Job Description
Hybrid - 2 days office p/w
c.£90,000 + Benefits
MERJE are proud to be supporting a well-respected financial services business with a great culture and long history.
Role overview
As the strategic leader of the Compliance Advisory function, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the organisation’s regulatory posture and embedding a culture of proactive compliance across all levels. Operating at the intersection of regulation, risk, and strategic ambition, you will ensure regulatory interpretation is accurate and aligned with the business’s long-term goals and customer-focused values.
You will set the strategic direction for compliance advice, influence executive decision-making, and enable the organisation to navigate complex regulatory landscapes with confidence and agility. Through thought leadership, horizon scanning, and senior stakeholder engagement, you will drive forward a compliance agenda that supports innovation, resilience, and sustainable growth.
Key responsibilities
* Lead and develop a high-performing Compliance Advisory team, fostering a culture of integrity, curiosity, and continuous improvement.
* Support the Director of Compliance, Financial Crime & DPO in shaping a positive compliance and conduct culture across the business.
* Represent the function at executive forums and steering groups, acting as deputy when required.
* Influence senior leaders with commercially aware, risk-based advice that embeds regulatory thinking into business processes.
* Oversee regulatory input into new propositions, operational activities, and incident management to ensure a controlled, customer-centric approach.
* Optimise resource allocation and prioritisation to align advisory activity with strategic goals and emerging risks.
* Build and maintain trusted relationships with internal and external stakeholders as a credible voice on regulatory matters.
* Translate regulatory developments into actionable insights, keeping the organisation agile and well-prepared.
* Drive regulatory change initiatives and contribute to cross-functional compliance programmes.
About you
Knowledge and skills
* Expert knowledge of UK regulatory frameworks, with the ability to provide strategic guidance.
* Proven capability to deliver clear, risk-aware advice across enterprise-wide processes.
* Strong influencing skills at senior levels, including executive and board engagement.
* Ability to anticipate regulatory change and translate developments into strategic implications.
* Exceptional communication skills, distilling complex regulatory requirements for varied audiences.
* Analytical and solution-focused mindset, balancing compliance with commercial ambition.
Experience
* Extensive experience leading compliance advisory functions within financial services.
* Demonstrated leadership in building high-performing teams and fostering a culture of accountability and curiosity.
* Proven ability to operate across complex stakeholder landscapes, driving alignment and collaboration.
* Deep understanding of FCA regulatory frameworks; PRA familiarity advantageous.
* Strong strategic acumen, anticipating regulatory change and positioning the organisation for long-term success.
Behaviours
* Engage confidently at executive and board levels, translating regulatory concepts into strategic insights.
* Apply sound judgement balancing regulatory expectations with business objectives.
* Build trusted relationships across functions, embedding compliance into strategic and operational activities.
* Anticipate regulatory shifts and emerging risks, providing proactive advice to future-proof compliance posture.
* Operate with autonomy and authority, leading by example and fostering continuous improvement.