Are you ready to chart your own career path? With our refreshed strategy, we’re building on our rich heritage and transforming our business to be more scalable and efficient, unlocking the capabilities needed for future success. This includes significantly investing in technology, streamlining the way we work and creating an environment where colleagues feel engaged, empowered and accountable; where they can show up, speak up and perform - because we believe in the difference our work makes.
At a glance:
Location: Cirencester Office
Workplace Type:
Employment Type: Permanent
Seniority: Associate
Summary:
The St. James’s Place Risk and Compliance function is committed to providing independent assurance and add value to the SJP Group by objectively reviewing and reporting on the adequacy and effectiveness of processes and compliance controls (primarily relating to FCA Conduct Risk and PRA regulations) operated by first line management to and whether they deliver fair customer outcomes. The main purpose of the role is to contribute to the compliance culture within the SJP Group, through the delivery of second line of defence compliance monitoring, as it relates to the business strategy and day-to-day operations of the SJP Group.
What you’ll be doing:
- Support the Head of Compliance Monitoring and team in developing a Compliance Monitoring Plan, setting out an appropriate programme of risk-based compliance monitoring activities.
- Deliver and support with all required aspects of the Compliance Monitoring Plan on time and to a high standard. Monitoring activities to include all regulatory regulations applicable to the SJP Group as set in the Compliance Universe, in particular suitability of advice, oversight of appointed representatives, corporate policy, third party administrators and training and competence.
- Monitor, review and follow-up the implementation of compliance recommendations agreed with management.
- Support Compliance staff with project work, staff training, procedural and administration tasks as necessary.
- Prepare content for periodic Compliance reports to Senior Management.
- Carry out reviews, using thematic, ongoing or any other relevant approach as required.
Who we’re looking for:
You are someone who thrives on delivering meaningful second-line assurance that supports continuous improvement and effective regulatory compliance. You bring energy, curiosity, and a collaborative mindset to help shape a strong compliance culture. You’ll be analytical, organised, and capable of distilling regulatory insights into clear, actionable findings. Whether you’re progressing your career within compliance or seeking a new challenge, this role offers the opportunity to deepen your regulatory knowledge in a dynamic environment.
Skills & Experience: Essential Criteria:
- Experience in first or second-line compliance roles, ideally in wealth management or financial advice.
- Demonstrable experience of advice checking or related risk oversight activities.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to make decisions and clearly document reasoning and action required.
- Proficiency in data handling and analysis, with skills in Excel and/or Power BI.
- Holding or almost achieved a relevant financial advice qualification (e.g. CII, CISI Level 4 or equivalent).
Desirable Criteria
- A good technical knowledge of all products including pensions, investments, mortgages, and protection.
- Experience of regulated file checking within the financial services industry.
- Understanding of the Three Lines of Defence model.
- Familiarity with emerging technologies to support compliance activities.
What's in it for you?
We reward you for the work you do, whether that’s through our discretionary annual bonus scheme that reflects both personal and company performance, competitive annual leave allowance (28 days plus bank holidays, with the option to purchase an additional 5 days), or online rewards platform with a variety of discounts.
We also have benefits to support whatever stage of life you are in, including:
- Competitive parental leave (26 weeks full pay)
- Private medical insurance (optional taxable benefit)
- 10% non-contributory pension (increasing with length of service)
Reasonable Adjustments We're an equal opportunities employer and want to ensure our recruitment process is accessible and inclusive for all, if you require reasonable adjustment(s) at any stage please let us know by emailing us at
[email protected]Research tells us that applicants (especially those from underrepresented groups) can be put off from applying for a role if they do not meet all the criteria or have been on an extended career-break. If you think you would be a good match for this role and can demonstrate some transferable experience please apply, regardless of whether you tick every box.
What's next?
If you're excited about this role and believe you have the skills and experience we're looking for, we'd love to hear from you! Please submit an application by clicking ‘apply’ below and our team will be in touch.
As a business regulated by the FCA we would advise you to familiarise yourself with the conduct regulations and in particular consumer duty obligations prior to an interview with SJP.
