Head of Strategic Data & Regulatory Partnerships

SmartSearch; Leeds; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days holiday rising to 30

Private Medical Insurance

Company pension scheme

Life Assurance – 4x salary

1 day paid volunteering

Enhanced maternity/paternity

Job summary

SmartSearch is looking for a Head of Strategic Data & Regulatory Partnerships to shape regulatory frameworks and manage high-value data partnerships within the AML/KYC domain. This strategic role involves engaging with regulators, negotiating commercial terms with data providers, and ensuring compliance with financial crime regulations. The ideal candidate will have significant experience in AML/KYC and possess strong negotiation and stakeholder management skills. Benefits include 25 days holiday, private medical insurance, and a company pension scheme.

Qualifications

• Proven network with government and regulatory bodies.
• Experience in AML/KYC and strategic partnerships.
• Strong understanding of UK data governance.

Responsibilities

• Lead engagement with UK regulators to shape financial crime frameworks.
• Source and manage relationships with data providers.
• Drive internal alignment on regulatory and data strategy.

Skills

Regulatory knowledge

Negotiation skills

Stakeholder management

Job description

Head of Strategic Data & Regulatory Partnerships

SmartSearch’s distinctive Anti-Money Laundering verification software protects our clients by offering the most advanced and comprehensive features available from an AML provider.

SmartSearch has grown rapidly by fostering an incredibly collaborative and supportive culture. As we continue our ambitious growth plans, we will strive to remain a truly exciting, rewarding, and unique place to work.

HOW WILL YOU MAKE A DIFFERENCE?

We are seeking a strategic leader to drive regulatory engagement and manage high-value data partnerships within the AML/KYC domain. This role will be instrumental in shaping regulatory frameworks, maintaining compliance, and building long-term relationships with government agencies and commercial data providers. The successful candidate will work cross-functionally to ensure external data sources align with product strategy and deliver measurable commercial impact.

VARIED DAY TO DAY RESPONSIBILITIES

Regulatory Engagement

• Lead engagement with UK regulators (DIATF, CFIT, FCA, ICO, Ofcom) to shape digital identity and financial crime frameworks.
• Represent the organisation in consultations, industry forums, and certification initiatives.
• Monitor legislative and regulatory developments, advising leadership on risks and opportunities.
• Ensure full compliance with data protection and financial crime regulations.

Strategic Data Partnerships

• Commercial & Negotiation: Work with Product to establish commercial models, identify opportunities arising from regulatory change, and host sector forums with customers on emerging challenges.
• Source, negotiate, and manage relationships with government, public sector, and commercial data providers.
• Lead Quarterly Business Reviews (QBRs) and annual strategic reviews to assess performance and set long-term objectives.
• Oversee contracts, licensing, and supplier governance including audits, renewals, and risk assessments.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with product, engineering, and data teams to ensure datasets meet business, technical, and regulatory needs.
• Drive internal alignment and embed regulatory and data strategy across product and operational functions.

Public Affairs & Policy

• Build and maintain relationships with government bodies, industry groups, and policy influencers.
• Track and leverage open data and public-private initiatives to unlock new opportunities.
• Define and deliver long-term goals for regulatory alignment and data partnerships.
• Report progress, risks, and opportunities to the CTO/CEO.
• Provide thought leadership on data governance, digital identity, and AML/KYC frameworks.

WHAT ARE WE LOOKING FOR IN A CANDIDATE?

• Proven and demonstrable regulatory and supplier network, with established relationships across government, regulators, and commercial data providers.
• Significant experience in AML/KYC, regulatory affairs, or strategic partnerships.
• Strong knowledge of UK data governance, digital identity, and financial crime regulations.
• Exceptional negotiation and stakeholder management skills.
• Track record in strategic planning and supplier governance.

COMPANY BENEFITS

25 days holiday rising to 30 with each year of service.

Private Medical Insurance covering dental and optical.

Company pension scheme.

Life Assurance – 4x your annual salary.

1 day paid volunteering per year.

Enhanced maternity / paternity offerings.