Risk Operations Manager – On Boarding and In Life CDD

We’re looking for a Risk Operations Manager to lead our onboarding and ongoing Customer Due Diligence (CDD) activity. This role ensures AML and KYC requirements are met across a complex customer portfolio, protecting the business from financial crime and regulatory risk while supporting a smooth customer journey.

You’ll manage the day‑to‑day operation of the CDD/KYC team, overseeing customer onboarding and ongoing monitoring. You’ll act as a subject‑matter expert for CDD and AML, handling escalations, improving processes, and ensuring decisions are compliant, well‑documented and timely. You’ll work closely with the MLRO, Risk Operations leadership and wider Risk and Compliance teams to keep policies, controls and working practices aligned with regulatory expectations.

The key responsibilities of the role are as follows

• Lead and manage the CDD/KYC team, including performance, capability and development.
• Oversee end‑to‑end onboarding and in‑life CDD decisions, ensuring clear audit trails.
• Act as a key contact for AML escalations, working closely with the MLRO.
• Ensure all CDD and AML activity meets UK regulatory and internal policy requirements.
• Manage workloads to deliver agreed service levels and quality standards.
• Complete regular controls, quality checks and audits of CDD activity.
• Maintain up‑to‑date CDD/KYC policies, procedures and documentation.
• Recommend policy and process improvements to strengthen risk management.
• Drive “right first time” outcomes and continuous improvement.
• Support and deliver change initiatives to improve the end‑to‑end customer journey.
• Build strong relationships across credit, risk and relationship teams.

Skills & Experience

• Proven experience leading teams within CDD, AML or risk operations.
• Strong communication skills, with confidence engaging senior stakeholders.
• Highly organised, able to plan, prioritise and deliver against service and quality targets.
• Comfortable working in a fast‑paced, regulated environment.
• Strong knowledge of UK AML, KYC and CDD requirements.
• Experience assessing risk, making sound decisions and escalating where appropriate.
• High attention to detail and confidence handling complex or high‑risk cases.
• Up‑to‑date understanding of regulatory expectations and industry trends.
• Background in financial services, with hands‑on experience in CDD, KYC or AML.
• Ability to interpret complex customer structures and data.
• Experience improving operational efficiency while maintaining compliance.

What we offer

Rewards & Financial Benefits

Competitive pension scheme, Annual salary review and bonus scheme, EV company car, Give As You Earn (GAYE) scheme, Employee referral scheme (£1,000), Retail discounts programme, GymFlex membership options, Cycle to Work scheme

Health & Wellbeing

Private Medical Insurance, Life Assurance, Health assessment options, Travel insurance, Dental insurance, Critical illness cover, Personal accident insurance.

Time Off & Work–Life Balance

25 days’ annual leave + an additional Celebration Day, 37.5 hour week, Monday to Friday, no weekends, Holiday buy & sell scheme, Volunteer days , Time allocated for personal development, Study support (where applicable).

Workplace & On‑Site Facilities

Free parking, EV charging points, Bike storage & shower facilities, Complimentary breakfast, Staff and social events

Studies have shown that women and people of colour are less likely to apply for an opportunity unless they exactly meet the criteria specified. At Ayvens we are committed to building a diverse, inclusive, enjoyable and authentic workplace so if you are excited by this, or any role at Ayvens but your experience doesn’t exactly align, we would encourage you to apply regardless! What’s the worst that can happen?!