Senior Manager Compliance

WebHR; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 300,000 - 400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary and benefits package

Opportunities for career growth

Continuous learning and development

Job summary

A leading regulatory consultancy is seeking a Senior Manager - Compliance in Abu Dhabi. The ideal candidate will lead compliance mandates, ensure adherence to regulatory standards, and develop training programs. Applicants should have a minimum of 8 years in the industry, including 4 years in compliance roles. The position offers a competitive salary and opportunities for career growth within the organization. Strong analytical and stakeholder management skills are essential, alongside a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field.

Qualifications

• Minimum 8 years overall industry experience, with at least 4 years in compliance roles within financial services.
• Significant demonstrable experience dealing with regulatory authorities within the Region.
• Direct experience in developing and implementing compliance programmes.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee regulatory compliance and AML obligations for clients.
• Audit, monitor, and improve compliance processes.
• Deliver training on compliance, AML, and governance topics.

Skills

Regulatory expertise

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Stakeholder management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Law, Finance, Economics, or Accountancy

Job description

Senior Manager - Compliance

Reports to: Director of Compliance
Location: Abu Dhabi

Mission / Purpose of the Role

The Senior Manager - Compliance role will lead and oversee regulatory compliance and AML/CTF obligations across a portfolio of client mandates within the Region. The role ensures clients are carefully aligned with regulatory expectations by implementing best‑in‑class compliance frameworks, conducting ongoing monitoring, and serving as the principal regulatory liaison. Reporting to the Director of Compliance, the role drives business growth by converting existing relationships into new opportunities and supporting the expansion of the compliance practice across our operating jurisdictions. This position plays a critical role in safeguarding regulatory integrity, strengthening client trust, and elevating compliance standards across multiple jurisdictions.

12–18 Month Mission Outcomes (What Success Looks Like)

Mission/Outcome: Act as a trusted outsourced Compliance Officer and MLRO.

Success Metrics/Measures:

• Timely execution of compliance deliverables; clients’ regulatory obligations consistently met. Effective communication with regulators.

Mission/Outcome: Deliver high‑quality Regulatory Compliance and AML services to clients.

Success Metrics/Measures:

• Applications submitted on schedule; licenses obtained with minimal regulator queries or rejections.
• Positive client feedback on compliance support; no material regulatory breaches or audit findings.

Mission/Outcome: Develop and implement robust Compliance and AML frameworks and training programs.

Success Metrics/Measures:

• Policies aligned with regulatory requirements; regular AML and compliance training conducted, resulting in improved compliance awareness among clients.

Mission/Outcome: Audit, monitor, and improve compliance processes.

Success Metrics/Measures:

• Regular compliance reviews completed; identified gaps addressed with corrective action; internal controls strengthened.

Mission/Outcome: Manage and expand the compliance client portfolio while supporting business growth across the Region.

Success Metrics/Measures:

• New business opportunities identified and supported. Strengthened client retention and satisfaction.
• Growth in brand visibility and market presence.

Mission/Outcome: Continuously improve compliance and AML/CTF systems.

Success Metrics/Measures:

• Implementation of new processes, tools, or automation; measurable reduction in compliance risks; adoption of industry best practices.

Mission/Outcome: Strengthen business development and client engagement.

Success Metrics/Measures:

• New client acquisitions; increased market share and revenue from compliance services; successful representation at industry events.

Mission/Outcome: Contribute to firm culture, brand, and people development.

Success Metrics/Measures:

• Positive internal and external stakeholder feedback.
• Support in recruitment and retention initiatives.
• Active mentorship and knowledge sharing within the team; strong promotion of firm brand and culture.

Key Accountabilities

Regulatory Compliance Delivery:

Key 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.

Success Indicators:

• Compliance deliverables completed on time.
• Policies and procedures aligned with latest laws.
• No material compliance issues.

Audit & Monitoring:

Key Responsibilities:

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

Success Indicators:

• Compliance reviews completed on schedule.
• Gaps addressed with corrective action.
• Strengthened internal controls.

Training & Awareness:

Key Responsibilities:

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

Success Indicators:

• Client confirmation of delivery of effective and timely training.
• Full client participation (for required roles), with positive participant feedback.
• Evidence of delivery of relevant updates to enhance client awareness.

Business Development & Brand Representation:

Key Responsibilities:

• Contribute to the firm’s success by supporting the senior team in executing client mandates, helping with the origination of new business, and representing the firm at industry and promotional events.

Success Indicators:

• Positive feedback from senior team. New business opportunities identified and supported. Active participation in events.

Leadership & Communication:

Key Responsibilities:

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

Success Indicators:

• Effective risk communication.
• Strong stakeholder relationships; professional representation at all levels.

Continuous Improvement:

Key Responsibilities:

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

Success Indicators:

• Implementation of improved processes/tools.
• Measurable reduction in compliance risk.
• Adoption of industry best practices.

Team & Culture Contribution:

Key Responsibilities:

• Promote firm culture and brand. Talent attraction and retention. Coach and mentor junior team members.

Success Indicators:

• Positive internal engagement scores. Contribution to team development initiatives. Evidence of mentorship and knowledge sharing.

Core Competencies

• Regulatory Expertise & Strategic Mindset: Demonstrable experience engaging with regulatory authorities across the region, with the ability to design and implement compliance programs that mitigate risk and drive organisational effectiveness.
• Operational Excellence: Experienced in executing compliance and AML programmes efficiently, ensuring high‑quality deliverables and adherence to deadlines across multiple client mandates.
• Analytical & Problem‑Solving Skills: Exceptional capability to analyse complex regulatory issues, interpret requirements, and translate them into actionable, fit‑for‑purpose solutions.
• Integrity & Accountability: Uphold the highest professional and ethical standards, maintain confidentiality, and demonstrate reliability and accountability in all activities.
• Stakeholder Management & Cultural Agility: Skilled at building partnerships and influencing clients, regulators, and internal teams, with the adaptability to work effectively across diverse organisations and cultural contexts.

Role‑Specific Competencies

• Compliance & AML Expertise: Hands‑on experience designing, implementing, and overseeing regulatory compliance and AML frameworks within financial services, with proven ability to manage obligations across applicable regulatory regimes including but not limited to DFSA, ADGM, QFCRA, FCA, and CMA.
• KYC & Regulatory Delivery: Proven KYC and due diligence capability including risk classification and SLA‑driven delivery, with the ability to translate evolving regulatory requirements into practical, fit‑for‑purpose policies and procedures.
• Organisation & Execution: Strong ability to manage multiple compliance projects and competing deadlines simultaneously, working independently under pressure while maintaining accuracy and quality of delivery.
• Stakeholder & Communication Skills: Exceptional oral and written communication skills for effective interaction with clients, regulators, and senior leadership, with strong interpersonal skills to build and maintain productive working relationships.

Skills & Knowledge

• Regulatory Knowledge: In‑depth understanding of applicable regulatory frameworks including but not limited to DFSA, ADGM, QFCRA, FCA, and CMA, with proven experience interacting with regulatory authorities.
• Communication & Presentation: Excellent oral and written communication skills in English (additional languages an advantage), with the ability to interact effectively at all organisational levels and deliver clear, professional presentations to clients, regulators and senior leadership.
• Organisation, Execution & Attention to Detail: Highly motivated and organised self‑starter; capable of managing multiple priorities, maintaining structured workflows, and delivering high‑quality outputs independently under pressure.
• Professional Integrity & Accountability: Displays discipline, accountability, confidentiality, and high ethical standards in all professional activities, with the resilience to thrive in fast‑paced environments while consistently delivering quality outcomes.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Law, Finance, Economics, or Accountancy.

Experience

• Significant demonstrable experience dealing with regulatory authorities within the Region.
• Minimum 8 years overall industry experience, with at least 4 years in compliance roles within financial services.
• Direct experience in developing and implementing compliance programmes is essential.
• Direct experience in creating and implementing regulatory compliance programmes within a successful financial services organisation.

Additional Requirements

• CAMS, CISI, or ICA qualifications preferred. Strong written and verbal communication skills in English; additional languages a plus.

Culture & Values Alignment

• Embody a growth mindset and proactive learning approach.
• Demonstrate resilience and adaptability in a fast‑paced, evolving environment.
• Exhibit professional maturity and integrity in handling sensitive issues.
• Build trust and credibility with both leadership and team members.
• Align with firm core values of Excellence, Integrity, and Innovation.

Rewards & Growth

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Opportunities for career growth in a global, fast‑scaling organisation.
• Continuous learning and development opportunities.