Head of Risk & Compliance Hybrid

Head of Risk & Compliance
Location: North East England
Salary: Competitive + Benefits
Job Type: Permanent
Sector: Financial Services / Insurance

An established and forward-thinking financial services organisation in the North East is seeking a strategic and experienced Head of Risk & Compliance to join its senior leadership team. This pivotal role will lead the development and execution of the company’s risk and compliance framework, ensuring alignment with regulatory expectations and industry best practices. The successful candidate will play a key role in shaping the organisation’s governance culture, advising senior stakeholders, and driving continuous improvement across risk and compliance functions.

The Role:

• Lead regulatory engagement and ensure timely submissions.
• Oversee governance reporting and Board-level risk communication.
• Act as Data Protection Officer and manage GDPR compliance.
• Shape strategic risk and compliance frameworks.
• Monitor and mitigate operational, financial, cyber, and reputational risks.
• Ensure regulatory compliance across all business functions.
• Develop and embed policies aligned with Consumer Duty.
• Promote a culture of ethical conduct and accountability.
• Lead and develop a high-performing risk and compliance team.

You will have:

• Degree-level education; professional certifications in risk, compliance, or data protection preferred.
• 8–10+ years’ senior experience in financial services or insurance.
• Strong knowledge of UK regulatory frameworks (e.g., SM&CR, ICOBS, SYSC).
• Proven leadership and stakeholder engagement skills.

Benefits

• Working Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00–17:00 (1-hour lunch)
• Annual Leave: 30 days holiday + bank holidays
• Pension Scheme: 3% employee / 5% employer contributions
• On-Site Parking
• Death in Service: 3x annual salary
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Private Medical Insurance
• Discount Platform Access
• Birthday Leave: Day off on your birthday
• Free Flu Jabs
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Metro Season Ticket: Salary sacrifice scheme available
• Hybrid Working: Optional 3 days office / 2 days home (post-probation)