Client Onboarding & Inception Team Lead

Sort Legal Limited; South Shields; On-site; GBP 27,000 - 33,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Ongoing training

Career progression opportunities

Job summary

Sort Legal is seeking a dedicated Client Inception Team Leader based in South Shields to oversee a small onboarding team, ensuring compliant and efficient opening of new matters. You’ll work with Senior Client Inception Executive and legal teams to maintain high service levels and exceptional client experiences.

You will manage performance, provide coaching, and handle escalations while ensuring AML/KYC and regulatory standards are met throughout the onboarding journey.

Qualifications

• GCSEs (or equivalent) in English and Maths (Grade 4/C or above).
• Experience in client onboarding, compliance, conveyancing support, customer service, or team leadership.

Responsibilities

• Manage and supervise a small Client Inception team; distribute workloads and ensure service levels.
• Monitor individual performance, productivity and quality across the team.
• Conduct regular one-to-ones, performance reviews and development plans.
• Train, coach and develop team members.
• Handle disciplinary, grievance and performance matters per company policy.
• Act as escalation point for client queries and onboarding complaints.
• Oversee onboarding of new clients and ensure a smooth, compliant start.
• Perform initial risk assessments, AML checks and KYC procedures.
• Ensure files are prepared and compliant before passing to legal.
• Provide proactive updates to clients and third parties throughout onboarding.
• Build relationships with introducers and third parties.
• Order searches and identification checks; manage file opening process.
• Produce reports and analyse inception data for seniors.

Skills

Client onboarding

Team leadership

Compliance

AML/KYC knowledge

Communication

Organisational skills

Regulatory knowledge

Microsoft Office

Education

GCSEs (English & Maths)

Job description

Sort Legal is seeking a dedicated Client Inception Team Leader based in South Shields to oversee a small onboarding team, ensuring compliant and efficient opening of new matters. You’ll work with Senior Client Inception Executive and legal teams to maintain high service levels and exceptional client experiences.

You will manage performance, provide coaching, and handle escalations while ensuring AML/KYC and regulatory standards are met throughout the onboarding journey.