AML Operations Manager

At Mews, we’re building a robust, scalable and future-ready compliance function. We’re looking for an AML Operations Manager to take ownership of the quality and effectiveness of our AML and CTF operational controls as a first line of defence leader.

This is a high-accountability role with real scope. You’ll own outcomes across core AML operations, ensuring that customer due diligence, transaction monitoring, screening, escalations and reporting consistently meet the standards expected of a regulated financial institution. Much of the operational delivery is performed by centralised and outsourced teams, so success in this role means combining strong AML judgement with excellent oversight, decision-making and stakeholder management. As Mews continues to grow, this role is expected to broaden in scope alongside our product and customer footprint.

✅ Your mission, should you choose to accept it: 

• Own the quality and effectiveness of AML and CTF operational controls across Mews FS


• Ensure initial and ongoing customer due diligence, including KYC, KYB, onboarding and customer risk assessments, are completed to policy and regulatory standards


• Review and approve enhanced due diligence decisions and risk-based approaches for higher-risk customers


• Oversee first line AML alerts, exceptions and investigations, ensuring high-risk matters are escalated appropriately and followed through to resolution


• Approve customer acceptance decisions and direct offboarding where required for CDD-related reasons


• Own the quality and effectiveness of transaction monitoring activities delivered by central or third-party teams


• Approve or escalate suspicious activity reports and ensure investigations and reporting are timely, traceable and audit-ready


• Oversee sanctions, PEP and adverse media screening frameworks, including decisioning on escalations and positive matches


• Ensure AML and CTF policies, procedures, playbooks and escalation frameworks are applied consistently and remain effective as the business evolves


• Drive remediation and process improvements following audits, regulatory findings or internal lessons learned


• Ensure first line training and awareness programmes are effective, current and aligned to regulatory expectations


• Partner closely with Compliance, Risk, the MLRO, Operations and wider Mews teams on escalation, governance and reporting


• Own the quality and integrity of operational AML reporting for leadership and governance forums


• Ensure the business is prepared for internal audit, external audit and regulatory review


• Oversee outsourced and third-party AML operations, ensuring performance, control quality and regulatory expectations are met

🤝️ You’ll be a great fit if you bring a few of the below with you: 

• 7+ years of experience in AML operations, CDD or financial crime operations within a European regulated financial services environment


• Strong understanding of AML and CTF regulation and best practice, including EU AML frameworks, Dutch AML requirements and FATF recommendations


• Experience operating in a first line role with meaningful accountability for AML outcomes


• Proven experience working with or overseeing outsourced or centralised operational teams


• Strong familiarity with transaction monitoring systems and CDD technology solutions


• Sound judgement and confidence making risk-based decisions in a regulated environment


• Ability to translate regulatory requirements and risk findings into practical operational controls and scalable processes


• Excellent communication skills in English, with the ability to work effectively across senior stakeholders, control functions and delivery teams


• A proactive, hands-on and detail-oriented approach


• Compliance qualifications such as ICA, ACAMS or CAMS are a strong plus

Salary: 

• NL - 83,000 to 101,000 EUR


• ES - 68,500 to 86,000 EUR