incidents, corrective actions plans, risk control plans and maintaining the Compliance Tracker.
- Policy, Risk & Incident Management
- Own the compliance policy framework combined with supporting ESG efforts across ethics, anti‑bribery, anti‑corruption, conflicts of interest, supplier conduct and data governance.
- Maintain the enterprise risk register and ensure alignment with all risk owners.
- Partner with InfoSec, Safety, ESG, Legal, Development and Operations on incident investigations, reporting requirements and regulatory notifications.
- Vendor and Customer Compliance
- Support Procurement with supplier compliance due diligence across high‑risk categories.
- Support customer audits, RFP responses, contract negotiations and compliance‑related queries.
- Ensure compliance clauses and obligations are embedded into supplier and customer contracts in partnership with Legal.
- Training and Culture
- Develop and maintain compliance training programmes across ethics, code of conduct, security, data handling and operational obligations.
- Embed a culture of compliance and accountability across all departments.
- Leadership & Budget
- Build and lead a high‑performing compliance team across regions.
- Secure and manage budgets for audits, legal support, training and compliance systems.
- Influence senior stakeholders to ensure compliance integration into business decisions.
Required Qualifications & Experience
- Bachelor's degree in a relevant subject or similar experience and professional certification required.
- Master's degree or level 7 equivalent preferred.
- 10+ years of progressive management experience in Compliance and/or related disciplines.
- 5+ years compliance leadership experience within data centres, critical infrastructure, telecoms, financial services or similarly regulated industries.
- Strong understanding of regulatory frameworks including GDPR, NIS2 and critical‑infrastructure requirements.
- Strong understanding and proven delivery of maintaining certification schemes such as ISO standards, PCI DSS, SOC1 and SOC2.
- Experience working with audit bodies, regulators and external assurance providers.
- Knowledge of operational processes across DC environments, including security, H&S and ESG intersections is seen as a plus.
- Relevant industry certifications, memberships and auditor status expected or willingness to achieve.
Head of Compliance employer: Verne Global
As a leading employer in the compliance sector, we offer a dynamic hybrid work environment in London that fosters professional growth and innovation. Our commitment to employee development is reflected in our comprehensive training programmes and a culture that prioritises compliance and accountability across all levels. Join us to be part of a forward-thinking team that values integrity, operational resilience, and customer trust, while enjoying the unique advantages of working in one of the world's most vibrant cities.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Compliance
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the compliance field, attend industry events, and join relevant online forums. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company’s compliance culture and recent regulatory changes. We want you to be able to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs, so practice articulating your thoughts on compliance strategies and frameworks.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! As a Head of Compliance, you’ll need to demonstrate your ability to lead teams and influence stakeholders. Share examples from your past where you’ve successfully managed compliance initiatives or navigated complex regulatory environments.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s a great way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re always looking for passionate individuals who can contribute to our compliance efforts and help us maintain our high standards.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Compliance
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Compliance role. Highlight your experience in compliance, regulatory frameworks, and leadership. 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 compliance and how you can contribute to our mission at StudySmarter. Keep it engaging and relevant to the job description.
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Use specific examples of how you've improved compliance processes or led successful audits. We love seeing quantifiable results!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Verne Global
✨Know Your Compliance Frameworks
Make sure you brush up on the key regulatory frameworks mentioned in the job description, like GDPR and NIS2. Be ready to discuss how you've navigated these regulations in your previous roles and how they apply to the organisation's compliance strategy.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head of Compliance, you'll need to lead a team effectively. Prepare examples of how you've built and managed high-performing teams in the past. Highlight your experience in influencing senior stakeholders and integrating compliance into business decisions.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific compliance challenges or incidents. Think through potential scenarios related to audit findings or regulatory changes, and be ready to explain your approach to managing these situations.
✨Demonstrate Your Training and Culture Building Experience
The role involves developing compliance training programmes and embedding a culture of compliance. Be prepared to discuss your strategies for fostering a compliance-oriented culture and any successful training initiatives you've implemented in the past.
