Head of Compliance & CRO

Head of Compliance & Chief Risk OfficerLocation: Republic of Ireland (Hybrid options available) Exclusive appointment via FS RecruitmentFS Recruitment are exclusively retained to appoint a Head of Compliance & Chief Risk Officer (CRO) for a well-capitalised, privately owned financial services company providing motor finance solutions to dealerships, brokers and manufacturers across Ireland.This is a senior leadership role with significant scope to shape and oversee the organisation’s compliance, risk and governance frameworks as it continues its growth journey in the Irish market.The RoleReporting directly to the Board, the Head of Compliance & Chief Risk Officer will design, implement, and oversee the company’s compliance and risk management framework. This role is classified as a pre-approved controlled function (PCF12, PCF14 and/or PCF52) under the Central Bank of Ireland’s Fitness and Probity regime.You will provide strategic leadership across compliance, AML/CTF, data protection, and enterprise-wide risk management, ensuring the business meets its regulatory obligations while promoting a strong culture of integrity and accountability.Key ResponsibilitiesRegulatory ComplianceLead and manage the company’s compliance programme, ensuring full adherence to CBI requirements.Act as the primary liaison with the Central Bank of Ireland on regulatory matters.Maintain and update compliance frameworks, policies, and regulatory returns.Oversee AML/CTF compliance, data protection and conduct risk.Deliver ongoing training and guidance to ensure organisation-wide regulatory awareness.Risk ManagementDevelop and enhance the company’s risk management framework, including risk appetite, policies and reporting.Oversee risk registers, compliance monitoring plans, and emerging risk identification.Embed risk considerations into business planning and decision-making at all levels.Strategic LeadershipAdvise the Board and senior management on compliance and risk strategy.Ensure new initiatives, partnerships and product developments align with regulatory expectations and internal risk appetite.Operational & Complaints OversightOversee registers of conflicts, operational incidents, and complaints.Lead the complaint resolution process, ensuring fair outcomes and continuous improvement.Coordinate internal and external audits on risk-related matters.Experience & QualificationsThird-level qualification in Business, Finance or Law.Professional Diploma in Compliance and LCI designation (or equivalent).Minimum 5 years’ experience in a senior compliance and/or risk role within financial services, ideally within a regulated consumer finance environment.Previous or current PCF12, PCF14 and/or PCF52 approval (or the experience and capability to secure it).Why Apply?This is a rare opportunity to join a well-capitalised and growing financial services company at a pivotal stage of development. You’ll play a key role in shaping its compliance and risk culture, influence decision-making at Board level, and have the autonomy to design frameworks that support sustainable, well-governed growth.