Head of Compliance

Brightwater; Dublin; On-site; EUR 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Brightwater Executive is delighted to be retained exclusively for this Head of Compliance role with a leading cross border international general insurer.

The Head of Compliance will develop and maintain the company's compliance strategy and framework, manage delivery of the compliance function, and provide support to the wider group as required. This is a senior PCF 12 leadership position reporting to the CEO in Ireland.

Qualifications

• Experience leading a compliance function at senior level.
• Deep knowledge of Irish and European regulatory regimes.
• Ability to translate complex regulatory issues for governance bodies.

Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver an annual compliance plan for board approval.
• Provide proactive, risk-based compliance advice to support business opportunities.
• Monitor compliance with Irish and other regulatory regimes and controls.
• Lead internal and external audits to identify and remedy risks.
• Oversee financial crime risks and regulatory incidents.
• Lead and develop the compliance team with training across the business.

Skills

Leadership

Regulatory compliance

Stakeholder management

Governance frameworks

Risk management

AML/financial crime

Education

Third-level degree

Professional qualification (legal/secretarial)

LCOI

Job description

Job Description

Brightwater Executive is delighted to be retained exclusively for this Head of Compliance role with a leading cross border international general insurer.

Role Overview: Head of Compliance (PCF 12) reporting to the CEO in Ireland with a matrix reporting line into the Group Head of Compliance. The Head of Compliance will be responsible for developing and maintaining the company's compliance strategy and framework, managing delivery of the compliance function, and providing support to the wider group as required.

Key Responsibilities: Develop and deliver an annual compliance plan for board approval, reporting progress and issues to governance bodies (Management Committee, Audit Committee, Risk Committee and Boards). Provide proactive, risk-based compliance advice that supports business opportunities while safeguarding the interests of their EU DAC and the wider group, including on new or changing products, propositions and distribution arrangements. Monitor the company's compliance with Irish and other relevant regulatory regimes and the adequacy of controls under the Compliance Framework and Compliance Monitoring Plan, across all jurisdictions in which the company operates. Conduct and facilitate internal and external audits to identify, evaluate, disclose and remedy risks and deficiencies. Lead the regulatory compliance and conduct risk agenda, working with Internal Audit, Risk Management and Legal to coordinate monitoring, assurance and advice to the business, and carrying out horizon scanning of regulatory change. Oversee and manage any financial crime risks (AML, ATF, Sanctions), and maintain a positive, constructive relationship with regulators, including overseeing any incidents and breaches. Lead and develop the compliance team, including training and communication across the business, while ensuring fair treatment of customers is embedded in all activities of the function.

The Ideal Skills & Experience: Significant experience leading a compliance function, ideally in general insurance (international FoS/FoE or domestic), with proven team management experience. Third‑level degree, ideally with a professional qualification (legal, company secretarial), LCOI. 9-12 years' experience in compliance/legal, including at least 4 years at senior compliance leadership / PCF 12 role-holder level. Deep experience of the Irish and European regulatory environment and regulators, including DORA, CPC and IAF. Significant experience managing relationships with the Central Bank of Ireland or other financial regulators. Adept communicator with the ability to manage and influence senior stakeholders. Excellent written and verbal skills, with a proven ability to translate complex issues for senior management and the business. Experience developing, implementing and overseeing frameworks, governance structures and reporting processes. In‑depth knowledge of regulatory requirements and framing responses to regulatory change. Excellent stakeholder management skills, with the ability to build relations across the CBI, auditors and professional bodies.