Sanctions Compliance Lead
Well‑Known UK Retail Bank
Fully Remote / Hybrid (UK‑wide)
Full Time | Permanent
About the Role
A well‑known UK Retail Bank is seeking an experienced Sanctions Compliance Lead to shape and oversee its sanctions control framework. With the regulatory landscape becoming increasingly complex, this role plays a critical part in ensuring the bank remains compliant with UK, EU, UN, and US sanctions obligations.
You will lead the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of the bank’s sanctions compliance programme, providing expert guidance across policy, screening, training, risk assessment, and regulatory change management.
This is a high‑visibility role, working closely with senior stakeholders and acting as a key representative of the second line of defence.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead the design and ongoing enhancement of the Sanctions Control Framework, ensuring industry best practice and regulatory expectations are met.
* Develop and maintain sanctions policies, procedures, standards, and guidance.
* Oversee and implement the bank’s 2nd line sanctions oversight approach, partnering with 1st line teams to ensure effective controls.
* Monitor sanctions regulatory developments (OFAC, UN, EU, HMT, etc.) and ensure timely implementation of new requirements.
* Support the management and investigation of sanctions alerts and reporting to relevant authorities.
* Contribute to sanctions elements of customer and enterprise‑wide risk assessments.
* Provide subject‑matter expertise to senior leadership and influence key decisions relating to sanctions risk.
* Foster strong working relationships across Risk, Financial Crime, and business teams to embed best‑in‑class sanctions oversight.
About You
You will bring strong experience gained in a Sanctions Compliance role within financial services, ideally at Manager or Senior Manager level. You will possess:
* Deep working knowledge of UK, EU, UN, and US sanctions regimes.
* Proven experience designing or overseeing sanctions control frameworks.
* Strong ability to draft policy, standards, and governance documentation.
* Familiarity with sanctions screening systems and related technology.
* Excellent stakeholder management skills, with the confidence to advise and challenge senior leaders.
* A collaborative and pragmatic approach, with the ability to influence outcomes across 1st and 2nd line teams.
What’s on Offer
* Fully remote or hybrid working, depending on your preference and location.
* A high‑impact role within a respected UK retail bank.
* Opportunity to shape and uplift the organisation’s sanctions compliance capability.
* Exposure to senior leadership and cross‑functional collaboration.