We are seeking an experienced Director of Compliance to lead the organisation’s compliance strategy, governance framework and regulatory risk management activities. This senior role will oversee compliance operations, advise executive leadership and ensure the organisation meets its legal, regulatory and ethical obligations. The successful candidate will be commercially aware, highly analytical and experienced in developing effective compliance programmes within a complex and regulated environment.

Director of Compliance - Key responsibilities (compliance strategy & regulatory governance)

• Develop and implement the organisation-wide compliance strategy, policies and framework in line with applicable laws, regulations and industry standards.

• Lead the identification, assessment, monitoring and mitigation of compliance, regulatory and conduct risks.

• Provide clear and practical compliance advice to the board, executive leadership and senior stakeholders.

• Maintain oversight of regulatory reporting, licensing requirements, registrations and interactions with relevant regulatory bodies.

• Establish and manage compliance monitoring, testing, and assurance programmes, and report findings and recommendations to senior leadership.

• Lead investigations into suspected breaches, misconduct, conflicts of interest and policy violations, ensuring appropriate escalation and resolution.

• Oversee the development and delivery of compliance training, communications and awareness programmes across the organisation.

• Work closely with legal, risk, information security, finance, human resources and operational teams to embed effective controls.

• Monitor regulatory developments and assess their impact on business processes, products, services and policies.

• Prepare accurate compliance reports, management information and board papers, including key risk indicators and remediation updates.

• Promote a strong culture of integrity, accountability and ethical decision-making throughout the organisation.

Required skills and experience (regulatory compliance & risk management)

• Proven experience as a Director of Compliance, Chief Compliance Officer, Head of Compliance or similar senior compliance leadership role.

• Significant experience developing and managing compliance frameworks within a regulated, financial services, technology, healthcare, insurance, professional services or similarly complex environment.

• Strong knowledge of relevant UK legislation, regulatory requirements, corporate governance principles and industry standards.

• Demonstrable experience in compliance risk assessments, monitoring, assurance, investigations and regulatory reporting.

• Experience advising boards, executive teams and senior stakeholders on regulatory risk, governance and business conduct.

• Excellent analytical, judgement and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret complex regulatory requirements and provide practical recommendations.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the confidence to influence stakeholders at all levels.

• Experience leading, developing and mentoring a compliance team and managing external advisers or consultants.

• Proficient in Microsoft Office, compliance management systems, risk tools and reporting platforms; experience with data analytics tools is advantageous.

Qualifications and professional attributes (compliance leadership & professional standards)

• Degree in Law, Finance, Business, Risk Management or a related discipline; professional compliance, legal, audit or risk qualification desirable.

• Membership of a relevant professional body, such as the International Compliance Association, Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment or Institute of Risk Management, is advantageous.

• Strategic, independent and commercially minded, with a strong commitment to professional ethics and regulatory integrity.

• Resilient and decisive, with the ability to manage sensitive matters, competing priorities and tight deadlines.

• Highly organised with excellent attention to detail and a commitment to continuous improvement.

• Committed to confidentiality, fairness, inclusion and the consistent application of compliance standards.

What we offer (benefits & career development)

• Competitive salary and performance-related bonus.

• Company pension scheme, private healthcare and life insurance.

• Generous holiday allowance and flexible working options.

• Professional development, training and support for relevant compliance qualifications.

• Opportunity to shape the organisation’s compliance culture, governance framework and regulatory strategy.

• Inclusive workplace culture with emphasis on wellbeing and work-life balance.

How to apply (application process & equal opportunities)

Please submit your CV and a covering letter outlining your relevant compliance leadership experience, regulatory expertise and key achievements. We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.