Head of Advisory

Job content

Company Description

We are Together - Proud to be a Financial Services success story based in South Manchester. Established in 1974, we employ over 600 colleagues.

A specialist lender offering a range of mortgage and secured loan products to individuals and businesses, who are typically underserved by mainstream lenders. We play our part to turn challenges into opportunities which make our customers' financial ambitions accessible.

Over 47 years of successful trading has positioned Togetheras a market leader, thanks to a common-sense approach to lending.

Together is a business that never stands still, providing an exciting place to work for individuals who deliver to a high-standard and embrace change.

We understand that for our business to grow, our people must grow.

Due to internal progression we are now looking for a Head of Advisory.The Head of Advisoryis responsible for the management and leadership of the Regulatory Compliance Advisory function. This role provides independent second line of defence (2LOD) regulatory and conduct advice, oversight and challenge to the first line of defence (1LOD), as delegated to by the Chief Compliance Officer (CCO).

Job Description

Salary: £80,000 - £90,000 per annum - plus annual performance bonus & benefits.

• Responsibility for the provision of 2LOD independent Regulatory and Conduct Risk Advice to the 1LOD, to encourage safe growth and protection of the firm from regulatory and/or conduct risks associated with business activity (including proposed changes).
• Responsibility for independent 2LOD regulatory breach assessment to determine whether an incident has breached applicable regulatory rules and/or presents conduct risk as set out by the FCA, and escalation of such breaches to the Chief Compliance Officer.
• Responsible for oversight of 1LOD action plans to close regulatory and conduct breaches. Responsible for assessing whether breaches are reportable to the FCA and supporting the Chief Compliance Officer in conducting the notification.
• Compliance Advisory responsibility for 2LOD assessment of regulatory and conduct inherent risks, which are documented in the Regulatory Risk Framework and aligned to the business activity undertaken by the firm.
• Responsibility for providing Compliance Advisory input into the production of the Risk Indicator Heat map summary view, which details the regulatory and conduct risks present in each 1LOD business area, including escalation of regulatory and conduct risks to the Chief Compliance Officer.
• Responsibility for Compliance Advisory activity to ensure the firm is kept up to date on the appropriate regulatory and conduct risks, regulatory changes (including FCA Handbook changes), technical issues and hot topics impacting UK financial services firms.
• Assisting the Chief Compliance Officer in leading the 2LOD Regulatory Compliance Function including ensuring the appropriate level of skill, capability, training and competency of the Function.

Qualifications

Essential

• Extensive knowledge and experience of the Financial Conduct Authority (including the applicable regulatory requirements contained within the Handbook) and their associated supervisory approach, including having worked directly with the regulator.
• Excellent communication, leadership, relationship building and influencing skills at a strategic level with the ability to communicate effectively to a variety of audiences, including Board.
• In-depth understanding of Financial Conduct Authority regulatory framework operating within the UK.
• Wider appreciation of the political, economic, social, technological, legal and environmental issues that may affect Together Personal Finance and have a consequence on the company’s customers
• A natural appetite and inquisitive mind for horizon-scanning that can think laterally about any potential consequences for the company
• A natural tendency to interpret a situation and foresee opportunities or risks for the team / company and act and escalate appropriately
• Strong written and verbal communication that is articulate, delivered professionally, can influence, negotiate and generate commitment through appropriate positioning.
• Experience of working directly with the FCA on market studies, deep dives, S166 etc.
• CeMAP Qualified
  

Desirable

• Previously held a role in financial services captured by the certification regime under SM&CR.
• Experience of the SM&CR either within a solo-regulated or dual regulated firm.
• Broad understanding of Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) regulatory framework operating within the UK.
• Broad understanding of an enterprise risk management framework and how regulatory compliance and conduct risk operates within this.
• Knowledge of Trade Associations applicable to Togethers industry.
• Educated to degree level or above.
• Relevant qualification in financial services.
  

Additional Information

We offer a range of company benefits, including shared reward scheme, discretionary bonus, 24 days holiday plus your Birthday, entitlement increases over time, holiday purchase scheme, matched pension contribution, life assurance, critical illness cover, health cash plan, private medical insurance, access to company's holiday homes, regular team/individual incentives, travel season ticket loans, Ride to Work scheme, free gym access and local bar/restaurant discounts.

Career development opportunities are excellent and where possible we offer sponsorship of relevant qualifications.

• please note that all successful applicants will undergo relevant employment reference, financial and criminal record checks.