CDD Manager, Financial Crime Risk, Belfast and Newcastle

Financial Crime Risk Management — Central CDD Team Manager (Level 3)

Location: Belfast or Newcastle (Hybrid)

Function: Risk Management

Contract: Permanent

Grade: Manager (L3)

About the role

We’re seeking a proven Financial Crime Team Manager to lead a high-performing Central CDD sub-team in Belfast across end-to-end KYC (onboarding, periodic and event-driven review). You’ll combine deep AML/KYC/CDD technical expertise with outstanding people leadership, shaping our controls, uplifting capability, and delivering high-quality outcomes at pace.

The opportunity

• Lead and scale a Belfast-based Central CDD team delivering risk-based due diligence across complex client portfolios.
• Be the day-to-day operational owner for quality, productivity, SLAs and escalations, with direct exposure to senior business stakeholders.
• Translate evolving AML/CTF and sanctions requirements into clear procedures, playbooks, and training.
• Drive continuous improvement—optimising processes, policy and systems to enhance control effectiveness and colleague experience.

Key responsibilities

Leadership & operations

• Lead, coach and develop Analysts/Senior Analysts; set goals, run regular 1:1s, and build a culture of accountability, inclusion and learning.
• Own workflow, case allocation and capacity planning to meet SLAs while maintaining consistently high quality (QA/QC).
• Produce and interpret MI/KRIs; use data to identify trends, remediate issues, and inform decisions.

Subject matter expertise & decisioning

• Act as the first-line CDD/EDD SME—providing pragmatic, risk-based guidance on complex cases and approving escalations in line with delegation and policy.
• Operationalise regulation: interpret AML/CTF, sanctions and industry guidance and convert into controls, procedures and training materials for large-scale operations.
• Oversee E2E KYC across simplified, standard and enhanced due diligence, ensuring appropriate risk-rating, corroboration and recordkeeping.

Complex risk coverage

• Lead due diligence on complex entity types (e.g., SPVs, Trusts, Foundations, Collective Investment Schemes/Funds) including purpose, control/UBO mapping and jurisdictional risk.
• Set clear standards for PEP identification and classification, and ensure appropriate approval, monitoring and refresh cycles.
• Provide expert oversight of sanctions & embargo compliance and related screening outcomes (sanctions, PEP, adverse media) including dispositioning and false-positive reduction strategies.

Stakeholder management & governance

• Build strong partnerships with Service Lines, 2nd Line Financial Crime, Sanctions/MLRO teams and other control functions; manage issues to resolution.
• Maintain audit-ready documentation; support internal/external reviews and thematic deep-dives.
• Contribute to policy reviews and change forums; champion operational readiness and colleague upskilling for new/updated requirements.

Continuous improvement

• Identify and embed process efficiencies, automation opportunities and control enhancements to improve effectiveness and colleague experience.

Skills & attributes for success

• People leadership: proven ability to inspire, develop and performance-manage teams; creates psychological safety and high standards.
• Technical depth: authoritative knowledge of AML/CTF norms and how to apply them pragmatically in a large, matrixed organisation.
• Judgement: confident risk-based decision-making with clear, well-reasoned rationales on complex, time-sensitive cases.
• Operational excellence: strong control mindset, MI literacy, continuous improvement orientation and change delivery experience.
• Communication & influence: clear written/oral communication tailored to senior stakeholders; able to challenge constructively and secure buy-in.

To qualify for the role, you’ll have

• 5+ years’ experience in AML/KYC/CDD within a regulated environment, including end-to-end KYC (onboarding, periodic, EDD); 2+ years people leadership preferred.
• Deep understanding of AML/CTF regulations and industry guidance; confident interpreting and operationalising requirements for large-scale teams.
• Proven experience handling all risk ratings and diligence levels, including high-risk/EDD portfolios and approvals.
• Expertise across complex structures (SPVs, Trusts, Foundations, CIS/Funds), UBO mapping and jurisdictional risk assessment.
• Strong knowledge of PEP frameworks (identification, classification, approvals, monitoring).
• Practical exposure to sanctions & embargo regimes and screening (sanctions/PEP/adverse media) with effective triage and escalation practices.
• Experience building/embedding financial crime processes and controls in a large, matrixed business.
• Desirable certifications: ICA, ACAMS or equivalent.

What we offer

A competitive total-rewards package, flexible/hybrid working, extensive learning (including professional qualifications), access to employee networks, and a supportive environment focused on growth and wellbeing.

Inclusion & flexibility

We’re committed to an inclusive culture and welcome flexible working arrangements that enable excellent client service and a sustainable work–life balance.

How to apply

If you meet the criteria and are excited to help shape the future of Central CDD in Belfast, apply now with your CV. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted to discuss next steps.