Who we are looking for

The Head of Senior Managers Regime Office (SMRO) and UK Regulatory Liaison Manager leads State Street's framework for adherence to the UK Senior Managers and Certification Regime (SMCR), providing strategic oversight of SMCR governance, regulatory accountability and implementation requirements across UK regulated entities. The role partners closely with senior stakeholders, Legal, Human Resources (HR) and Compliance to ensure effective operation of the regime, while serving as a key member of the UK Regulatory Liaison Office, supporting regulatory relationships, supervisory interactions and delivering regulatory commitments.

What you will be responsible for

Senior Managers Regime Office:

• Provide leadership and strategic oversight of the SMCR framework across seven UK-regulated entities, ensuring effective governance and regulatory compliance for approximately 30 Senior Management Function holders and circa 340 Certified employees.
• Develop and maintain partnerships as a trusted and knowledgeable advisor with those covered under the regime, particularly SMFs, their offices and associated HR, Compliance and Legal partners.
• Lead on SMF applications and notifications, and ongoing guidance and advice in respect of the SMCR.
• Provide guidance and appropriate support to SMFs in the application of the SMCR, including the demonstration of reasonable steps.
• Facilitate the handover process for outgoing/incoming SMFs, including arranging stakeholder meetings and guidance on relevant handover documentation.
• Oversee the outsourced service supporting administration of the Certification Regime, including service-provider governance, performance against agreed service levels, control effectiveness, issue escalation and delivery in accordance with regulatory and internal requirements.
• Coordinate the annual Fitness and Propriety assessment cycle, ensuring assessments are completed accurately and within required timeframes.
• Provide timely, authoritative advice to the business, HR and Global Security on Certification Regime requirements arising from role creation, recruitment and onboarding.
• Maintain records of key SMRO activities, including: all SMCR policies, procedures controls and SMF Framework; SLA’s; Management Responsibilities Maps; SMF handover documentation; and advice and guidance.
• Provide general advice and support on SMCR as required across State Street.
• Provide ongoing training to SMFs, and Certified Persons (including appointed Board Directors for the relevant UK regulated entities) as required, and annually review online training courses.
• Own the content and delivery of SMCR induction (onboarding) training.
• Act as lead coordinator for the quarterly SMF Forum, using it to strengthen accountability, communicate regulatory priorities and promote informed challenge and consistent standards among Senior Management Function holders.
• Monitor regulatory developments relating to the SMCR and coordinate in conjunction with Compliance and Public Policy, State Street’s  response to any relevant consultation papers.
• Represent State Street as its SMCR subject-matter expert at industry forums and round-table discussions, contributing insight on emerging regulatory expectations and market practice.

Regulatory Liaison:

Serve as a principal liaison with the FCA and PRA on behalf of executive management, leading regulatory engagement, coordinating timely and effective responses, and preparing senior executives for supervisory meetings and other significant regulatory discussions, including:

• Manage regulatory stakeholder engagement and communications, ensuring clear, coordinated and timely interaction with the FCA and PRA.
• Attend regulatory meetings as required, promoting consistent messaging and maintaining effective oversight of key themes, commitments and follow-up actions.
• Assist in the coordination and preparation for regulatory examinations and internal point of escalation across UK business lines in such reviews/exams.
• Assist in the preparation of briefing notes for forthcoming regulatory Continuous Assessment Meetings (SMF7/SMF19), in conjunction with International Head of Regulatory Affairs.
• Participate in the Monthly Conduct Meetings with HR to discuss new and on-going disciplinary cases, to ensure the timely escalation and regulatory reporting of conduct-related matters to the relevant supervisory authorities.
• Contribute as a senior member of a high-performing, flexible team, fostering a collaborative and inclusive working environment.

Individual Contributor:

• Support and encourage the culture of ‘Risk Excellence’ across the business and operate with a high moral code
• Ensure that the highest level of the Code of Conduct is displayed in your behavior
• Display a culture of individual ownership of tasks to embed a clear individual sense of accountability in performing the role
• Adhere to  limits of delegation and escalation procedures required by your manager so that you comply with internal policies and external regulations.

Education & Preferred Qualifications

• Experience leading regulatory, compliance, governance, or SMCR-related teams within a financial services environment.

• Degree qualified, or of graduate calibre, or have appropriate experience for the role.

• Understanding of the best market practice for SMCR and the regulatory expectations of the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority.
• Exceptional relationship management skills with senior stakeholders across Compliance, Legal, HR, Company Secretariat, and business lines.
• Strong communication and presentation skills, including delivery of training and Board-level reporting.
• Supportive and co-operative team member.
• Ability to work under pressure, to multi-task and to work flexibly to meet the needs of the department.
• Demonstrate inquisitive mind-set to continue to develop best practices.

About State Street

Across the globe, institutional investors rely on us to help them manage risk, respond to challenges, and drive performance and profitability. We keep our clients at the heart of everything we do, and smart, engaged employees are essential to our continued success.

We are committed to fostering an environment where every employee feels valued and empowered to reach their full potential. As an essential partner in our shared success, you’ll benefit from inclusive development opportunities, flexible work-life support, paid volunteer days, and vibrant employee networks that keep you connected to what matters most. Join us in shaping the future.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we consider all qualified applicants for all positions without regard to race, creed, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, age, disability, genetic information, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, citizenship, marital status, domestic partnership or civil union status, familial status, military and veteran status, and other characteristics protected by applicable law.

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