Head of Training and Competence

As the Head of Training and Competence, you will be at the forefront of regulatory oversight of the Appointed Representatives (ARs) and Advisers across Openwork Limited.

You will be a vital leader who can lead and shape a first in class Supervision Framework strategy to ensure robust oversight measures are in place. Reflecting the FCA expectations in the changing regulatory environment, you’ll ensure compliance with the FCA Training and Competence Handbook and consider conduct risks relevant to the Openwork strategy.

As the Head of Training and Competence you will be a key member of the Assurance senior leadership team. An influential leader as Openwork’s subject matter expert on T&C Supervisory oversight and integral in maintaining strong AR oversight controls to keep the partnership safe.

This is a hybrid role based in our Swindon office, with the requirement to be in the office two days a week

The benefits:

• Salary – up to £80,000
• Bonus scheme - on target bonus – 17.5%
• Car allowance - £5,486
• Pension scheme - contribute up to 5% of your salary and Openwork will match you and put in an extra 5%
• Critical illness cover
• Income protection - 1x salary
• Death in service - 4x salary
• 27 days holiday + bank holidays, with the opportunity to buy up to an additional 10 days
• A range of other flexible benefits to include private medical insurance, dental insurance and much more.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Be responsible for the strategic vision - shaping and evolving the Supervision Framework to strengthen oversight of ARs and advisers in line with regulatory expectations.
• Be the owner of the Supervisory Framework, T&C policy and schemes and licensing structure.
• Manage delivery of all T&C activity in line with the requirements of the FCA T&C handbook and Openwork documented policies and procedures, evidencing holistic oversight of ARs.
• Lead all managers and teams driving a customer obsessed mindset to deliver consistent positive consumer outcomes.
• Impact assesses regulatory change relevant to the application of Supervision and T&C processes.
• Analyse data to identify trends, areas of improvement to optimise supervisory resource, directing it to where it is most needed and supports ongoing evolution of the wider Assurance Framework.
• Compile impactful regular reporting to exec, SMF holders, and associated governance groups to inform discussion and action in support of SMF responsibilities.
• Provide subject matter expertise for T&C Supervision on key strategic projects, leverage industry and business knowledge.
• Conduct thematic reviews and deep dive activity to identify opportunities within firms and advisers to reduce risk and enhance positive outcomes for consumers.
• Delivery of the Certification and Conduct Rules controls as part of SMCR.
• Coach managers to create high performance and achievement of departmental and functional objectives consistently. 
• Establish and maintain effective communication channels with stakeholders to work collaboratively in the pursuit of consistent positive consumer outcomes.
• Represent Openwork at Industry T&C related events, groups or committees
• Accurate and timely FCA data submissions and feeding into FCA reporting e.g. AR Self-Assessment.
• Ensure effective Business Continuity Plan is in place for T&C.

• Proven track record of strategic design and visionary thinking, implementing large change programmes that deliver significant enhanced controls.
• Experience of designing T&C Scheme, Supervision Framework or AR oversight, in line with FCA expectations and T&C handbook.
• Proven track-record of building and leading large teams, (30+) including matrix reporting through significant regulatory change.
• Experience of leading regulated or T&C functions within a regulated firm.
• Proven record of influencing stakeholders (Executive and Senior Leader) and overcoming obstacles collaboratively.
• Understanding of AR Regime and current FCA expectations and standards for AR Oversight (advice areas of Protection, Mortgage and Wealth).
• Full working knowledge and of operating effective SMCR controls.
• Experience of resource planning, forecasting and managing a budget in excess of £1m.
• Experience of leading remote teams.
• Level 4 Diploma Qualified or equivalent gained through experience.
• Previously held Certified role, regulated control function or similar.

We're a dynamic, fast paced, and growing business with huge ambition. This is all made possible by the brilliant people who are part of The Openwork Partnership family. We're investing heavily in our colleagues, continuously striving to give them the platform to develop personally and professionally and reach their full potential.

We’re also very proud of our culture, as one of the Best 100 Large Companies to work for in 2022. The Openwork Partnership values, and respects individuality and we are committed to building an inclusive culture and environment which truly recognises and celebrates our colleague’s individual differences and identities – just like our financial advice, for us, it’s personal. We believe everyone can make a difference and your race, religion, disability, and gender will never be a barrier. At Openwork, we have a strong ethic of care for each other where you can balance a successful career with your commitments and interests outside of work. We believe that you will bring your best self to work if you are trusted to choose when, where and how you do it.