SMCR Lead

Admiral Group Plc; Cardiff; On-site; GBP 60,000 - GBP 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading financial services company in Cardiff is seeking a Senior Manager for their SMCR Team. The role involves leading a team to ensure compliance with FCA regulations, developing policies, and presenting reports to senior management. The ideal candidate will have strong leadership skills, a deep understanding of regulatory frameworks, and experience in compliance roles within financial services. The position offers a people-first culture and attractive benefits, fostering a supportive work environment.

Benefits

33 days of holiday, increasing with tenure

Up to £3,600 of free shares each year

Options to buy or sell additional annual leave

Qualifications

• Expertise in regulatory compliance with FCA standards.
• Strong experience in leadership and team management.
• Proven track record in risk management within financial services.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the SMCR Team with clear objectives.
• Act as the subject matter expert for SMCR.
• Develop and implement compliance policies and procedures.
• Monitor regulatory developments related to SMCR.

Skills

In-depth knowledge of FCA’s Senior Managers and Certification Regime

Experience in compliance, risk management, or regulatory roles

Ability to interpret and communicate complex regulatory requirements

Strong leadership and team management skills

Education

Degree or professional qualification in law, finance, business

Relevant compliance or regulatory certifications (e.g., ICA, CISI)

Job description

The Lead for the Senior Manager and Certification Regime (SMCR) Team is responsible for ensuring that both the team and the wider business comply fully with the Financial Conduct Authority’s (FCA) SMCR requirements. The postholder will provide expert guidance, oversight, and leadership to support robust governance and adherence to regulatory standards, fostering a culture of accountability and compliance across the organisation.

Main Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the SMCR Team, setting clear objectives and priorities aligned with FCA requirements and company strategy.
• Act as the primary subject matter expert for SMCR, providing advice and support to senior management, business units, and other stakeholders.
• Develop, implement, and maintain policies, procedures, and controls to ensure ongoing compliance with the FCA’s SMCR.
• Oversee the annual certification process, including fit and proper assessments, regulatory references, and training obligations.
• Monitor regulatory developments and ensure timely communication and implementation of changes to SMCR requirements.
• Coordinate with HR and Compliance to maintain accurate records of Senior Managers and Certified Persons, including Statements of Responsibilities and Management Responsibility Maps.
• Manage the third‑party SMCR system provider, ensuring strong oversight, continuous improvements, and ongoing assessment of system performance and risks
• Lead the investigation and resolution of any compliance breaches or issues relating to SMCR.
• Prepare and present regular reports to senior management and the Board on SMCR compliance status, risks, and recommendations.
• Deliver or support training and awareness programmes on SMCR for relevant staff.
• Promote a strong culture of accountability, transparency, and ethical conduct in line with FCA expectations.

Key Skills Required

• In-depth knowledge of the FCA’s Senior Managers and Certification Regime and related regulatory frameworks.
• Experience in compliance, risk management, or regulatory roles within financial services.
• Proven ability to interpret, implement, and communicate complex regulatory requirements.
• Strong leadership and team management skills, with the ability to motivate and develop staff.

Desirable

• Degree or professional qualification in law, finance, business, or a related field (desirable).
• Relevant compliance or regulatory certifications (e.g., ICA, CISI) are advantageous.

Please note - we may close this vacancy early if we receive lots of applications or business priorities change.

Admiral: Where You Can

We take pride in being a diverse and inclusive business. It's a place where you can Be You, and show up as you are. We’re committed to fostering a people-first culture where everyone is accepted, supported, and empowered to be brilliant. You can, Grow And Progress at a pace and direction that suits you, Make A Difference for our customers and each other, and Share in Our Future with all colleagues eligible for up to £3,600 of free shares each year after one year of service.

Everyone receives 33 days holiday (including bank holidays) when they join us, increasing the longer you stay with us, up to a maximum of 38 days (including bank holidays). You also have the option to buy or sell up to an additional five days of annual leave.

We’re proud of our people-first culture. In fact, we've been recognised as a Great Place to Work for Women, a Great Place to Work for Wellbeing, and an overall Great Place to Work for over 25 years! We’re fully committed to making sure your progression is not slowed or halted by barriers related to race, gender, age, sexuality or any of the protected characteristics.

Our fantastic benefits make sure our colleagues have a great work-life balance; You can view some of our other key benefits here.