Interim Head of Compliance

Interim Head of Compliance Operations

The client is a leading, FTSE-listed international retail group with a significant global footprint and a highly recognisable consumer brand. Operating across multiple jurisdictions and business lines, the organisation offers a complex and fast-moving environment where compliance plays a critical role in supporting sustainable growth and strong governance.

The organisation is undergoing ongoing transformation so you would be joining at a pivotal time as the business continues to evolve its global compliance framework, offering high visibility and genuine impact at both executive and board level.

This role will report into the Chief Compliance Officer and will lead on the development and delivery of organisation wide compliance programme across a large international business.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development and delivery of a robust, enterprise-wide compliance programme aligned to regulatory and governance requirements
• Oversee key risk areas including anti-bribery & corruption, competition law, financial crime, and sanctions
• Provide strategic support and reporting to executive and board-level stakeholders
• Monitor, assess, and escalate compliance risks, ensuring effective mitigation across business units
• Drive compliance training, culture, and awareness across a complex, international business
• Manage regulatory relationships, audits, and investigations where required
• Lead and develop a high-performing compliance team

Candidate Profile

• England & Wales qualififed lawyer with significant senior compliance experience within a large, complex or listed organisation
• Strong knowledge of UK and international regulatory frameworks
• Proven leadership and team management capability
• Excellent stakeholder management skills, with experience engaging at board level
• Commercial, pragmatic approach to risk and problem-solving
• High integrity with sound judgement in complex environments
• Professional compliance qualification (e.g. ICA) desirable