Business Plan, Financial Services, IR (Infrared), Leadership, Maintain Compliance, Quality Control, Quality Management, Regulations, Regulatory Reports, Retail, Risk, Risk Management, Traceability, Willing to Travel
Head of Compliance (Deputy) - SMF16/SMF17 - Contract (6 Months)
Location: Remote (UK-based) with occasional travel to London (approx. 1x per month)
Rate: £700-£750pd
IR35 Status: Outside IR35
A leading financial services organisation is seeking an experienced Head of Compliance (Deputy) to join on an initial 6-month contract. This is a senior leadership opportunity to operate as a trusted deputy to the Head of Compliance, playing a key role in shaping and delivering a consistent, bank-wide second line function.
The Role
You will take ownership of the annual Compliance Monitoring Plan, leading activity across Retail, Commercial, Ireland, and Central functions. A core focus will be driving a shift from traditional quality control towards a more strategic, outcomes-driven compliance approach, aligned with evolving regulatory expectations.
You'll be instrumental in establishing a robust, risk-based monitoring framework spanning:
- Conduct Risk
- Financial Crime
- Prudential Risk
This role will also focus on improving the quality, consistency, and traceability of BAU monitoring, ensuring a more joined-up and defensible compliance position across the organisation.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and deliver the annual Compliance Monitoring Plan across multiple business units
- Design and implement a consistent, risk-based monitoring framework
- Drive transformation from a reactive QC model to a proactive, strategic compliance function
- Enhance Management Information (MI) and reporting for senior stakeholders, including Exec and Board
- Provide clear, insight-driven reporting aligned to regulatory expectations
- Support the evolution of the Compliance operating model to ensure scalability and consistency
About You
- Proven experience in a senior compliance leadership role within financial services
- SMF16/17
- Strong background across conduct, financial crime, and/or prudential risk
- Experience designing and implementing compliance monitoring frameworks
- Track record of engaging with senior stakeholders (Exec/Board level)
- Ability to operate strategically while delivering hands-on results in a transformation environment
Why Apply?
- High-impact role shaping a bank-wide compliance function
- Outside IR35 engagement
- Flexible, predominantly remote working
- Opportunity to influence senior leadership and regulatory positioning