Senior Manager Compliance

J. Awan & Partners

Job Title Senior Manager - Compliance

Reports To Director Compliance

Location Abu Dhabi

Direct Reports TBC

The Senior Manager - Compliance role will lead and oversee regulatory compliance and AML/CTF obligations across a portfolio of client mandates within the Region. The role ensures clients are 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, the role drives business growth by converting existing relationships into new opportunities and supporting the expansion of the compliance practice across our operating jurisdictions. This position plays a critical role in safeguarding regulatory integrity, strengthening client trust, and elevating JAP's compliance standards across multiple jurisdictions.

Key Accountabilities

Regulatory Compliance Delivery

Key Responsibilities

• 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 latest laws.
• No material compliance issues.

Audit & Monitoring

Key Responsibilities

• Coordinate internal/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

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver training on compliance, AML, and governance topics.
• Build client awareness of emerging regulations and risks.

Success Indicators

• Client confirmation of delivery of effective and timely training.
• Full client participation (for required roles), with positive participant feedback.
• Evidence of delivery of relevant updates to enhance client awareness.

Business Development & Brand Representation

Key Responsibilities

• Contributing to the Firm s success by supporting the senior team in executing client mandates, helping with the origination of new business, and representing the Firm at industry and promotional events.

Success Indicators

• Positive feedback from senior team. New business opportunities identified and supported. Active participation in events.

Leadership & Communication

Key Responsibilities

• Communicate compliance risks and obligations to senior management.
• Foster relationships with stakeholders, auditors, regulators, and clients.
• Represent consultancy professionally.

Success Indicators

• Effective risk communication.
• Strong stakeholder relationships; professional representation at all levels.

Continuous Improvement

Key Responsibilities

• Stay updated on regulatory developments.
• Refine compliance/AML systems, processes, and training.
• Implement best practices.

Success Indicators

• Implementation of improved processes/tools.
• Measurable reduction in compliance risk.
• Adoption of industry best practices.

Team & Culture Contribution

Key Responsibilities

• 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 capability 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.

Role-Specific Competencies

• Compliance & AML Expertise: Hands- on experience designing, implementing, and overseeing regulatory compliance and AML frameworks within financial services, with proven ability to manage obligations across applicable regulatory regimes including but not limited to DFSA, ADGM, QFCRA, FCA, and CMA.
• KYC & Regulatory Delivery: Proven KYC and due diligence capability including risk classification and SLA-driven delivery, with the ability to translate evolving regulatory requirements into practical, fit-for-purpose policies and procedures.
• Organisation & Execution: Strong ability to manage multiple compliance projects and competing deadlines simultaneously, working independently under pressure while maintaining accuracy and quality of delivery.
• Stakeholder & Communication Skills: Exceptional oral and written communication skills for effective interaction with clients, regulators, and senior leadership, with strong interpersonal skills to build and maintain productive working relationships.