Senior Manager Compliance

J. Awan & Partners; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 250,000 - 350,000; Full time

Job summary

J. Awan & Partners is seeking a Senior Manager – Compliance to lead compliance and AML delivery for clients. This role will oversee regulatory adherence while managing audits, training, and business development efforts.

The ideal candidate will bring a wealth of experience, with a minimum of eight years in the field and proven skills in compliance program development. Strong communication abilities and regulatory expertise are essential to thrive in this position.

Qualifications

• Minimum eight years of overall industry experience, with at least four years in compliance roles within financial services.
• Direct experience in developing and implementing compliance programs.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English; additional languages are a plus.

Responsibilities

• Provide ongoing compliance and AML support to clients.
• Draft, implement, and manage compliance and AML frameworks.
• Ensure adherence to local and international regulatory requirements.
• Coordinate internal and external audits.
• Conduct compliance reviews and spot checks.
• Identify and remediate control weaknesses.
• Deliver training on compliance, AML, and governance topics.
• Support the senior team in executing client mandates.

Skills

Regulatory Expertise and Strategic Mindset

Operational Excellence

Analytical and Problem‑Solving Skills

Integrity and Accountability

Stakeholder Management and Cultural Agility

Education

Bachelor’s degree

CAMS qualification

CISI qualification

ICA qualification

Job description

Senior Manager – Compliance
Reports To: Director of Compliance
Location: Abu Dhabi
Direct Reports: To Be Confirmed

Key Accountabilities

Regulatory Compliance Delivery

• Provide ongoing compliance and AML support to clients.
• Draft, implement, and manage compliance and AML frameworks.
• Ensure adherence to local and international regulatory requirements.

Audit & Monitoring

• Coordinate internal and external audits.
• Conduct compliance reviews and spot checks.
• Identify and remediate control weaknesses.

Training & Awareness

• Deliver training on compliance, AML, and governance topics.
• Build client awareness of emerging regulations and risks.

Business Development & Brand Representation

• Support the senior team in executing client mandates.
• Help with the origination of new business.
• Represent the firm at industry and promotional events.

Leadership & Communication

• Communicate compliance risks and obligations to senior management.
• Foster relationships with stakeholders, auditors, regulators, and clients.
• Represent the consultancy professionally.

Continuous Improvement

• Stay updated on regulatory developments.
• Refine compliance and AML systems, processes, and training.
• Implement best practices.

Team & Culture Contribution

• Promote the firm’s culture and brand.
• Support talent attraction and retention.
• Coach and mentor junior team members.

Core Competencies

• Regulatory Expertise and Strategic Mindset.
• Operational Excellence.
• Analytical and Problem‑Solving Skills.
• Integrity and Accountability.
• Stakeholder Management and Cultural Agility.

Role‑Specific Competencies

• Compliance and AML Expertise: hands‑on experience designing, implementing, and overseeing regulatory compliance and AML frameworks within financial services.
• KYC and Regulatory Delivery: proven KYC and due diligence capability, including risk classification and SLA‑driven delivery.
• Organisation and Execution: ability to manage multiple compliance projects and competing deadlines simultaneously.
• Stakeholder and Communication Skills: exceptional oral and written communication skills for effective interaction with clients, regulators, and senior leadership.

Qualifications

• Minimum eight years of overall industry experience, with at least four years in compliance roles within financial services.
• Direct experience in developing and implementing compliance programs.
• Bachelor’s degree required; CAMS, CISI, or ICA qualifications preferred.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English; additional languages are a plus.