Sanctions Senior Lead (1st Line)
Sanctions Senior Lead (1st Line)

Sanctions Senior Lead (1st Line)

London Full-Time 43200 - 72000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead and manage sanctions operations, ensuring compliance and training for the team.
  • Company: Wise, a global tech company revolutionising money management.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, diverse culture, and opportunities for growth.
  • Why this job: Join a mission-driven team making international money transfers easier for everyone.
  • Qualifications: 2-3 years in operations leadership and extensive sanctions experience required.
  • Other info: Dynamic work environment with a focus on diversity and inclusion.

The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.

Company Description

Wise is a global technology company, building the best way to move and manage the world’s money. Min fees. Max ease. Full speed.

Whether people and businesses are sending money to another country, spending abroad, or making and receiving international payments, Wise is on a mission to make their life easier and save them money.

As part of our team, you will be helping us create an entirely new network for the world\’s money. For everyone, everywhere.

Job Description

We are looking for an experienced operations lead and sanctions expert to lead the Sanctions Specialist Team and Training Team within Sanctions Operations.

The Sanctions Specialist team serves as the sanctions subject matter experts responsible for reviewing and investigating all potential violations of OFAC, , UK and other sanctions programs processed through Wise. This includes: reviewing and final approval regarding escalated alerts on transactions and matches to the OFAC, , UK and any other applicable lists and programs; reviewing and approving licensed transactions; reporting blocked property and rejected transactions to the respective regulatory agencies; drafting and filing Voluntary Self-Disclosures to OFAC; investigation into potential circumvention attempts; advising teams on sanctions related issues and sanctions incidents. The team also owns training and knowledge management for the whole of Sanctions Operations.

Here’s how you’ll be contributing to the team

  • Lead the Specialist teams

  • Lead complex operational projects acting as a subject matter expert for the rest of the business

  • Reviewing current operational processes and policies

  • Implement effective controls to reduce risk

  • Maintain strong relationships with Compliance, ensuring we have the right structure and processes in place for effective oversight

  • Own the plan to develop Sanctions Operations team capabilities, strategic placement of staff across teams, skills and capacity over 12+ months, including skills mapping and training plans, leading significant cross-team projects requiring material decisions and content contribution as well as project management

  • Qualifications

  • 2-3 years experience leading an Operations Team preferably within Financial Crime

  • 3+ years of Sanctions experience

  • Certified Global Sanctions Specialist (CGSS) certification or similar

  • Great communicator both verbal and written

  • You have proven track record of taking individual ownership and responsibilities as well as being a great team-player

  • You have good understanding and ability to analyse, forecast and move of team’s metrics

  • You can work collaboratively within a complex organisation, across multiple cultures, geographies, and disciplines

  • You have project management and organisational skills and capability to handle multiple projects at one time

  • You\’re able to travel as needed.

  • Some extra skills that would be awesome:

  • Experience in L&D and Knowledge Management

  • Experience with outsourced sanctions operations and controls

  • Experience interfacing with regulatory enforcement agencies

  • Experience with the OFAC e-filing system and potential VSD analysis

  • Additional language skills in one or more jurisdictions in which Wise has operation

  • Additional Information

    #LI-NP1

    For everyone, everywhere. We\’re people building money without borders — without judgement or prejudice, too. We believe teams are strongest when they are diverse, equitable and inclusive.

    We\’re proud to have a truly international team, and we celebrate our differences.
    Inclusive teams help us live our values and make sure every Wiser feels respected, empowered to contribute towards our mission and able to progress in their careers.

    If you want to find out more about what it\’s like to work at Wise visit .

    Keep up to date with life at Wise by following us on and .

    Sanctions Senior Lead (1st Line) employer: Wise

    Wise is an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic and inclusive work culture in the heart of London, where innovation meets collaboration. Employees benefit from comprehensive training and development opportunities, empowering them to grow their skills while contributing to meaningful projects that simplify global money management. With a commitment to diversity and equity, Wise creates an environment where every team member can thrive and make a real impact.
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    Contact Detail:

    Wise Recruiting Team

    StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

    We think this is how you could land Sanctions Senior Lead (1st Line)

    ✨Tip Number 1

    Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Wise on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insider info and might even lead to a referral, which is always a bonus!

    ✨Tip Number 2

    Prepare for the interview by researching Wise's values and recent projects. We want to show that we’re not just a good fit for the role, but also for the company culture. Tailor our answers to reflect how we align with their mission.

    ✨Tip Number 3

    Practice makes perfect! Set up mock interviews with friends or use online platforms. The more we rehearse, the more confident we’ll feel when it’s time to shine in front of the hiring team.

    ✨Tip Number 4

    Don’t forget to follow up after the interview! A quick thank-you email can keep us fresh in their minds and shows our enthusiasm for the role. Let’s make sure they remember us!

    We think you need these skills to ace Sanctions Senior Lead (1st Line)

    Sanctions Expertise
    Operations Management
    Project Management
    Risk Mitigation
    Compliance Collaboration
    Training and Development
    Analytical Skills
    Communication Skills
    Team Leadership
    Cultural Awareness
    Metrics Analysis
    Regulatory Knowledge
    Knowledge Management
    Adaptability

    Some tips for your application 🫡

    Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Sanctions Senior Lead role. Highlight your experience in operations and sanctions, and don’t forget to showcase any relevant certifications like CGSS. We want to see how your skills align with what we’re looking for!

    Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for the role and how your past experiences have prepared you for this position. Keep it engaging and make sure it reflects your personality – we love authenticity!

    Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since excellent verbal and written communication skills are key for this role, make sure your application reflects that. Use clear and concise language, and double-check for any typos or grammatical errors. We appreciate attention to detail!

    Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role and our company culture there!

    How to prepare for a job interview at Wise

    ✨Know Your Sanctions Inside Out

    Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of OFAC, UK sanctions, and any other relevant regulations. Be prepared to discuss specific cases or scenarios where you've had to apply this knowledge in your previous roles.

    ✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills

    As a Sanctions Senior Lead, you'll need to demonstrate your experience in leading teams. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed operations teams, handled complex projects, and developed team capabilities through training.

    ✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently

    Excellent verbal and written communication skills are crucial for this role. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly, especially when discussing technical topics related to sanctions and compliance.

    ✨Be Ready for Scenario-Based Questions

    Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and decision-making skills. Think of situations where you've had to analyse metrics, forecast outcomes, or implement controls to mitigate risks, and be ready to share those experiences.

    Sanctions Senior Lead (1st Line)
    Wise
    Location: London
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    • Sanctions Senior Lead (1st Line)

      London
      Full-Time
      43200 - 72000 £ / year (est.)
    • W

      Wise

      1000+
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