Senior Manager Compliance

J. Awan & Partners

Job Title Senior Manager - Compliance

Reports To Director Compliance

Location Dubai

Direct Reports TBC

We are a fast-growing international Governance, Risk and Compliance (GRC) Consultancy with our headquarters in the Dubai International Finance Centre (DIFC). We also have our own Technology company creating bespoke cutting edge RegTech solutions. Our business presence covers multiple jurisdictions with offices in the UAE, KSA, UK & Ireland, Singapore, Porto, Pakistan, Qatar and now in South Africa. We provide Regulatory Governance, Risk, Compliance, Finance, Recruitment and Technology services (the "Services") to many clients including global, regional and local financial services institutions, governments and other industry partners. As part of our global expansion plan, we are now 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 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.

12 18 Month Mission Outcomes ( What Success Looks Like )

Mission / Outcome - Act as a trusted outsourced Compliance Officer and MLRO.

Success Metrics / Measures

• Timely execution of compliance deliverables; clients regulatory obligations consistently met. Effective communication with Regulators.

Mission / Outcome - Deliver high-quality Regulatory Compliance and AML services to clients.

Success Metrics / Measures

• 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.

Mission / Outcome - Develop and implement robust Compliance and AML frameworks and training programs.

Success Metrics / Measures

• Policies aligned with regulatory requirements; Regular AML and Compliance training conducted, resulting in improved Compliance awareness among Clients.

Mission / Outcome - Audit, monitor, and improve compliance processes.

Success Metrics / Measures

• Regular compliance reviews completed; identified gaps addressed with corrective action; internal controls strengthened.

Mission / Outcome - Manage and expand the compliance client portfolio while supporting business growth across the Region.

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.