Head of Compliance and Operations

Job Title: Head of Compliance & Operations

Location: United Kingdom (Hybrid)

Salary: 100,000 - 130,000 + Equity

An early-stage AI company is seeking a Head of Compliance & Operations to lead the build-out of its regulatory, compliance, and operational infrastructure.

Operating at the intersection of artificial intelligence and regulated industries, the company is focused on developing secure, high-performance products while establishing a strong governance and compliance foundation from the outset.

This is a high-impact, leadership position responsible for guiding the business from startup phase to a fully regulated UK entity.

The successful candidate will take ownership of the FCA authorisation process, acting as the primary point of contact with the regulator, while designing and implementing a best-in-class compliance and operational framework.

This role combines strategic oversight with hands-on execution, making it ideal for someone who thrives in fast-paced, build-from-scratch environments.

• Lead the end-to-end FCA authorisation process, including application and regulatory engagement
• Build and implement a robust compliance and risk framework
• Establish governance structures and internal controls aligned with regulatory expectations
• Design and scale operational processes to support a regulated business
• Oversee regulatory reporting, audits, and compliance monitoring
• Partner with product and engineering teams to embed compliance into product design
• Support leadership and investors with regulatory and risk insights

• Proven experience leading or supporting FCA authorisation in the UK
• Strong understanding of UK regulatory frameworks and compliance standards
• Background in compliance, risk, or operations within a regulated industry (e.g. fintech, AI, SaaS)
• Experience building compliance frameworks from the ground up
• Deep knowledge of GDPR, data protection, and operational risk
• Ability to operate both strategically and hands-on

• Experience in early-stage or high-growth environments
• Exposure to AI or data-driven products in regulated settings
• Track record of successful regulatory approvals
• Familiarity with UK and EU regulatory landscapes

• Opportunity to shape the regulatory foundation of a growing AI company
• High ownership and direct impact on business trajectory
• Close collaboration with leadership and key stakeholders
• Equity participation in an early-stage business

This is a unique opportunity for a compliance leader to build and scale a regulated function from the ground up within an innovative AI-driven environment.