Compliance Manager and DPO

About Smartnumbers

We are on a mission to stop fraud and improve customer authentication. Fraud is a huge problem affecting millions of people, it costs the UK nearly £7bn and represents 40% of all crime. Too often the solution has been to put in place cumbersome authentication processes that frustrate genuine customers, cause inefficiencies for organisations and fail to prevent fraud.

We are changing this by providing organisations with real-time insight into the risk of a caller. We combine patented machine learning technology with our deep domain knowledge to prevent contact centre fraud and streamline customer experience.

We recognise that we need to work together to fight fraud, that is why we have fostered strategic partnerships with leading global organisations like BT, Genesys and Nuance. Together, we protect the UKs largest retail banks, investment banks and emergency services. We also believe in developing our people and developing high performing teams, reflected by our Platinum Investors in People accreditation.

What you’ll be working on

We are searching for a Compliance Manager and DPO to join the Compliance Team at Smartnumbers. The role works closely with the Product, Finance, HR, Software Engineering, Sales and Operations teams and reports to the CFO. The role’s key aim is to ensure that our development and use of data is transparent, ethical, and compliant with relevant regulations, and that colleagues across Smartnumbers understand their responsibilities when developing, procuring, and/or deploying solutions. The role will also be expected to assess emerging regulations (including AI) and work alongside the Executive Team to introduce relevant policies and procedures for compliance at the appropriate time.

The role suits passionate, proactive, goal-oriented candidates who are intellectually curious and thrive in  ambitious organisations. The role is well-suited to versatile candidates with a background in Data Protection, Privacy Compliance & Operations, Regulatory Governance, etc. 

Role responsibilities will include:

Privacy Compliance 

• Data Protection Officer (DPO): Fulfil DPO responsibilities, manage governance systems and execute privacy strategies.
• Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIA): Work with cross functional teams to document compliance assessments and DPIAs as necessary.
• Risk Management: Facilitate preparation and execution of risk response plans for ongoing practices or regulatory changes.
• Internal Expertise: Conduct impact assessments of regulations and their implications for the business.
• Regulatory Contact: Serve as the main point of contact for regulatory inquiries, escalations, and investigations.
• Contract Management: Support the Finance and Commercial teams with reviewing Data Protection schedules and supplements.
• Artificial Intelligence Compliance: Work with internal Machine Learning teams to support the business into newly regulated environments.

General Compliance

• Enterprise Risk Management: Work with function leaders to identify and document business threats.
• Cultural Promotion: Promote a culture of regulatory compliance awareness and conduct throughout the organisation.
• Compliance Training: Deliver annual and onboarding training as relevant to employee conduct and best practices where maintaining compliance standards.
• Compliance Monitoring: Continually assess and monitor organisational compliance with relevant regulations and certifications.
• Regulatory Analysis: Analyse changes to regulatory and certification requirements, such as Data Protection Act, Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations, ISO9001, ISO27001, and CE+.
• Product and Service Launch: Advise on regulatory aspects when developing new products, services, or expanding into new territories.
• Stay Updated: Keep abreast of UK regulations, directives, and guidelines related to data protection and emerging AI regulations.
• Certification Pursuit: Research and facilitate attainment of additional certifications beneficial to the business.

Team Leadership

• Team Leadership: Lead the Compliance team and provide coaching and mentoring to team members who are responsible for Telco Compliance and the ongoing management of Standards and Certificates.
• Contract Staff Oversight: Supervise contract staff responsible for maintaining telecom compliance, including Ofcom General Conditions, 999 responsibilities, and NICC standards.
• Regulatory Response: Address enquiries, investigations, and other regulatory actions as mandated.
• Compliance Roadmap: Define and embed annual compliance roadmaps which align solidly with company OKRs.
• Stakeholder Management: Manage key external relationships and contractor relationships.

What you’ll need for the role

We are looking for the following skills, competencies and experience:

Key

• Data Protection officer qualifications and experience in a DPO role
• Experience working in a highly regulated B2B environment with senior stakeholders
• Experience leading a compliance team with demonstrated abilities to coordinate numerous internal and external resources
• Ability to coordinate numerous internal and external resources
• Ability to quickly grasp new concepts and evaluate information
• Ability to counsel privacy by design with product and engineering teams
• Excellent communication and influencing skills
• Excellent report writing and presentation skills
• Excellent horizon scanning independence
• Strong analytical and problem solving skills
• Curiosity and willingness to learn
• Deep understanding of UK and EU GDPR guidelines and practices

Desirable

• Telecoms Knowledge (SIP, PSTN, number management, porting, billing)
• Ability to adapt to changing requirements and priorities
• Experience with auditing (taking part and conducting an audit)
• Exposure to Contract Law
• Solid working knowledge of UK’s General Conditions of Entitlement

What we can offer you

As well as a competitive salary of circa £80,000 per annum, we also offer a comprehensive benefits package, covering a variety of areas, both professional and personal. These benefits include: