Senior Compliance Manager

Senior Manager – Compliance Reports To: Director, Compliance Location: Dubai and/or Abu Dhabi Direct Reports: TBC About j. awan & partners At j. awan & partners, we believe in challenging the status quo every day, delivering seamless excellence to our customers across the world.

We challenge the status quo by creating tailor-made solutions to meet the specific requirements of our clients business interests, delivering solutions to their needs with effective simplicity.

We understand that time is precious, and as such our tailor-made solutions are simple to understand, simple to embed, and simple to use. We are a fast-growing international Governance, Risk and Compliance (GRC) consultancy headquartered in the Dubai International Finance Centre (DIFC).

We also have our own technology company creating bespoke, cutting-edge RegTech solutions. Our business spans multiple jurisdictions, with offices in the UAE, KSA, UK & Ireland, Singapore, Porto, Pakistan, Qatar, and now South Africa.

We provide Regulatory Governance, Risk, Compliance, Finance, Recruitment, and Technology services to clients including global, regional, and local financial services institutions, governments, and other industry partners.

As part of our global expansion plan, we are looking for an ambitious and agile professional with a strong background in compliance to join our team.

Mission / Purpose of the Role The Senior Manager – Compliance will lead and oversee regulatory compliance and AML/CTF obligations across a portfolio of client mandates within the region.

The role ensures clients remain fully aligned with regulatory expectations by implementing best-in-class compliance frameworks, conducting ongoing monitoring, and serving as the principal regulatory liaison.

Reporting to the Director of Compliance, this role drives business growth by converting existing relationships into new opportunities and supporting the expansion of the compliance practice across our operating jurisdictions.

It plays a critical part in safeguarding regulatory integrity, strengthening client trust, and elevating JAP's compliance standards across multiple jurisdictions. 12–18 Month Mission Outcomes (What Success Looks Like) Act as a trusted outsourced Compliance Officer and MLRO.

Success looks like: timely execution of compliance deliverables, with clients regulatory obligations consistently met, and effective communication with regulators. Deliver high-quality regulatory compliance and AML services to clients.

Success looks like: applications submitted on schedule; licenses obtained with minimal regulator queries or rejections; positive client feedback on compliance support; no material regulatory breaches or audit findings. Develop and implement robust compliance and AML frameworks and training programs.

Success looks like: policies aligned with regulatory requirements; regular AML and compliance training conducted, resulting in improved compliance awareness among clients. Audit, monitor, and improve compliance processes.

Success looks like: regular compliance reviews completed; identified gaps addressed with corrective action; internal controls strengthened. Manage and expand the compliance client portfolio while supporting business growth across the region.

Success looks like: new business opportunities identified and supported; strengthened client retention and satisfaction; growth in brand visibility and market presence. Continuously improve compliance and AML/CTF systems.

Success looks like: implementation of new processes, tools, or automation; measurable reduction in compliance risks; adoption of industry best practices. Strengthen business development and client engagement.

Success looks like: new client acquisitions; increased market share and revenue from compliance services; successful representation at industry events. Contribute to firm culture, brand, and people development. Success looks like: positive internal and external stakeholder feedback; support for recruitme