Senior Compliance Manager

Senior Manager – Compliance

Reports To: Director, Compliance

Location: Dubai and/or Abu Dhabi

Direct Reports: TBC

About j. awan & partners

At j. awan & partners, we believe in challenging the status quo every day, delivering seamless excellence to our customers across the world. We challenge the status quo by creating tailor-made solutions to meet the specific requirements of our clients business interests, delivering solutions to their needs with effective simplicity. We understand that time is precious, and as such our tailor-made solutions are simple to understand, simple to embed, and simple to use.

We are a fast-growing international Governance, Risk and Compliance (GRC) consultancy headquartered in the Dubai International Finance Centre (DIFC). We also have our own technology company creating bespoke, cutting-edge RegTech solutions. Our business spans multiple jurisdictions, with offices in the UAE, KSA, UK & Ireland, Singapore, Porto, Pakistan, Qatar, and now South Africa. We provide Regulatory Governance, Risk, Compliance, Finance, Recruitment, and Technology services to clients including global, regional, and local financial services institutions, governments, and other industry partners. As part of our global expansion plan, we are looking for an ambitious and agile professional with a strong background in compliance to join our team.

Mission / Purpose of the Role

The Senior Manager – Compliance will lead and oversee regulatory compliance and AML/CTF obligations across a portfolio of client mandates within the region. The role ensures clients remain fully aligned with regulatory expectations by implementing best-in-class compliance frameworks, conducting ongoing monitoring, and serving as the principal regulatory liaison. Reporting to the Director of Compliance, this role drives business growth by converting existing relationships into new opportunities and supporting the expansion of the compliance practice across our operating jurisdictions. It plays a critical part in safeguarding regulatory integrity, strengthening client trust, and elevating JAP's compliance standards across multiple jurisdictions.

12–18 Month Mission Outcomes (What Success Looks Like)

• Act as a trusted outsourced Compliance Officer and MLRO. Success looks like: timely execution of compliance deliverables, with clients regulatory obligations consistently met, and effective communication with regulators.
• Deliver high-quality regulatory compliance and AML services to clients. Success looks like: applications submitted on schedule; licenses obtained with minimal regulator queries or rejections; positive client feedback on compliance support; no material regulatory breaches or audit findings.
• Develop and implement robust compliance and AML frameworks and training programs. Success looks like: policies aligned with regulatory requirements; regular AML and compliance training conducted, resulting in improved compliance awareness among clients.
• Audit, monitor, and improve compliance processes. Success looks like: regular compliance reviews completed; identified gaps addressed with corrective action; internal controls strengthened.
• Manage and expand the compliance client portfolio while supporting business growth across the region. Success looks like: new business opportunities identified and supported; strengthened client retention and satisfaction; growth in brand visibility and market presence.
• Continuously improve compliance and AML/CTF systems. Success looks like: implementation of new processes, tools, or automation; measurable reduction in compliance risks; adoption of industry best practices.
• Strengthen business development and client engagement. Success looks like: new client acquisitions; increased market share and revenue from compliance services; successful representation at industry events.
• Contribute to firm culture, brand, and people development. Success looks like: positive internal and external stakeholder feedback; support for recruitment and retention initiatives; active mentorship and knowledge sharing within the team; strong promotion of the JAP brand and culture.

Key Accountabilities

Regulatory Compliance Delivery

• Provide ongoing compliance and AML support to clients.
• Draft, implement, and manage compliance and AML frameworks.
• Ensure adherence to local and international regulatory requirements.
• Success indicators: Compliance deliverables completed on time; policies and procedures aligned with the latest laws; no material compliance issues.

Audit & Monitoring

• Coordinate internal and external audits.
• Conduct compliance reviews and spot checks.
• Identify and remediate control weaknesses.
• Success indicators: Compliance reviews completed on schedule; gaps addressed with corrective action; strengthened internal controls.

Training & Awareness

• Deliver training on compliance, AML, and governance topics.
• Build client awareness of emerging regulations and risks.
• Success indicators: Client confirmation of effective, timely training delivery; full client participation (for required roles) with positive feedback; evidence of relevant updates delivered to enhance client awareness.

Business Development & Brand Representation

• Support the senior team in executing client mandates, help originate new business, and represent the firm at industry and promotional events.
• Success indicators: Positive feedback from the senior team; new business opportunities identified and supported; active participation in events.

Leadership & Communication

• Communicate compliance risks and obligations to senior management.
• Foster relationships with stakeholders, auditors, regulators, and clients.
• Represent the consultancy professionally.
• Success indicators: Effective risk communication; strong stakeholder relationships; professional representation at all levels.

Continuous Improvement

• Stay updated on regulatory developments.
• Refine compliance/AML systems, processes, and training.
• Implement best practices.
• Success indicators: Implementation of improved processes and tools; measurable reduction in compliance risk; adoption of industry best practices.

Team & Culture Contribution

• Promote j. awan & partners culture and brand.
• Support talent attraction and retention.
• Coach and mentor junior team members.
• Success indicators: Positive internal engagement scores; contribution to team development initiatives; evidence of mentorship and knowledge sharing.

Core Competencies

• Regulatory Expertise & Strategic Mindset: Demonstrable experience engaging with regulatory authorities across the region, with the ability to design and implement compliance programs that mitigate risk and drive organisational effectiveness.
• Operational Excellence: Experienced in executing compliance and AML programs efficiently, ensuring high-quality deliverables and adherence to deadlines across multiple client mandates.
• Analytical & Problem-Solving Skills: Exceptional ability to analyse complex regulatory issues, interpret requirements, and translate them into actionable, fit-for-purpose solutions.
• Integrity & Accountability: Upholds the highest professional and ethical standards, maintains confidentiality, and demonstrates reliability and accountability in all activities.
• Stakeholder Management & Cultural Agility: Skilled at building partnerships and influencing clients, regulators, and internal teams, with the adaptability to work effectively across diverse organisations and cultural contexts.

Skills and Knowledge

• Regulatory Knowledge: In-depth understanding of applicable regulatory frameworks including but not limited to DFSA, ADGM, QFCRA, FCA, and CMA, with proven experience interacting with regulatory authorities.
• Communication & Presentation: Excellent oral and written communication skills in English (additional languages an advantage), with the ability to interact effectively at all organisational levels and deliver clear, professional presentations to clients, regulators, and senior leadership.
• Organisation, Execution & Attention to Detail: Highly motivated and organised self-starter, capable of managing multiple priorities, maintaining structured workflows, and delivering high-quality outputs independently under pressure.
• Professional Integrity & Accountability: Displays discipline, accountability, confidentiality, and high ethical standards in all professional activities, with the resilience to thrive in fast-paced environments while consistently delivering quality outcomes.

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Law, Finance, Economics, or Accountancy.

Experience

• Significant demonstrable experience dealing with regulatory authorities within the region.
• Minimum 8 years of overall industry experience, with at least 4 years in compliance roles within financial services.
• Direct experience developing and implementing compliance programs is essential.
• Direct experience creating and implementing regulatory compliance programs within a successful financial services organisation.

Additional Requirements

• CAMS, CISI, or ICA qualifications preferred.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English; additional languages are a plus.