Senior Managers and Certification Regime (SMCR) Compliance Lead

Investec; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Wellbeing benefits

4 days in the office + 1 day remote

Job summary

Investec’s Central Compliance team seeks an experienced SMCR Compliance Lead to oversee the Bank’s adherence to the Senior Managers and Certification Regime. You will collaborate with Senior Managers, Executives and Compliance colleagues to embed regulatory requirements and provide pragmatic, regulatory advice across the business.

You will own SMCR documentation, lead Phase 2 SMCR changes, develop training and communications, and support governance forums with clear updates and executive

Qualifications

• Strong working knowledge of SMCR, Conduct Rules, Fitness & Propriety and Training & Competence requirements.
• Good understanding of the UK regulatory landscape and priorities in financial services.
• Able to work with C‑suite executives and senior stakeholders providing clear advice and challenge.

Responsibilities

• Oversee SMCR compliance with stakeholders ensuring requirements are understood and maintained.
• Own and maintain core SMCR documentation ( mappings, responsibilities, methodologies).
• Lead regulatory development implementations including Phase 2 SMCR changes; brief and advise stakeholders.

Skills

SMCR knowledge

Conduct Rules

Fitness & Propriety

Training & Competence

Policy drafting

Governance frameworks

Stakeholder management

Regulatory submissions

Training delivery

Communication

Job description

Investec – Where Out of the Ordinary Happens

At Investec, we do things differently. We're a leading international bank and wealth manager built on a culture of curiosity, entrepreneurial spirit and human connection. Ideas are heard, ambition is celebrated, and impact is encouraged. As part of a team that challenges convention and strives for outperformance, you'll help shape bold solutions for clients who expect something more than the ordinary.

Join Investec's Central Compliance team as an SMCR Compliance Lead, taking a lead role in overseeing the Bank's compliance with the Senior Managers and Certification Regime.

Working closely with Senior Managers, Executives, People & Organisation, Company Secretarial and Compliance colleagues, you will help ensure regulatory requirements are understood, embedded and applied effectively. You will act as a trusted subject‑matter expert, providing pragmatic advice, maintaining key governance frameworks and supporting Investec's response to regulatory change, including the incoming Phase 2 SMCR changes.

What will I be doing?

• Oversee our compliance with SMCR, working with key stakeholders to ensure requirements are understood, implemented and maintained.
• Own and maintain core SMCR documentation, including the Management Responsibilities Map, Statements of Responsibility, Certification Methodology, Handover Policy and supporting procedures.
• Lead the implementation of relevant regulatory developments, including the incoming Phase 2 SMCR changes, and provide clear briefings and advice to stakeholders.
• Prepare and submit Senior Management Function applications to the FCA and PRA.
• Advise Senior Managers on their individual responsibilities, including updates to role descriptions, Statements of Responsibility and Personal Accountability Frameworks.
• Develop engaging training and communications on SMCR and Conduct Rules, including induction materials, senior management briefings and mandatory training content.
• Support key governance forums by preparing meeting materials, presenting Compliance updates and contributing to Employee Conduct Forum discussions.
• Contribute to wider Central Compliance activity, including policies and frameworks, regulatory consultations, management information and advice on related compliance matters.

What I bring

• Strong working knowledge of SMCR, Conduct Rules, Fitness & Propriety and Training & Competence requirements, with experience applying these in practice.
• A good understanding of the UK regulatory landscape and the key regulatory priorities affecting financial services.
• Confidence working with C‑suite executives, non‑executive directors and other senior stakeholders, providing clear advice and appropriate challenge.
• Experience interpreting complex regulation and translating it into pragmatic, business‑focused advice and solutions.
• Strong experience drafting policies, procedures, governance frameworks and regulatory submissions.
• Excellent analytical and problem‑solving skills, with strong attention to detail, intellectual curiosity and professional scepticism.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to produce and deliver clear, engaging briefings and regulatory communications.
• The ability to work autonomously as an SMCR subject‑matter expert while building trusted relationships across the business.

This role would suit an experienced SMCR Compliance professional who can combine strong regulatory judgement with a practical approach, building trusted relationships while providing effective advice and challenge. Integrity, sound risk awareness, and strong technical knowledge will be central to success.

As part of our collaborative & agile culture, our working week is 4 days in the office and one day remote. We believe that being together enables us to live our values and support our clients and communities in an extraordinary way.

Investec offers a range of wellbeing benefits to make our people feel healthier, balanced and more fulfilled in their lives inside and outside of work. You can find a list of our benefits here