Managing Director (SMF1)
Join Age Partnership as Managing Director, a senior leadership role responsible for strategic leadership, operational performance, culture and regulatory compliance within an FCA-authorised firm.
Job Role & Reporting
Reports directly to the Chair. Based at the Leeds office (LS15 8ZB).
Package
* Competitive salary and bonus based on experience
* 25 days holiday plus bank holidays
* Birthday day off
* Holiday purchase scheme
* Flexible working hours
* Cash healthcare plan
* Cycle to work scheme
* Car share scheme
* Enhanced maternity and paternity pay
* Gym discounts
* Access to training
Hours of Work
37.5 hours per week, with flexibility to meet business needs. Out of hours cover may be required as per rota.
About the Role
As Managing Director (SMF1) of Age Partnership (AP), you will hold full responsibility for strategic leadership, operational performance, culture, and regulatory compliance. You will act as both SMF1 and SMF3, ensuring the business meets all obligations under the Senior Managers & Certification Regime (SMCR) and delivers good customer outcomes under the Consumer Duty. Working closely with the senior leadership you will lead Age Partnership in delivering sustainable growth, operational excellence, and digital/AI-enabled transformation to support the wider Group’s vision.
Main Responsibilities
* Customer First – Champion customer‑centric initiatives, embed Consumer Duty principles and ensure high‑quality advice and service.
* Leadership & Strategy – Provide strategic direction, translate goals into operational plans and deliver against commercial, customer and regulatory targets.
* Governance & Board Accountability – Hold FCA SMF1/SMF3 responsibilities, maintain systems, controls and delegation under SMCR and work closely with the Board.
* Business Performance – Own financial and commercial performance, work with the Group Finance Director on budgeting, forecasting and capital management.
* Compliance & Risk Management – Ensure compliance with FCA requirements and embed robust regulatory frameworks.
* Innovation & Product Development – Collaborate on new products and propositions with the Group Chief Commercial Officer and Chief Advice Officer.
* Innovation, Digital & AI Transformation – Lead digital transformation, harness automation, AI and data‑led innovation.
* People & Culture – Inspire and develop the senior leadership team, set clear objectives and promote accountability.
* Financial Oversight – Manage budgets, forecasts and performance across all service lines.
* Reporting & Analysis – Provide regular updates to the Board on performance, risks and opportunities.
* Stakeholder Management – Represent Age Partnership to regulators, lenders, industry bodies and external partners.
* Group Collaboration – Collaborate with other Sovereign Life Group entities to maximise synergies and deliver shared initiatives.
About Us
Age Partnership, founded in 2004, is dedicated to improving financial services markets for customers. We deliver world‑class customer experiences, continuous innovation and digital technology to make interactions efficient and engaging. Our culture encourages learning, empowerment and high performance.
Values
* Customer First – See the world from the customer's perspective.
* Win Together – Work hard to be the best and deliver for customers.
* Do the Right Thing – Build success by prioritising customers and business.
* Raise the Bar – Continually surprise customers and drive business forward.
About the Person
The ideal candidate is a visionary, commercially astute leader with a proven track record of governance, regulatory standards and performance within financial services.
Qualifications, Skills & Knowledge
Essential
* Senior executive or Managing Director experience in a regulated financial services business.
* Strong understanding of financial advice and later life markets, including equity release, mortgages and wealth management.
* Experience leading multi‑disciplinary teams and delivering growth through strategic leadership and operational excellence.
* Deep understanding of FCA regulation and readiness to hold SMF1/SMF3 responsibilities.
* Financial and commercial acumen, managing budgets, P&L and sustaining profitability.
* Excellent leadership, communication and stakeholder influence skills.
* Ability to embed a culture of accountability, compliance and customer focus.
* Strong analytical judgement and a record of business transformation and innovation.
* Full UK driving licence.
Desirable
* Network across later life lending, financial advice and financial services sectors.
* Experience operating within a Group structure, collaborating across multiple regulated entities.
Seniority Level
* Executive
Employment Type
* Full‑time
Job Function
* Business Development and Sales
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