Compliance Manager

A leading law firm is seeking a Compliance Manager to oversee and nurture their Can I Act Team, reporting directly to the Head of AML and Financial Crime. This pivotal position offers you the chance to shape compliance practices, drive process improvements, and play a key role in strategic initiatives that impact the entire organisation.

You will be at the heart of regulatory change, supporting partners and employees with expert advice on anti-money laundering, conflicts of interest, client due diligence, and financial crime matters. The firm values your commitment to fostering a positive compliance culture and provides an environment where your interpersonal skills and collaborative approach will thrive.

With flexible working opportunities across Manchester or Bristol, generous pension contributions, and ongoing training support, this is an exceptional opportunity for someone passionate about making a meaningful difference in risk management.

What you'll do:

As Compliance Manager, you will be entrusted with overseeing a diverse team dedicated to upholding rigorous standards in anti-money laundering (AML), financial crime prevention, client due diligence (CDD), and conflict management. Your day-to-day responsibilities will involve nurturing talent through mentorship and training sessions while ensuring that all processes align with evolving regulatory requirements.

• Supervise and mentor the Team Leaders, Senior Compliance Analysts, Compliance Analysts, and Assistants at various experience levels within a time-sensitive setting.
• Document, develop, and enhance team workflows while providing constructive feedback to ensure ongoing improvement of operational practices.
• Act as the primary escalation point for complex compliance queries within both the team and wider business, supported by senior leadership.
• Manage escalation procedures related to conflicts of interest, client due diligence, anti-money laundering issues, and financial crime concerns in line with policies and regulatory obligations.
• Delegate tasks proactively while monitoring work quality, resource allocation, and overall performance within the team.
• Conduct supervision meetings and appraisals to foster staff development; address performance issues such as sickness or absence with empathy and sensitivity.
• Support Team Leaders and Assistant Managers in mentoring their direct reports to maintain high standards of supervision throughout the department.
• Provide guidance to fee earners on regulatory queries to help mitigate identified risks across the firm.
• Build strong relationships with key stakeholders including Risk & Compliance teams, partners, and other departments to ensure legal and regulatory requirements are met consistently.
• Participate in compliance monitoring activities including reviewing systems and suppliers of compliance-related technology solutions.

What you bring:

• Proven experience managing or supervising teams within a compliance or risk management function in a professional services environment.
• Comprehensive understanding of anti-money laundering regulations, financial crime legislation (including CTF, PF, ABC), conflicts of interest protocols, source of funds/wealth checks, client due diligence processes, sanctions screening procedures.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills enabling you to build rapport with colleagues at all levels while promoting a positive compliance culture.
• Ability to document workflows clearly and provide actionable feedback for continuous improvement initiatives within your team.
• Demonstrated capability in handling complex queries related to AML/financial crime/conflicts of interest with tactful escalation when necessary.
• Experience developing training programmes for compliance teams as well as wider organisational audiences.
• Strong analytical skills for conducting risk assessments and producing detailed management information reports for senior stakeholders.
• Familiarity with compliance monitoring tools and technology platforms used for regulatory reporting or supplier reviews.
• Track record of collaborating effectively on cross-functional projects involving policy review or systems enhancement initiatives.
• Commitment to mentoring junior staff members while addressing performance issues constructively.

Robert Walters Operations Limited is an employment business and employment agency and welcomes applications from all candidates