Risk and Compliance: Head of Onboarding - Nottingham, Leeds or Birmingham

Freeths Risk and Compliance team is seeking a Head of Onboarding to join their friendly and collegiate team. This role will ideally be based in any of our Leeds, Nottingham or Birmingham offices, will be interesting and diverse with the following responsibilities: Responsibilities: AML/CTF Governance, Systems & Oversight Support the MLRO and MLCO in maintaining an effective firm wide AML/CTF framework in line with laws and Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) requirements. Lead the ongoing development, review, and enhancement of AML policies, controls and procedures. Lead with the review and implementation of the use of AI in onboarding processes and data analysis. Oversee CDD, EDD, and ongoing monitoring activities, ensuring consistency and regulatory compliance. Maintain up to date knowledge of regulatory developments. Leadership & Team Management Lead, develop and support members of the internal onboarding team to ensure high standards of technical expertise and operational performance. With the external client and matter inception team: manage the relationship ensuring alignment of processes, service levels and quality expectations; collaborate to enhance systems, processes and end-end efficiency; escalate and resolve operational issues to maintain strong working relationships. Suspicious Activity Reporting Act as a primary escalation point for internal suspicious activity reports. Conduct comprehensive investigations and prepare SARs for submission to the NCA, deputising for the MLRO as needed. Maintain full audit trails, including SAR registers and case logs. Regulatory Reporting & Interaction Support the MLRO and MLCO with interactions with the SRA and other agencies. Assist with regulatory inspections, external audits, and independent assurance reviews. Monitor regulatory developments and communicate changes to relevant stakeholders. Advisory: to Lawyers and Senior Management On AML/CTF, sanctions, financial crime concerns and risk-based decision making. On UBO analysis, source of funds (SOF), and source of wealth (SOW). Review and sign off high risk clients, including PEPs, and higher risk jurisdictions. Training & Culture Lead the creation and delivery of AML/CTF training programmes. Champion a strong risk management culture across the firm. Reporting Produce reports to senior management and governance committees to support the MLRO and MLCO. Key Experience Required: Essential Strong knowledge of AML/CTF and sanctions legislation and its application in the legal sector. Proven experience in AML/financial crime leadership roles. Demonstrable leadership experience, including managing and developing teams. Strong investigative, analytical, and decision making skills. Excellent communication skills, including the ability to influence senior stakeholders. Desirable ICA or equivalent AML/compliance qualification. Experience engaging with regulators, auditors, or law enforcement. Experience with AML technology solutions or digital onboarding systems. Experience working within a legal or professional services environment. Key Skills Required: High integrity and strong ethical standards. Proactive, pragmatic, and solution oriented. Effective leader with strong coaching and collaboration skills. Able to work under pressure and manage multiple priorities.If you would be interested in applying or finding out more please do contact . No agencies please. Smart. Bold. Together. We Are Freeths. Become part of the team at Freeths. View some of our recent highlights on our website . 2. Think Recognition: Sharing success matters to us. We love to showcase excellent work across the firm and celebrate our people through our employee awards. We recognise our teams work hard together to deliver the best solutions for our clients. That's why great work is well rewarded - our rewards and benefits are among the best in the business.We are committed to sourcing candidates directly where possible. For particular roles, we may work with preferred suppliers who will be invited by our resourcing team to support us. We may also agree to accept CVs from other suppliers on an ad hoc basis (to be agreed in writing). We will not be responsible for fees in relation to CVs or profiles submitted directly to our partners or other employees or for any applications not submitted via our portal. Agencies should contact our recruitment team before submitting unsolicited applications.