Location: Belfast (Hybrid)
Function: Risk Management
Contract: Permanent
Grade: Manager (L3)

About the role

Were seeking a proven Financial Crime Team Manager to lead a high-performing Central CDD sub-team in Belfast across end-to-end KYC (onboarding periodic and event-driven review). Youll combine deep AML/KYC/CDD technical expertise with outstanding people leadership shaping our controls uplifting capability and delivering high-quality outcomes at pace.

The opportunity

• Lead and scale a Belfast-based Central CDD team delivering risk-based due diligence across complex client portfolios.
• Be the day-to-day operational owner for quality productivity SLAs and escalations with direct exposure to senior business stakeholders.
• Translate evolving AML/CTF and sanctions requirements into clear procedures playbooks and training.
• Drive continuous improvementoptimising processes policy and systems to enhance control effectiveness and colleague experience.

Key responsibilities

Leadership & operations

• Lead coach and develop Analysts/Senior Analysts; set goals run regular 1:1s and build a culture of accountability inclusion and learning.
• Own workflow case allocation and capacity planning to meet SLAs while maintaining consistently high quality (QA/QC).
• Produce and interpret MI/KRIs; use data to identify trends remediate issues and inform decisions.

Subject matter expertise & decisioning

• Act as the first-line CDD/EDD SMEproviding pragmatic risk-based guidance on complex cases and approving escalations in line with delegation and policy.
• Operationalise regulation: interpret AML/CTF sanctions and industry guidance and convert into controls procedures and training materials for large-scale operations.
• Oversee E2E KYC across simplified standard and enhanced due diligence ensuring appropriate risk-rating corroboration and recordkeeping.

Complex risk coverage

• Lead due diligence on complex entity types (e.g. SPVs Trusts Foundations Collective Investment Schemes/Funds) including purpose control/UBO mapping and jurisdictional risk.
• Set clear standards for PEP identification and classification and ensure appropriate approval monitoring and refresh cycles.
• Provide expert oversight of sanctions & embargo compliance and related screening outcomes (sanctions PEP adverse media) including dispositioning and false-positive reduction strategies.

Stakeholder management & governance

• Build strong partnerships with Service Lines 2nd Line Financial Crime Sanctions/MLRO teams and other control functions; manage issues to resolution.
• Maintain audit-ready documentation; support internal/external reviews and thematic deep-dives.
• Contribute to policy reviews and change forums; champion operational readiness and colleague upskilling for new/updated requirements.

Continuous improvement

• Identify and embed process efficiencies automation opportunities and control enhancements to improve effectiveness and colleague experience.

Skills & attributes for success

• People leadership: proven ability to inspire develop and performance-manage teams; creates psychological safety and high standards.
• Technical depth: authoritative knowledge of AML/CTF norms and how to apply them pragmatically in a large matrixed organisation.
• Judgement: confident risk-based decision-making with clear well-reasoned rationales on complex time-sensitive cases.
• Operational excellence: strong control mindset MI literacy continuous improvement orientation and change delivery experience.
• Communication & influence: clear written/oral communication tailored to senior stakeholders; able to challenge constructively and secure buy-in.

To qualify for the role youll have

• 5 years experience in AML/KYC/CDD within a regulated environment including end-to-end KYC (onboarding periodic EDD); 2 years people leadership preferred.
• Deep understanding of AML/CTF regulations and industry guidance; confident interpreting and operationalising requirements for large-scale teams.
• Proven experience handling all risk ratings and diligence levels including high-risk/EDD portfolios and approvals.
• Expertise across complex structures (SPVs Trusts Foundations CIS/Funds) UBO mapping and jurisdictional risk assessment.
• Strong knowledge of PEP frameworks (identification classification approvals monitoring).
• Practical exposure to sanctions & embargo regimes and screening (sanctions/PEP/adverse media) with effective triage and escalation practices.
• Experience building/embedding financial crime processes and controls in a large matrixed business.
• Desirable certifications: ICA ACAMS or equivalent.

What we offer

A competitive total-rewards package flexible/hybrid working extensive learning (including professional qualifications) access to employee networks and a supportive environment focused on growth and wellbeing.

Inclusion & flexibility

Were committed to an inclusive culture and welcome flexible working arrangements that enable excellent client service and a sustainable worklife balance.

How to apply

If you meet the criteria and are excited to help shape the future of Central CDD in Belfast apply now with your CV. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted to discuss next steps.