Divisional Chief Risk & Compliance Officer

Application Deadline: 17 August 2026

Department: Risk and Compliance

Employment Type: Permanent - Full Time

Location: Bolton

Description

The Divisional CRCO is responsible for leading an effective and efficient Governance, Risk & Compliance (GRC) function across Davies UK&I. This role ensures the division meets all GRC objectives set by the Group CRO and Divisional CEO, supports business operations in meeting legal and regulatory obligations, and provides robust GRC reporting to divisional and group boards.

Critically, the role holder will work closely with business units to reduce the cost and frequency of complaints and operational errors, embedding a culture of accountability and continuous improvement. The role requires a strategic mindset combined with a strong delivery focus - balancing long-term planning with hands-on execution to drive measurable outcomes

Key Responsibilities

GRC Leadership & Strategy

• Define & deliver GRC objectives in partnership with the Group CRO and DUK&I CEO.
• Develop & maintain the operating model and budget for the DUK&I GRC function.
• Lead the GRC team, including performance management and resource allocation.

Governance & Board Engagement

• Chair the Davies UK&I Risk Board and attend Divisional Board meetings.
• Represent the division on the Group Risk & Governance Board, escalating relevant matters as needed.
• Deliver clear and actionable GRC reporting to all relevant boards.

Regulatory Compliance

• Ensure all divisional operations comply with applicable legal and regulatory requirements.
• Secure and maintain regulatory permissions for directly regulated business units.
• Implement pragmatic controls for non-regulated units serving regulated clients.

Risk Management

• Implement the Group's enterprise risk management framework within Davies UK&I, and support the Division's compliance with the Group's Resilience framework.
• Oversee risk committees and maintain divisional risk registers
• Support business continuity and enterprise resilience initiatives.

Policy & Framework Implementation

• Deploy the Group's global compliance policy framework and any necessary divisional supplements.
• Ensure adherence to compliance processes, procedures, and audit/monitoring requirements.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Build strong relationships with divisional leadership, business units, and wider group. Foster a culture of accountability for risk and compliance across the division.

Continuous Improvement

• Promote innovation and agility in risk and compliance service delivery.
• Support M&A activity, including due diligence and post-acquisition integration.
• Support maintenance of relevant accreditations (e.g., ISO9001, ISO27001, CE+).

Operational Risk and Cost Reduction

• Partner with sub-divisions to identify root causes of complaints and operational mistakes and implement corrective actions that reduce associated costs.
• Monitor and report on trends in complaints and errors, ensuring insights are translated into tangible improvements.
• Champion a proactive, data-driven approach to operational risk management that supports commercial performance.

Skills, Knowledge & Expertise

• Proven experience establishing and leading risk and compliance functions of similar scale and complexity.
• Demonstrated ability to drive innovative change and continuous improvement.
• Experience operating in directly regulated environments (e.g., FCA, SRA), ideally with formal SMCR or SRA roles.
• Strong knowledge of risk management and compliance frameworks.
• Commitment to Davies Values and the promotion of a positive risk and compliance culture.

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Job Benefits

Career & Purpose

• Davies Innovation Lab
• Leadership training programme
• Funding for professional qualifications
• Thrive at Davies; learning opportunities

Environmental & Social

• The Davies Foundation
• Local charity funding
• Pennies To Heaven
• Employee Resource Groups
• Employee volunteering programme

Financial Health

• Pension, 5% employee and 5% employer contribution
• My Choices at Davies provides; High Street discounts and Financial wellbeing hub
• Life assurance: x4
• Refer a Friend
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Lease car salary sacrifice
• Davies Incentive Plan
• Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay

Mental, Physical & Emotional Wellbeing

• Wellbeing centre; move, munch, money & mind focus
• Discounts with 100's of UK retailers
• EAP; 24/7 confidential helpline
• 25 days holiday, increases to 26 days after 5 years and 27 after 10 years
• Flexible working
• Dress for your day
• Inclusive employment policies eg. Menopause, fostering friendly, fertility, sabbatical policy and baby loss and miscarriage
• Flexible benefits include; holiday purchase plan and a opportunity to purchase heath cash plan and BUPA dental plan