Onboarding Operations Lead – AML/KYC (9–12 mo)

Elevate; Manchester; On-site; GBP 83,000 - 138,000; Full time

Job summary

Elevate is seeking an experienced Client Onboarding Operations Manager for a 9–12 month fixed-term contract in Manchester. You will lead the day-to-day operation of CDD teams in a highly regulated environment, ensuring service standards, quality and regulatory compliance while driving transformation.

You will manage CDD/KYC/AML workflows, coach leaders, and collaborate with Legal, Risk and Technology to deliver improvements and robust controls through change periods.

Qualifications

• Experience leading CDD, KYC, AML or similar regulated activity.
• Proven ability to manage workflow, capacity and service levels.
• Strong leadership, coaching and performance management skills.
• Experience delivering regulatory compliance in legal or professional services.
• Comfort with change management and technology transformations.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage CDD Team Leaders and oversee day-to-day operations.
• Manage workflow, capacity, productivity, service levels and quality.
• Identify and address operational risks, capacity pressures and service issues.
• Coach, develop and hold Team Leaders accountable for performance.
• Ensure compliance with AML, CDD, KYC, SRA and relevant regulatory requirements.
• Maintain strong operational controls, quality standards and audit trails.
• Use management information to drive performance and resource decisions.
• Support technology implementation, process improvements and operational transformation.
• Lead colleague engagement, communications and readiness through periods of change.
• Build strong relationships with Legal, Risk, Technology and other key stakeholders.
• Drive continuous improvement and resolve recurring operational issues.
• Strong operational leadership experience within a high-volume, complex and regulated environment.
• Experience leading teams responsible for CDD, KYC, AML, financial crime, client onboarding or similar regulated activity
• Proven experience managing workflow, capacity, service levels, productivity and quality.
• Strong people leadership, coaching and performance management skills.
• Experience maintaining operational control and team engagement through significant change.
• Good understanding of operational controls, quality management and regulatory compliance.
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Confident, decisive and hands-on leadership style.
• Law firm or professional services experience.
• Knowledge of legal-sector CDD, AML, sanctions and SRA requirements.
• Experience supporting technology implementation or operating model transformation.
• Experience managing teams across multiple locations.
• Experience improving client and colleague journeys.
• Knowledge of workflow, case management, digital identity or client verification technology.

Job description

Elevate is seeking an experienced Client Onboarding Operations Manager for a 9–12 month fixed-term contract in Manchester. You will lead the day-to-day operation of CDD teams in a highly regulated environment, ensuring service standards, quality and regulatory compliance while driving transformation.

You will manage CDD/KYC/AML workflows, coach leaders, and collaborate with Legal, Risk and Technology to deliver improvements and robust controls through change periods.