Compliance Operations Manager

Job Description

Salary: £70,000-90,000

Location: Covent Garden | 100% Office Based | 5 Days a Week

Hours: 9:00 am – 5:30 pm, Monday to Friday

Who we are

We’re a dynamic and rapidly expanding Corporate Services Group, led by our passionate founder and CEO. With a thriving customer base of over 500,000 and consistent growth of 20% year-on-year, we're shaking up the business services space. From Company Formation and Legal Support to Virtual Offices. We provide everything businesses need to start, grow, and succeed. Profitable, innovative, and customer-obsessed, we’re on a mission to redefine how modern businesses are supported—and we’re looking for driven individuals to grow with us.

Job Summary

We are seeking an experienced and driven Compliance Operations Manager to lead our London-based compliance team. This position requires a seasoned compliance professional with deep expertise in anti-money laundering (AML), a strong operational mindset, and proven leadership capabilities.

The successful candidate will oversee the day-to-day running of our compliance function, manage a high volume of AML processes, and lead and develop a team of junior compliance staff. This is a hands-on leadership role, combining operational execution with strategic oversight to ensure the highest standards of regulatory compliance across the business.

What You’ll Own & Lead:

• Lead and manage the day-to-day operations of the London compliance team
• Oversee and optimise AML processes to efficiently handle high volumes of customer onboarding and transactional activity
• Ensure compliance with all relevant regulatory obligations and internal AML requirements
• Own throughput management to ensure timely and accurate processing of AML-related tasks
• Deliver training, coaching, and ongoing supervision to junior compliance staff
• Collaborate with senior stakeholders to support the continuous improvement of compliance frameworks, systems, and controls
• Monitor and report on key operational performance metrics and compliance KPIs
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of evolving AML regulations, industry developments, and best practices

What You Bring to the Table

• Proven experience in AML compliance within a regulated environment
• Strong understanding of end-to-end compliance operations and KYC/AML processes
• Demonstrated ability to manage high volumes of AML reviews and throughput effectively
• Previous experience in line-managing and developing junior compliance staff
• Excellent organisational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritise under pressure
• A practical, solutions-focused mindset with attention to regulatory detail
• Strong communication skills and the confidence to engage with internal and external stakeholders
• Experience working with compliance tools and technologies, such as AML monitoring systems and case management platforms
• A proactive, hands-on approach to continuous process improvement
• Up-to-date knowledge of AML regulations and industry best practices
• Bachelor’s degree (Law degree a plus)

Who You’ll Be Working With

You’ll be surrounded by passionate, talented changemakers with big ambitions—not just for our business but for our world. Our teams are based remotely and on-site in London and Glasgow, and you’ll be the critical cultural connector between them all. We're a company striving for best-in-class service through empathy, integrity, and innovation—and we want you to be the voice and leader who helps us get there.

Remuneration and Benefits

• 25 days annual leave, plus 8 public/bank holidays
• Death in Service cover (4x annual salary)
• Employee Assistance Program
• 14 weeks maternity leave pay, 2 weeks paternity leave pay
• 2 paid Volunteering Days per year with our charity partner.
• Annual cost-of-living salary increase
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Dog-friendly office
• Indoor bicycle storage, changing, and shower facility
• Free soft drinks and bean-to-cup coffee all day
• Free Wednesday lunches
• Free fresh fruit - daily

Equal Opportunities

1st Formations is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. We consider all applicants for employment without regard to , , , , , , , citizenship, marital status, criminal history, , or . We encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply. If you have a or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know.