Head of Assurance & Monitoring - FTC - MARKET TALENT : Job Details

Our client, a prestigious City based Multi Asset fund manager is seeking a Senior Compliance Assurance & Monitoring lead to take on a 12 month maternity cover. The business has a approx. AUM of over £15+ billion and employ's approximately 200 employees in the UK. The role is 70% BAU with 30% programme delivery. You will lead the Compliance Monitoring team of 2 direct reports and own the risk-based Compliance Monitoring Plan across the firms various entities, as well as offering the business your assitance in both Enterprise Risk tasks and the ideally the firm's ICARA submission. You will be availiable to start within the next 4 - 10 weeks (No later than ). You will be required to have evident current/past staff leadership skills please and experience from the buy side / investments & funds domain.

Overview

Operating within the second line of defence, the Compliance Monitoring Team provides independent assurance to the regulated Boards on the adequacy and effectiveness of systems and controls across the business through robust monitoring, thematic reviews, action tracking, reporting, and stakeholder engagement. The Head of Compliance Monitoring is responsible for managing the Compliance Monitoring Team, and overseeing the design, timely execution, and continuous improvement of the compliance monitoring framework. The role ensures that operations align with regulatory standards and internal policies, and that the firm is not exposed to undue risk. In addition, the Head of Compliance Monitoring will be involved with the organisation’s Enterprise Risk Management strategy, ensuring proactive identification, assessment, and mitigation of strategic, operational, financial, and regulatory risks. The role also includes general support to the Compliance Advisory team, and the Chief Legal & Compliance Officer, including effective cover for other areas within the Compliance team as required, reporting to, and membership of, relevant in-house committees, and engagement with the internal audit department and the internal audit plan.

Compliance Monitoring Programme Design & Delivery

Design and implement a risk-based compliance monitoring programme that aligns with evolving regulatory expectations, internal priorities and risk objectives, securing Board agreement to the plan. Lead the ongoing design, development and maintenance of the monitoring plan, procedures, methodologies and reporting templates so oversight remains consistent, effective and scalable. Continuously track regulatory change and emerging best practice, enhancing the framework so all parts of the firm are appropriately monitored—particularly during periods of change—and ensuring relevant rule changes are incorporated into the plan.

Enterprise Risk Framework Oversight and Delivery

Oversee the identification, assessment and mitigation of strategic, operational, financial and compliance risks across the firm, embedding risk awareness into business planning and decision-making. Maintain and evolve the corporate risk register and report key risk indicators to executive committees and regulated boards. Define and oversee risk appetite statements so risks are managed within agreed thresholds and business objectives. Work closely with Internal Audit, Legal and Operations to drive a unified approach to risk, and report metrics and trends to regulated boards and the Audit & Risk Committee to enable proactive governance.

Team Leadership & Development

Lead, coach and mentor a high-performing Compliance Monitoring team, fostering professional development, technical depth and a collaborative culture. Direct the timely delivery of the Compliance Monitoring Programme by overseeing planning and execution of thematic reviews and regular control testing, ensuring quality, consistency and regulatory alignment.

Stakeholder Engagement

Work with business stakeholders to ensure monitoring findings are resolved and embedded within operational and strategic processes. Serve as a trusted adviser to senior leadership, offering expert guidance on compliance risks, internal controls and regulatory developments.

Reporting & External Relations

Produce high-quality reports for regulated Boards, the Audit & Risk Committee and other executive forums, translating compliance, risk and audit outcomes into clear, actionable insights and providing regular status updates on delivery of the monitoring plan and thematic work. Escalate delays or missed action deadlines to drive accountability and timely remediation. Engage with internal/external auditors, regulators and industry bodies as required, representing the firm with professionalism and subject-matter credibility. Support due diligence of outsourced providers (e.g., custodians, depositaries, transfer agents) and deliver meaningful reports and conclusions to senior management. Assist with Internal Audit information requests and track remedial actions to closure.

General Support to the Chief Legal & Compliance Officer

Conduct targeted research on new products, projects, business enhancements and regulatory developments, and lead day-to-day delivery of agreed projects to time and quality. Ensure alignment with team, departmental and business objectives, and provide general support to the Head of Compliance Advisory and the Chief Operating Officer as needed.

Experience / Knowledge — Compliance, Risk & Regulatory Expertise

Demonstrable track record across compliance monitoring, surveillance, audit and enterprise risk management within regulated financial services. Strong understanding of compliance frameworks, including design and execution of monitoring programmes and thematic reviews.

Experience / Knowledge — Investment & Market Knowledge

Sound knowledge of investment products and financial markets, with the ability to apply this understanding to compliance communications, reviews and risk analysis.