Head of Corporate Governance and Compliance Operations

Company Details

Responsibilities

The Head of Governance and Compliance Operations is responsible for ensuring robust corporate governance and effective delivery of Compliance operations across UK Insurance and Reinsurance entities.  The role leads governance activities, oversees outsourced compliance services, and drives consistent processes, technology solutions and change programmes that support regulatory compliance and organisational effectiveness.

 

Corporate Governance and Board Support

• Lead all corporate governance activities for UK regulated and non‑regulated entities (excluding Syndicate‑related governance).
• Oversee preparation, coordination and quality assurance of board and committee papers, ensuring timeliness and accuracy.
• Manage statutory and regulatory filings, ensuring compliance with FCA, PRA and Companies House requirements.
• Act as the key liaison with the outsourced Company Secretarial provider, ensuring service standards and KPIs are met.

 

Compliance Operations and Framework Implementation

• Support finalisation, embedding and continuous improvement of the Compliance framework across UK Operating Units.
• Ensure governance and approval processes are consistently applied to compliance issues, escalations and decisions.
• Oversee delivery of the annual Compliance Plan, including thematic reviews, monitoring and reporting.

 

Regulatory Reporting and Licensing Oversight

• Oversee UK regulatory reporting processes, ensuring timely submission and high-quality regulatory returns.
• Lead the design, maintenance and periodic review of licensing processes across UK and European Operating Units.
• Ensure accurate maintenance of regulatory permissions, registrations, and TOBA arrangements with third parties.

 

Management of Outsourced Compliance Providers

• Manage relationships with key third‑party compliance service providers, including governance, licensing, TOBAs, and technology platforms.
• Set, monitor and review KPIs, SLAs and performance dashboards to ensure operational effectiveness.
• Lead vendor performance reviews and support procurement and contract renewal processes where required.

Regulatory Change and Technology Enablement

• Act as subject matter expert in Compliance change initiatives, supporting regulatory transformation across the UK and Europe when required.
• Identify opportunities for process improvement and standardised technology solutions that enhance governance, monitoring and reporting.
• Support delivery and embedding of new compliance tools, systems and workflows.

 

Stakeholder Engagement and Internal Collaboration

• Build and maintain effective working relationships with senior leaders, business teams, risk, audit, legal, and external stakeholders.
• Coordinate with 2nd and 3rd line teams to address audit findings, regulatory feedback and monitoring outcomes.
• Provide clear, pragmatic compliance guidance to Operating Units to support effective decision‑making.

 

Leadership and Team Development

• Provide leadership, coaching and development to Compliance colleagues to ensure capability and resilience within the function.

Champion a culture of integrity, accountability and continuous improvement.

 

Qualifications

Essential Experience and Knowledge

• Extensive experience in Compliance, Governance or Financial Services within the UK insurance or reinsurance market.
• Strong understanding of UK regulatory frameworks (e.g., FCA, PRA) and governance requirements.
• Proven experience in delivering transformation, change or regulatory programmes.
• Experience managing outsourced service providers, including contract oversight and KPI monitoring.
• Demonstrable experience in corporate governance practices (e.g., board support, filings, CoSec engagement).

 

Skills and Competencies

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with sound professional judgement.
• Excellent organisational skills with high attention to detail.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to work with stakeholders at all levels.
• Ability to work independently, managing competing priorities within tight timeframes.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to engage confidently across differing personality types and cultures.
• Competent user of Microsoft Office applications, with strong Excel capability.

 

Qualifications

• Degree-level education or equivalent professional experience.
• Relevant professional accreditation (e.g., ICSA/CGI, Compliance or Risk qualifications) desirable but not essential.

 

Other Requirements

Occasional travel may be required