Risk Operations Manager – AML & KYC Compliance Lead
We’re looking for a Risk Operations Manager to lead our onboarding and ongoing Customer Due Diligence (CDD) activity. This role ensures AML and KYC requirements are met across a complex customer portfolio, protecting the business from financial crime and regulatory risk while supporting a smooth customer journey.
Responsibilities
* Lead and manage the CDD/KYC team, including performance, capability and development.
* Oversee end‑to‑end onboarding and in‑life CDD decisions, ensuring clear audit trails.
* Act as a key contact for AML escalations, working closely with the MLRO.
* Ensure all CDD and AML activity meets UK regulatory and internal policy requirements.
* Manage workloads to deliver agreed service levels and quality standards.
* Complete regular controls, quality checks and audits of CDD activity.
* Maintain up‑to‑date CDD/KYC policies, procedures and documentation.
* Recommend policy and process improvements to strengthen risk management.
* Drive “right first time” outcomes and continuous improvement.
* Support and deliver change initiatives to improve the end‑to‑end customer journey.
* Build strong relationships across credit, risk and relationship teams.
Qualifications
* Proven experience leading teams within CDD, AML or risk operations.
* Strong communication skills, with confidence engaging senior stakeholders.
* Highly organised, able to plan, prioritise and deliver against service and quality targets.
* Comfortable working in a fast‑paced, regulated environment.
* Strong knowledge of UK AML, KYC and CDD requirements.
* Experience assessing risk, making sound decisions and escalating where appropriate.
* High attention to detail and confidence handling complex or high‑risk cases.
* Up‑to‑date understanding of regulatory expectations and industry trends.
* Background in financial services, with hands‑on experience in CDD, KYC or AML.
* Ability to interpret complex customer structures and data.
* Experience improving operational efficiency while maintaining compliance.
Benefits
* Competitive pension scheme with annual review.
* Annual salary review and bonus scheme.
* EV company car and cycle‑to‑work scheme.
* Give As You Earn (GAYE) scheme.
* Employee referral scheme (£1,000).
* Retail discounts programme.
* GymFlex membership options.
* Private medical insurance.
* Life assurance and critical illness cover.
* Health assessment options, dental and travel insurance.
* Personal accident insurance.
* 25 days’ annual leave + a Celebration Day.
* 37.5‑hour week, Monday to Friday, no weekends.
* Holiday buy & sell scheme and volunteer days.
* Time allocated for personal development and study support (where applicable).
* Free parking, EV charging points, bike storage & shower facilities.
* Complimentary breakfast and staff social events.
Equal Opportunity
We are an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace. If your experience does not exactly align, we encourage you to apply.
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