Senior Compliance Manager

JR United Kingdom; Chelmsford; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A Top 100 UK law firm is seeking a Senior Compliance Manager in Chelmsford. You will support the Risk & Compliance Director, conduct CDD/KYC on high-risk clients, and lead compliance projects. Ideal candidates will have over 5 years of compliance experience in a UK law firm and strong understanding of regulatory requirements. This role offers a competitive salary, hybrid working, and 25 days holiday plus benefits.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Discretionary bonus scheme

25 days holiday plus options

Qualifications

• At least 5 years’ experience in a compliance role within a UK law firm.
• Robust understanding of SRA Standards & Regulations and wider compliance issues.
• Hands-on experience with CDD/KYC and SARs.

Responsibilities

• Support the development and implementation of firm-wide compliance frameworks.
• Conduct and review CDD/KYC on high-risk clients.
• Mentor and upskill junior colleagues across the firm.

Skills

Compliance expertise

Risk assessment

Policy drafting

Problem-solving

Job description

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Our client, a Top 100 UK law firm, is looking to invest further into their Risk and Compliance team with a new senior appointment for a Senior Compliance Manager.

The firm is recognised for its collaborative working environment and unique values-driven culture, which emphasises being visionary, authentic, responsible, and united.

The Opportunity

The firm’s Risk & Compliance function has created a brand-new role for a Senior Compliance Manager to support the continued expansion of its regulatory and compliance capabilities.

As part of a close-knit team of seven, the role is broad in scope, giving you the chance to play a pivotal part in shaping and strengthening the compliance framework across the firm. You will:

• Support the Director of Risk & Compliance with the development, implementation, and improvement of firm-wide compliance frameworks and controls
• Conduct and review CDD/KYC on a diverse and often high-risk client base, contributing to the firm’s risk appetite profile
• Contribute to risk assessments, policy drafting, and continuous improvement initiatives in response to evolving regulation
• Act as a trusted deputy to the Director of Risk & Compliance, offering expertise, guidance, and leadership to the wider team
• Mentor and upskill junior colleagues while delivering training across the firm to ensure consistent compliance awareness and observance
• Lead key projects to strengthen compliance processes and support the strategic development of the function

This is a high-impact role with significant visibility across the firm, offering the opportunity to make a tangible difference in how risk and compliance are managed.

The role will be based in London, with occasional travel to their regional office. Hybrid working (up to 2 days per week from home) is available.

Requirements

• At least 5 years’ experience in a compliance role within a UK law firm
• Robust understanding of SRA Standards & Regulations, AML, anti-bribery, data and cyber security, and wider compliance issues
• Hands-on experience with CDD/KYC, including high-risk onboarding and handling Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs)
• Experience of drafting, updating, and implementing compliance policies, procedures, and controls
• A collaborative and pragmatic approach, with strong problem-solving skills and the ability to remain calm under pressure
• Competitive salary and discretionary bonus scheme
• 25 days holiday (plus birthday off and buy/sell options)