Head of Collections Compliance

Head of Collections Compliance & GovernancePlease read the information in this job post thoroughly to understand exactly what is expected of potential candidates.Starling, Manchester, England, United KingdomAbout the roleAt Starling, we are on a mission to provide people with a fairer, smarter, and more human alternative to traditional banks. We build a leading digital bank driven by fast technology, fair service, and honest values. Our vision is to create a banking industry that serves everyone by delivering best‑in‑class technology, exceptional customer experience, and a sustainable business model.Hybrid workingAll Starling colleagues spend a minimum of 10 days per month in the office, with flexibility to work the rest from home.OpportunityThis senior leadership role within our Financial Assistance department supports customers in financial difficulty. The Head of Collections Compliance & Governance drives regulatory compliance, ensuring risks are well understood and managed, and mitigated in line with bank appetite and statutory requirements (PRA, Consumer Duty, CONC, FCA standards and guidance). The role prioritises customer‑centricity and positive outcomes while ensuring adherence to regulatory requirements, internal policies, and ethical standards in all collection activities.ResponsibilitiesConduct regular reviews of collection activities to ensure compliance with UK laws, regulations, and internal policies.Monitor the implementation of compliance and conduct risk management frameworks.Identify compliance gaps or breaches and collaborate on corrective actions.Partner with 2LoD Compliance, Credit Risk, Legal and Audit to ensure a consistent approach to compliance within FA.Advise on collection strategies to ensure compliance with relevant regulatory, legal and industry requirements and standards.Manage FA governance forums, including Change Forum and Control Forum.Maintain a local risk register and ensure effective risk reporting, escalation and management.Lead responses to emerging risks or regulatory change, coordinating across teams and functions.Lead the identification, design, testing, exception/control reporting, and remedial action tracking for local (2nd level) risks and controls.Provide 1LoD oversight of vulnerable customer treatments and processes.Act as SME for regulatory matters, translating requirements into actionable strategies and processes.Support the design of training on compliance, conduct risk, data protection (GDPR), and customer conduct topics.Promote a culture of ethics, compliance, and risk awareness.Prepare regular reports on compliance and conduct risk management activities for senior management and regulatory bodies.Oversee all BAU reporting for consistency and accuracy.RequirementsDeep working knowledge of UK regulation and regulators in the financial services sector.Experience in retail or commercial banking collections and recoveries compliance or a similar senior compliance role.Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.High attention to detail and ability to work in a fast‑paced, highly regulated industry with competing priorities.Demonstrated ability to lead in a changing environment and to work collaboratively across multiple functions.Ability to demonstrate the Starling values: Listen, Keep It Simple, Do The Right Thing, Own It, and Aim for Greatness.Continuous improvement mindset and commitment to learning and development.BenefitsCompany‑enhanced salary sacrifice pension scheme (7% employer contribution).Private medical insurance with Vitality, including mental health support and cancer care, plus partner discounts.25 days holiday (plus public holiday allowance where it works best for you) and an extra day on your birthday.Life insurance at 4× your salary.16 hours of paid volunteering time a year.Ability to buy or sell annual leave.Generous family‑friendly policies and an incentive‑refer‑a‑friend scheme.Perkbox membership providing retail discounts, wellness platform access, and weekly perks.Access to initiatives such as Cycle to Work, salary‑sacrifice gym partnerships and electric vehicle leasing.Closing date4th December 2025Equality and DiversityStarling Bank is an equal‑opportunity employer. xpwpeyx We consider all applications without regard to race, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law. By providing this information you consent to the collection and processing of your personal data in accordance with our Privacy Notice for recruitment purposes.#J-18808-Ljbffr