Senior Financial Crime Oversight & Risk Lead

MERJE; Manchester; On-site; GBP 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

MERJE is partnering with a UK specialist financial services organisation to recruit a Financial Crime Oversight Manager in Manchester. This role sits in the second line of defence, providing independent challenge and strategic oversight of financial crime risk across the business.

The role covers design and testing of controls, MLRO support, risk assessment reviews, regulatory horizon scanning and governance reporting.

Qualifications

• Experience in a financial crime oversight, compliance or risk role within financial services.
• Strong knowledge of the Money Laundering Regulations 2017, JMLSG Guidance and the FCA Financial Crime Guide.
• Experience across different financial products, customer types, distribution channels and jurisdictions.
• Understanding of financial crime systems, controls and emerging regulatory technology.
• Excellent analytical and problem‑solving skills with evidence‑based decisions.
• Outstanding written and verbal communication, ability to explain complex concepts clearly.
• Proactive, adaptable approach in a fast‑paced environment.
• High levels of integrity and good judgment; ability to influence senior stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Designing, reviewing and testing financial crime controls and tracking remediation activities.
• Supporting the MLRO in maintaining and enhancing the financial crime framework, policies and procedures.
• Leading reviews of risk assessments and customer risk assessments across the business.
• Monitoring regulatory developments and conducting horizon scanning and gap analyses.
• Producing reports and presenting findings to senior leadership and governance committees.
• Leading investigations into suspicious activity, sanctions and related matters.

Skills

Financial crime oversight

Regulatory knowledge

Stakeholder management

Analytical thinking

RegTech awareness

Investigations

Regulatory reporting

Communication

Risk assessment

Decision making

Job description

MERJE is partnering with a UK specialist financial services organisation to recruit a Financial Crime Oversight Manager in Manchester. This role sits in the second line of defence, providing independent challenge and strategic oversight of financial crime risk across the business.

The role covers design and testing of controls, MLRO support, risk assessment reviews, regulatory horizon scanning and governance reporting.