At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead fraud and financial crime strategy, managing operational teams and enhancing control frameworks.
- Company: A profitable, PE-backed consumer lender focused on innovation and growth.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, leadership role with significant impact, and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Join a forward-thinking team dedicated to excellence and operational success.
- Why this job: Be a hands-on leader shaping the future of fraud prevention in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Extensive experience in fraud and financial crime within UK consumer lending is essential.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
A profitable, PE-backed consumer lender (cards and loans) is making a significant leadership hire, bringing fraud and financial crime together under a single first line operating model, and is looking for a permanent Head of Fraud & Financial Crime to build and run it. This is a hands-on leadership role, not a figurehead. You will lead the first line operational teams, with at least five direct reports, and own the strategy, the control framework and the day-to-day delivery across fraud, AML, sanctions and wider financial crime. As Nominated Officer, you will hold the firm's relationship with law enforcement and intelligence-sharing agencies.
We want a builder. Someone who has done this before, can operate at both strategic and detailed levels, and rolls their sleeves up rather than leading from a distance. You will bring an outside view of strong first line practice and raise the bar internally.
What you'll do:
- Own and deliver the firm's fraud and financial crime strategy across all relevant risk areas
- Lead the first line operational teams, with clear accountability, strong performance management and real delivery
- Establish and maintain a clear operating model with defined ownership across fraud and financial crime
- Design, implement and continuously improve the control framework, subject to MLRO and Compliance oversight
- Act as Nominated Officer, building and owning relationships with law enforcement, industry bodies and intelligence-sharing groups
- Oversee detection performance, working with analytics teams to optimise rules, models and AI-driven controls
- Take a hands-on role investigating issues, reviewing controls and closing second and third line recommendations
- Provide clear, actionable reporting to senior stakeholders and governance forums
- Oversee the implementation of new systems and capabilities
What you'll bring:
- Deep fraud and financial crime expertise in UK consumer lending, across cards and loans (essential)
- A proven track record in a comparable Head of or senior leadership role. You have built and run capability before, this is not your first time at this level
- Experience as a Nominated Officer, including direct engagement with law enforcement and agencies
- A genuine people leader who can build, grow and get the best from operational teams
- Strong grasp of fraud and financial crime regulation including AML and sanctions, translated into practical first line controls
- A pragmatic, commercially minded approach that balances strong controls with business outcomes, and the credibility to operate at SM&CR senior manager level
This role is subject to certification under the Senior Managers and Certification Regime (SM&CR).
Head of Fraud & Financial Crime (First Line, Operational Leader) in Slough employer: Waterhouse-Kern Associates
As a leading PE-backed consumer lender, we pride ourselves on fostering a dynamic and inclusive work culture that empowers our employees to take ownership of their roles. With a strong focus on professional development, we offer ample opportunities for growth and advancement, ensuring that our team members are equipped to excel in their careers. Located in a vibrant area, our company not only provides competitive benefits but also encourages a collaborative environment where innovative ideas thrive, making it an exceptional place for those looking to make a meaningful impact in the field of fraud and financial crime.
Contact Details:
Waterhouse-Kern Associates Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Fraud & Financial Crime (First Line, Operational Leader) in Slough
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the fraud and financial crime space. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by diving deep into the company’s current fraud strategies. Show us you’ve done your homework! Bring fresh ideas to the table and demonstrate how your hands-on experience can elevate their operations.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to showcase your leadership style! We want to see how you build and motivate teams. Share specific examples of how you’ve led operational teams to success in the past, especially in high-pressure situations.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our platform.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Fraud & Financial Crime (First Line, Operational Leader) in Slough
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Head of Fraud & Financial Crime. Highlight your experience in building and running operational teams, and don’t forget to showcase your hands-on leadership style. We want to see how you’ve tackled fraud and financial crime in the past!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of your achievements in fraud and financial crime, and how you’ve successfully led teams. Remember, we love a good story that shows your passion and expertise!
Showcase Your People Skills:As a people leader, it’s crucial to demonstrate how you’ve built and motivated teams. Include anecdotes about how you’ve developed talent and fostered a positive team culture. We’re looking for someone who can inspire and get the best out of their team, so let that shine through!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our team at StudySmarter. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Waterhouse-Kern Associates
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of fraud and financial crime, especially in the context of UK consumer lending. Be ready to discuss specific strategies you've implemented in previous roles and how they can apply to this position.
✨Show Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that showcase your hands-on leadership style. Talk about how you've built and managed teams effectively, and how you’ve driven performance in operational settings. They want to see that you can roll your sleeves up and get involved.
✨Understand the Regulatory Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the latest regulations around AML and sanctions. Be prepared to discuss how you've translated these regulations into practical controls in your past roles. This will demonstrate your ability to operate at a senior manager level.
✨Build Relationships
Since you'll be acting as the Nominated Officer, think about how you've previously engaged with law enforcement and intelligence-sharing agencies. Prepare to share your approach to building these relationships and how it has benefited your organisation.
