Compliance Lead

Description

WTW is growing their business with Insured pensions which is regulated under the FCA and is expected to grow rapidly over the next 5 years. Our growing business has already quickly gained a foothold in this exciting market supported by a targeted approach to the market to make us stand out against our competitors.

Our objective is to become the pre-eminent player in outsourced pensions for large companies and to be a market leader and innovator in the field.

Willis Towers Watson (WTW) is a leader in the marketplace. They offer excellent opportunities for experienced professionals. Our global Outsourcing line of business provides outsourced administration services to occupational pension funds, working with some of the world's leading organisations.

The Compliance lead role is an exciting opportunity and pivotal to Outsourcing as we grow.

Reporting into the Risk Manager, you will ensure that we remain compliant in the services we provide to our Regulated clients and provide the level of support required to ensure that we deliver all contractual obligations.

This is a broad and challenging role and essential that the successful candidate is flexible whilst maintaining a positive outlook.

The majority of our colleagues work in a "hybrid" style, with a mix of remote, in-person and in-office interactions dependent on the needs of the team, role and clients. We understand flexibility is key to supporting an inclusive and diverse workforce and so we encourage requests for all types of flexible working as well as location-based arrangements. Please speak to your recruiter to discuss more.

The Role:

1. Identify, Plan and Apply

• Develop, implement, embed, and maintain an efficient and independent Compliance Function within Outsourcing GB.
• Maintain an up-to-date mapping of the regulatory framework applicable to the Relevant Business; assess impact of changes on policies, procedures, and controls; brief relevant stakeholders.
• Oversee horizon scanning for regulatory developments and report new or proposed regulations affecting the business.
• Ensure policies, procedures, systems, and controls fully address regulatory and compliance requirements; maintain a robust Compliance framework.
• Identify compliance training needs; lead development and delivery of training programs with business input.
• Create and deliver an annual Compliance Plan for Outsourcing clients.

2. Support

• Champion Compliance at all levels; provide pragmatic, risk-based advice, challenge, and oversight to stakeholders.
• Engage in business risk assessments; support identification and management of compliance and regulatory risks using commercial awareness.
• Guide business management on 'tone from the top,' business conduct, ethical standards, and the Code of Conduct.
• Provide technical regulatory advice and support; assist operational areas in developing balanced compliance best practices.
• Participate in ad-hoc strategic or operational Compliance projects.
• Maintain regulatory and WTW-compliant record keeping.
• Investigate suspected or actual breaches of regulatory requirements or policies; ensure resolution with corrective actions and track implementation.

3. Testing

• Oversee testing activities aligned with the annual Compliance Plan for regulated clients; ensure remedial actions and escalation of material issues.
• Collate and deliver compliance metrics and reports; support internal and external audits.

4. Engagement

• Maintain effective relationships with regulators, supervisory authorities, self-regulating bodies, and clients.
• Ensure timely, accurate regulatory reporting; respond to regulatory requests and report issues or breaches as required.
• Represent WTW in industry associations as appropriate.
• Act as a trusted business partner; foster proactive engagement to support compliance culture and the Three Lines of Defence.
• Collaborate closely with Legal, Risk, and Internal Audit functions.

Obligations of Both Parties:

• Comply with UK Bribery Act 2010, US Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, and related anti-bribery/anti-corruption laws; maintain policies to prevent bribery and report violations where permitted.
• Comply with anti-money laundering laws; notify suspected or actual fraud or money laundering and cooperate with investigations.
• Comply with the Modern Slavery Act 2015; ensure no trafficked, bonded, child, or forced labour in supply chains; assist M&G with regulatory compliance.
• Prevent facilitation of tax evasion under the Criminal Finances Act 2017; maintain, review, certify prevention procedures annually, and report breaches.
• Support Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) initiatives including Net Zero targets, travel minimization, and climate risk reporting.

Supplier Obligations:

• Operate effective risk management cycles; maintain policies and procedures; manage service-related risks; oversee subcontractor compliance.
• Develop and maintain bespoke Monitoring Plans; monitor subcontractor performance; maintain a Breach Database; report findings and annual Compliance Plans to M&G.
• Implement operational risk management systems; support outsourcing risk evaluations; maintain risk registers and remediation plans; notify M&G of high-risk events.
• Monitor, record, rectify, and report regulatory breaches; conduct root cause analysis and remedial actions; report breach trends.
• Verify customer identity and authority; vet new business proposals; make restitution or ex gratia payments for errors; promptly report overpayments and complaints.
• Participate in Assurance and Oversight Committees; provide compliance reports; maintain an Operational Risk Database accessible to M&G; elevate Notifiable Events and ineffective controls

Qualifications

The Requirements:

Communications and Relationships

• Internal: Build and maintain strong relationships within Outsourcing, senior management, and wider WTW stakeholders.
• External: Build and maintain strong relationships with regulators, authorities, external bodies, and Regulated clients.

Qualifications and Experience

Essential:

• Strong regulatory and corporate governance knowledge.
• Excellent interpersonal and influencing skills; ability to engage effectively at all levels.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively under pressure and tight deadlines.
• Commercial awareness with pragmatic compliance risk management.
• Commitment to continuous professional development and high ethical standards.
• High integrity, proactive, organized, and methodical approach.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, oral, and written communication skills.
• IT literate with proficiency in Microsoft Office.

Desirable:

• Relevant ICA, CISI, or equivalent qualifications.
• Project management experience.
• Experience in insurance broking, insurance, pensions, or asset management.

At WTW, we believe difference makes us stronger. We want our workforce to reflect the different and varied markets we operate in and to build a culture of inclusivity that makes colleagues feel welcome, valued and empowered to bring their whole selves to work every day. We are an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive work environment throughout our organisation. We embrace all types of diversity.

We're committed to equal employment opportunity and provide application, interview and workplace adjustments and accommodations to all applicants. If you foresee any barriers, from the application process through to joining WTW, please email .