Client Inception Lead

We are expanding our Compliance team to support the firm's continued growth and the delivery of a strategic transformation programme to centralise the client and matter inception process.

We are looking for a candidate who is comfortable working in a changing environment, can adapt to evolving responsibilities, and is motivated by the opportunity to help design and embed new ways of working across the firm.

Currently, many client onboarding activities, including client due diligence, conflict checks and risk assessments, are undertaken by individual fee earners. Our long-term objective is to transition to a centralised client and matter inception function. This role will play a key part in that journey, working closely with legal teams, Compliance, IT and other stakeholders to support the implementation of the new operating model.

Initially, the successful candidate will undertake and oversee existing AML and CDD compliance activities, while helping to identify process improvements and drive adoption of the new approach. As the centralised function develops, the role will act as a subject matter expert and escalation point for the wider onboarding team.

The role will work closely with the Compliance Manager and Head of Compliance, escalating higher-risk matters, regulatory concerns, suspicious activity, conflicts issues and other compliance-related queries as appropriate. The successful candidate will also support the development of policies, procedures and controls that underpin the firm's client and matter inception processes.

This is an exciting opportunity for someone who enjoys improving processes, supporting change and helping to build a best-practice client onboarding function that supports both regulatory compliance and excellent client service.

This role reports to the Head of Compliance. It is a full-time position based in either our Derby or Leeds office. Standard working hours are 9:00am to 5:00pm, Monday to Friday. We offer a hybrid working arrangement, providing flexibility to work both from the office and remotely, subject to business and operational requirements.