Senior Compliance Manager

About J. Awan & Partners

J. Awan & Partners is a fast-growing international Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) Consultancy with headquarters in the Dubai International Finance Centre (DIFC). The company also operates a Technology division focused on innovative RegTech solutions. With a business presence spanning multiple jurisdictions including the UAE, KSA, UK & Ireland, Singapore, Pakistan, Qatar, and South Africa, J. Awan & Partners provides Regulatory Governance, Risk, Compliance, Finance, Recruitment, and Technology services to a diverse client base. This includes global, regional, and local financial services institutions, governments, and other industry partners.

The Role: Senior Compliance Manager

J. Awan & Partners is seeking a Senior Compliance Manager to join its team in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This full-time role requires 5-10 years of experience and focuses on structuring and monitoring fit-for-purpose regulatory compliance and anti-money laundering programs for clients. The Senior Compliance Manager will also support the growth of J. Awan & Partners' compliance practice by strengthening client relationships, identifying opportunities for service expansion, and contributing to the continuous development of compliance capabilities.

Key Responsibilities

• Leverage global relationships to source and secure new business opportunities.
• Support client onboarding and expand market share within operating jurisdictions.
• Build and maintain strong client relationships through industry-leading stakeholder management.
• Act as an ambassador for J. Awan & Partners at industry and promotional events.
• Deliver all required regulatory licenses for clients efficiently.
• Provide high-quality day-to-day compliance support to clients and ensure smooth execution of regulatory processes.
• Serve as an outsourced Compliance Officer and MLRO for clients.
• Act as the primary liaison with regulators.
• Draft, implement, and manage AML/CTF policies and procedures, ensuring frameworks align with regulatory requirements.
• Promote and reinforce the J. Awan & Partners culture and brand internally and externally.
• Support the attraction and retention of high-quality talent.
• Deliver compliance, AML, and governance training.
• Coach and develop team members to drive high performance.

Required Competencies and Skills

• Adaptability & Problem-Solving: Ability to overcome challenges, adjust to new ways of working, and consistently deliver results in dynamic regulatory environments.
• Collaboration & Partnership Building: Proven ability to build strong partnerships, collaborate effectively, and influence clients, team members, and regulators.
• Analytical Excellence: Strong analytical skills to assess complex regulatory issues, interpret data, and make informed compliance decisions.
• Communication Mastery: Exceptional oral and written communication skills for professional interaction at all levels internally and with clients, auditors, and regulators.
• Regulatory & Compliance Expertise: Significant demonstrable experience with regulatory authorities within KSA and the wider MENA region, coupled with strong working knowledge of financial services regulatory environments.
• Compliance Program Development & Execution: Equipped to perform MLRO responsibilities, including investigations, SAR reporting, and oversight of CDD/EDD and monitoring processes.
• Independence & Self-Motivation: Highly motivated self-starter capable of working independently, managing sensitive matters, and problem-solving without constant supervision.
• Stakeholder Influence & Liaison Skills: Demonstrated capability in managing relationships with regulators, clients, and internal teams, acting as a trusted compliance advisor.
• Organisational & Time Management: Strong ability to organise tasks, prioritise effectively, manage deadlines, and maintain structured compliance workflows.
• Risk & Regulatory Awareness: Up-to-date knowledge of regulatory requirements, AML/CTF obligations, and risk indicators.
• High-Pressure Execution: Ability to perform well in a fast-paced environment, managing multiple compliance deliverables simultaneously.
• Professional Integrity & Accountability: Maintains confidentiality, demonstrates reliability, follows instructions with discipline, and upholds ethical and professional standards.

Experience

Candidates should possess 5-10 years of relevant experience in compliance roles, particularly within the financial services sector and with exposure to regulatory environments in KSA and the MENA region.