Job description
Risk and Compliance Director (0169)
At Morton Fraser MacRoberts we are a new style of law firm, independent by choice and a place where we make our own decisions and our people can have their own say. Our culture empowers all of our people to be the best they can be.
And because we understand that hard work comes from people who are empowered to be at their best more of the time, we offer an agile working environment.
We are charting our way to become the best in our field, so if you share our ambition, come chart your best course with us.
Summary of Role
Are you a seasoned risk and compliance professional looking for a leadership role in one of Scotland's leading independent law firms? We are seeking an exceptional Risk and Compliance Director to join our team and play a crucial role in further developing and implementing our risk management and compliance strategy, ensuring adherence to regulatory, legal, and professional obligations. You'll oversee enterprise risk management, data protection, complaints and anti-money laundering (AML) compliance while fostering a culture of risk awareness and ethical practice across the firm.
Why Join Us?
As a key member of our leadership team, you will develop and implement the firm's risk and compliance strategy, ensuring that operational, regulatory, financial, and IT risks are effectively managed. You will lead a team of specialists, collaborate with senior stakeholders, and act as the firm's Money Laundering Reporting Officer (MLRO). This is a unique opportunity to shape the risk culture of one of the Big 4 Scottish independent law firms.
Key Tasks
- Lead the development and execution of the firm's risk and compliance strategy.
- Oversee regulatory compliance, risk management, financial crime including AML, and data protection frameworks.
- Act as a trusted advisor to senior leadership, ensuring regulatory requirements are met.
- Foster a culture of risk awareness and accountability across the firm.
- Provide strategic guidance to senior leadership, partners, and operational teams, balancing commercial priorities with regulatory requirements.
- Safeguard the firm's reputation, ensuring operational resilience, and maintaining client and stakeholder trust.
Qualifications and Experience
- Proven leadership experience in risk and compliance, ideally within a professional services firm.
- Expertise in regulatory compliance, significant understanding of financial crime including AML.
- Chartered/Fellow membership of an accredited professional institution.
- Strong strategic thinking, commercial acumen, and ability to influence at senior levels.
- Significant evidence of implementing sound risk management strategies which support an organisation's reputation as a high-quality law firm.
- The gravitas and ability to win and maintain the confidence of senior stakeholders, and build trusted relationships.
- The ability to show independent judgement, as you will be required to work closely with partners and senior management on matters which are sensitive and are time critical.
What We Offer
- A leadership role within a highly respected, growing independent law firm.
- The opportunity to shape and influence risk culture at the highest level.
- A competitive salary and benefits package.
- A collaborative, inclusive, and high-performing work environment.
Person Specification
- You have excellent communication skills, you are articulate, you communicate clearly, concisely and without any jargon.
- You enjoy working within a team and autonomously on your own initiative.
- You are personable and good at building and developing client relationships.
- You are confident and you have a strong belief in yourself and your own ability.
- You are committed to providing a good client experience and willing to put in extra time and effort when required
Here at Morton Fraser MacRoberts we believe in a positive work life balance and in an inclusive and friendly working environment.
We are proud to be a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone is welcome. We know that a culture of inclusion drives great results, and we're committed to making sure all our people feel valued and empowered. If you need any adjustments or accommodations during the application process, just let us know in your application. We will support you every step of the way. If you have a disability and meet the basic requirements for the role, we will guarantee you an interview.
We offer a generous benefits package including:
- Profit Related Pay
- Pension Scheme
- Private Medical Insurance for all employees (BUPA)
- Holidays starting at 25 days plus 9 public holidays (plus birthday off)
- Tax Efficient Car Lease Scheme
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- Life Assurance
- Income Protection
- Access to Comprehensive Wellbeing resources
- Retail Discounts
We operate our business on an agile basis reflecting the needs of our clients and our people to deliver outstanding client service. We will agree a suitable office/homeworking arrangement with all candidates.
As signatories of the Armed Forces Covenant, we recognise the value that serving personnel, reservists, veterans and military families bring to our business. Please ensure you include any military skills and qualifications you hold when applying for a vacancy with us to ensure they are recognised during our recruitment and selection process.
- Salary:£70,000 - £95,000
- Division:Executive Services
- Department:Risk and Compliance
- Vacancy Type:Permanent
- Location:Edinburgh or Glasgow