UK Independence Team – Associate Director
The UK Independence team is part of the EY UK Risk Management (RM) function and is a key component of the firm’s System of Quality Management. The team supports compliance with Independence requirements across all service lines and the wider business, enabling client-serving teams and EY UK Leadership to make well-informed decisions and bring services to market in a compliant and responsible manner. To meet growing demand from the business for Independence advice amid increasingly complex regulatory requirements and operating environment, the team is evolving toward a more business-aligned operating model, creating an opportunity for a new Associate Director to join the team.
The opportunity
This is an opportunity to join the UK Independence team at a senior level, with responsibility for overseeing high-profile and business-critical Independence matters.
As an Associate Director, you will support the business in interpreting and applying Independence requirements across a range of complex scenarios, navigating differing regulatory expectations, and advising on how services can be structured in a compliant and practical manner.
You will lead a business-aligned Independence team and work closely with Service Line Leadership, Quality teams, Professional Practice, and client-serving partners to deliver timely, commercially informed advice that protects the firm’s compliance. The role offers significant exposure to senior stakeholders and the opportunity to help shape the future of the business-aligned Independence operating model, embedding strong accountability, effective ways of working, and continuous improvement across the function.
Key Responsibilities
* Developing and applying in-depth knowledge of EY services and the related independence requirements, including all related supplementary guidance and resources, and staying abreast of developments in Independence to advise the business on the application of Independence requirements and regulatory expectations:
o Providing guidance on structuring services in a compliant, practical, and commercially informed manner.
o Advising on designing and overseeing effective safeguards to support responsible service delivery.
o Leading oversight of high-profile, business-critical Independence matters across complex scenarios.
o Ensuring Independence advice is sound, timely and appropriately documented.
* Actively supporting Independence compliance monitoring, such as related to fee cap, fee ratios, PACE documentation, and/or GIS compliance requirements.
* Championing effective use of Independence tools to support compliance and business enablement.
* Actively supporting the Independence System of Quality Management requirements.
* Leading on specific Independence projects and matters, ensuring consistent, high-quality delivery.
* Encouraging an innovative mindset by being open to new ideas and promoting continuous improvement and agility to meet business needs.
* Coaching and developing other Independence professionals, building capability and depth of expertise.
* Continuously improving leadership skills by focusing on ongoing self-development.
Across all responsibilities, you will be expected to exercise sound judgement, engage proactively with the business, and balance technical rigour with commercial awareness, ensuring Independence requirements are applied consistently while supporting the firm’s strategic objectives.
Experience & Qualifications
* Experience within a Risk Management function, ideally with direct Independence or closely related regulatory experience.
* Strong commercial awareness, with the ability to lead a team that engages proactively with the business as both a second-line function and a trusted advisor.
* Proven capability to interpret complex Independence requirements and translate them into practical, compliant guidance, including advising on service structuring and appropriate safeguards.
* Strong analytical and judgement skills, with excellent attention to detail and the ability to apply regulatory requirements to real-world business scenarios.
* Highly organised, with the ability to manage complex workstreams, competing priorities, and delivery in a fast-paced environment.
* Demonstrated ability to build trusted relationships with service lines, developing a deep understanding of business models, services, and commercial context.
* Resilient under pressure, with a track record of delivering high-quality outcomes in high-intensity, high-visibility situations.
* Proactive and self‑directed, exercising sound judgement and accountability, with confidence to make decisions and elevate matters appropriately.
* Strong communicator, able to engage credibly at all levels and deliver clear, constructive challenge to senior stakeholders.
* Collaborative and adaptable, able to work effectively across functions and disciplines.
Benefits
* Continuous learning: Build deep technical expertise alongside strong business, leadership, and communication skills.
* Business impact: Work directly with senior stakeholders to influence compliant, responsible go-to-market activity.
* Leadership development: Receive coaching and development to lead through change and build high-performing teams.
* Inclusive culture: Contribute to a collaborative, inclusive environment that values diverse perspectives and continuous improvement.
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