Head of Compliance
£120,000–£130,000 + 20% bonus - Permanent - London/Hybrid
A growing insurance business is looking for a hands-on Head of Compliance to lead and mature a developing function, acting as the key adviser to senior leaders and underwriters. This is ideal for a strong number two in a current team who is ready to step into a visible leadership role and shape the compliance agenda in a lean, collaborative environment.
The role:
* Lead and own the compliance function, setting direction, priorities and standards.
* Act as the senior escalation point for all compliance matters, reporting into the CRO.
* Mentor and develop a small, junior team, operating as a “player-coach” and working in the detail where needed.
* Review, strengthen and simplify the compliance framework, policies and monitoring programme.
* Take the lead on Financial Crime, sanctions and non‑financial misconduct, closing gaps and driving improvements.
* Provide pragmatic, business‑friendly advice to underwriting and senior stakeholders on FCA/PRA requirements, Consumer Duty and conduct risk.
* Produce concise, decision‑ready reports for senior management and Board committees.
About you:
* Senior compliance experience in insurance (not broking), ideally with recent exposure to underwriting communities.
* Broad “generalist” compliance background, with strong knowledge of Financial Crime, sanctions and regulatory compliance in an insurance context.
* Track record operating in FCA/PRA regulated environments and engaging confidently with senior stakeholders.
* Experience writing and presenting compliance reports at senior or Board level.
* Gravitas, sound judgement and a pragmatic, solutions‑oriented style, with the ability to build capability in a developing function.
Package & flexibility
* Base salary £120,000–£130,000 (up to c.£140,000 for exceptional candidates, subject to approval).
* 20% bonus.
* Hybrid working, c.60% office-based over the month.
* Open to discussing 4‑day or reduced hours arrangements for the right senior candidate who can bring deep technical expertise and uplift the team.
If you are a senior compliance professional in insurance, ready to step up and build a high‑impact function in a growing business, please get in touch in confidence to discuss this opportunity. Please email a CV to sam.perry@middlemore.co.uk