Head of Compliance

The Head of Compliance will lead the Compliance function for Coverys International and is responsible for establishing and maintaining a robust compliance framework, advising the Board and senior management on compliance matters, and acting as the primary liaison with the Central Bank of Ireland (CBI). The role will also provide support for CIIC's corporate governance regime and the operation of its Board of Directors and related Committees.

Key Responsibilities:

• Advise the board of directors on compliance with the Solvency II regulations, Consumer Protection Code, Corporate Governance Requirements and other laws applicable in Ireland and other EU states.
• Monitor and assess the possible impact of any changes to laws applicable in the State and across the EEA on the operations of the undertaking and the identification and assessment of compliance risk.
• Implement a robust compliance monitoring programme and report the results to the Audit Committee on a periodic basis.
• Act as the point of contact for executive management and the Central Bank of Ireland on all compliance issues relevant to the Company, including for all projects that arise.
• Monitor compliance with applicable statutory and regulatory requirements and relevant guidance applicable to the Company.
• Support the implementation of the Individual Accountability Framework (IAF) and Senior Executive Accountability Regime (SEAR), where applicable.
• Work with management to help ensure that robust compliance systems are in place, fully operational and understood by all relevant staff.
• Prepare regular reports for the Company's Board / Risk Committee on general compliance issues and emerging trends.
• Define and develop the Annual Compliance Plan in line with best practice and regulatory requirements.
• Lead compliance training to promote understanding across all business levels.
• Review new business activities to ensure they are assessed for compliance & potential risks.
• Handle complaints received by the company in line with the Company's complaints procedures.
• Review company policies and procedures to ensure they are compliant with local legislation, where necessary prepare or suggest amendments.
• Responsible for the application, maintenance and updating of the Conflict of Interest Policy, minimally on an annual basis, after completing a review of the Conflict of interests register and conflict mapping.
• Ensure appropriate disclosure to the regulators and other interested parties where required.
• Act as the Company's Data Protection Officer, appointed by the Board, to monitor that the Company is in line with all of its data protection requirements as per the General Data Protection Regulations and Data Protection Act and prepare regular reports to the Board.
• Undertake Corporate Governance including co-ordination of Board and committees.

Experience, skills and competencies:

• Proven experience (typically 5+ years) in a senior compliance role within the insurance or broader financial services sector.
• In-depth knowledge of Irish and EU insurance regulatory frameworks, including Solvency II, the Central Bank's Corporate Governance Code, and the Fitness and Probity regime.
• Strong understanding of the responsibilities and expectations associated with PCF-12 or prior experience in the role.
• A proven record of working within a Central Bank of Ireland regulated environment as well as knowledge of the regulatory landscape, particularly as it pertains to Freedom of Services operations across the European Economic Area.
• Experience in developing, implementing, managing and monitoring corporate compliance programs and working with code of conducts and ethical issues.
• Strong understanding of a range of compliance frameworks.
• Strong communication skills, both orally and in writing across all levels of management.
• Ability to build successful relationships with a number of senior stakeholders and regulators.
• Ability to operate effectively within a fast-paced organisation.
• Professional qualifications in compliance, law, risk management, or a related field (e.g., LCOI, ACOI, ICA).
• Experience with the implementation of SEAR and the Individual Accountability Framework.
• Familiarity with data protection, AML/CFT, and ESG-related compliance obligations.