Director of Risk & Compliance

AXA Group; Cork; Hybrid; EUR 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Laya Healthcare is seeking a Director of Risk & Compliance to join the Executive Leadership Team in Cork. This role oversees Enterprise Risk Management, Compliance, Governance and Regulatory Affairs to deliver fair customer outcomes and maintain trust with regulators and stakeholders.

You will influence strategic decisions with the Managing Director and Board, embed a culture of ethical risk management, and lead a high-performing risk and compliance function in a regulated environment.

Qualifications

• Significant senior leadership experience in risk, compliance or governance.
• Proven track record engaging with boards and regulators.
• Strong understanding of risk management frameworks and regulatory requirements.
• Excellent stakeholder management and influencing skills.
• Third-level qualification in risk management, business, finance or law.

Responsibilities

• Develop and lead the Enterprise Risk Management framework across the organisation.
• Oversee risk types including regulatory, conduct, cyber and reputational risks.
• Deliver robust risk reporting to the Executive Team, Board and committees.
• Advise the Board on governance and regulatory matters and regulatory engagement.
• Lead engagement with the Central Bank of Ireland and external auditors.
• Promote ethical behaviour and regulatory compliance across the business.
• Foster a culture of prudent risk management and customer outcomes.

Skills

Executive leadership

Risk management

Compliance governance

Stakeholder engagement

Regulatory affairs

Education

Master's or relevant degree in Risk/Finance/Law

Job description

Executive Leadership Team

Location: Cork (Hybrid)

Reporting to: Managing Director

Regulated Role: This position is designated as a Pre-Approval Controlled Function (PCF-12 Head of Compliance) under the Central Bank of Ireland Fitness & Probity Regime. Candidates must be eligible to satisfy all regulatory requirements and obtain Central Bank approval prior to appointment.

Shape Strategy. Protect Customers. Lead with Influence.

Laya Healthcare is seeking an exceptional Director of Risk & Compliance to join our Executive Leadership Team and play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the organisation. This is a strategic leadership position responsible for overseeing Enterprise Risk Management, Compliance, Governance and Regulatory Affairs while ensuring the delivery of fair customer outcomes and maintaining the trust of our members, regulators and stakeholders.

As a key member of the Executive Leadership Team, you will work closely with the Managing Director, Board of Directors and Audit & Risk Committee to influence strategic decision-making, strengthen organisational resilience and ensure the business operates within its approved risk appetite and regulatory obligations.

The Opportunity

This role offers the opportunity to lead and evolve the Company's Risk and Compliance function during a period of continued growth and transformation. You will be responsible for developing and enhancing the Enterprise Risk Management Framework, providing independent oversight and challenge, and embedding a culture where customer interests, ethical decision-making and prudent risk management sit at the heart of everything we do.

Key Responsibilities

Executive Leadership

• Contribute as a member of the Executive Leadership Team to the development and execution of business strategy.
• Influence strategic decisions by balancing risk, growth opportunities and customer impact.
• Support organisational transformation and sustainable business performance.
• Champion a culture of accountability, integrity, resilience and customer focus.

Risk Management Leadership

• Lead and continuously enhance the Enterprise Risk Management Framework.
• Oversee strategic, operational, financial, regulatory, conduct, cyber and reputational risks.
• Deliver robust risk reporting to Executive Management, the Board and Board Committees.
• Provide insight on emerging risks, market developments and strategic threats.

Governance, Compliance & Regulatory Affairs

• Act as the principal advisor to the Board and Executive Team on risk, governance and regulatory matters.
• Lead engagement with the Central Bank of Ireland, external auditors and key stakeholders.
• Ensure compliance frameworks remain effective, proportionate and aligned with regulatory expectations.
• Promote a strong culture of ethical behaviour and regulatory compliance.

Customer Outcomes & Conduct Risk

• Lead oversight of customer outcome and conduct risk management.
• Ensure effective identification and management of customer harm risks.
• Use customer insight, complaints data and conduct indicators to strengthen controls and governance.
• Support transparent reporting on customer outcomes and remediation activities.

Leadership & People Development

• Lead, develop and inspire high-performing Risk and Compliance teams.
• Build organisational capability through coaching, guidance and education.
• Foster collaboration across all business functions to strengthen risk ownership and customer outcomes.

About You

You are an accomplished senior leader with extensive experience operating within a highly regulated environment and a proven ability to influence at executive and board level.

Essential Experience

• Significant senior leadership experience in Risk, Compliance, Governance or related functions.
• Proven track record leading risk and compliance teams within a regulated industry.
• Strong understanding of risk management frameworks, governance and regulatory requirements.
• Experience engaging with Boards, Board Committees and regulatory authorities.
• Exceptional stakeholder management, communication and influencing skills.
• Demonstrated ability to drive organisational change and strategic decision-making.
• Relevant third-level qualification in Risk Management, Business, Finance, Law or a related discipline.

Desirable

• Relevant professional qualification in Risk, Compliance, Governance, Audit or Finance.
• Master's degree or equivalent postgraduate qualification.
• Experience within financial services, insurance or another regulated sector.

Why Join Laya Healthcare?

This is a unique opportunity to join the Executive Leadership Team of one of Ireland's leading healthcare organisations and have a direct impact on strategy, governance, customer outcomes and organisational success.

You will play a vital role in ensuring the business remains resilient, customer-focused and well-positioned for future growth while leading a highly visible function with significant influence across the organisation

OurCommitmenttoInclusion

AtLayahealthcare,wearecommittedtobuildingadiverse,inclusiveandequitableworkplacewhereeveryonecanthrive.Webelievethatdifferentperspectives,experiencesandbackgroundsstrengthenourorganisation,enhancedecision-makingandhelpusbetterserveourcustomersandcommunities.Wewelcomeapplicationsfromsuitablyqualifiedcandidatesofallbackgroundsandarecommittedtoensuringaninclusiverecruitmentprocessandworkingenvironmentforall.

Closing Date: 18th of October

This role is designated as a Pre-Approval Controlled Function (PCF-12 Head of Compliance) under the Central Bank of Ireland Fitness & Probity Regime. As the holder of this role, the successful candidate will have responsibility for the Company's Compliance function and will be subject to Central Bank approval prior to appointment. Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of the Individual Questionnaire process, Fitness & Probity assessment, professional reference checks and all other regulatory due diligence requirements