AML / TM Operations Management Lead

Role Overview

The AML/ TM Operations Lead is responsible for overseeing the timely delivery, performance and quality of the AML/ TM operations within the delivery center in Lisbon. The role combines operational excellence, strong regulatory awareness with a focus on TM, and people leadership to ensure client commitments and regulatory expectations are consistently met across multiple AML workstreams (e. g. , Transaction Monitoring, KYC/CDD, Sanctions, Name Screening, QA/QC).

Key Responsibilities

1. Leadership & Team Management

• Lead and develop a
  - performing AML operations team, ensuring strong delivery governance, engagement, and retention.
• Manage performance reviews, training, and succession planning of AML analysts, investigators, and team leads.
• Foster a culture of compliance, accountability, and continuous improvement across the organization.
• Foster collaboration between client stakeholders and delivery teams to ensure consistent communication and goal alignment.
• Champion continuous improvement methodologies to minimize waste and improve case quality.
• Lead capacity planning and workforce allocation, ensuring agile and
  - driven responses to volume fluctuations while maintaining SLA adherence, cost efficiency, and robust risk management.

2. Operational Delivery

• Oversee
  -
  - day AML operations across multiple workstreams ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and SLA adherence.
• Monitor quality and productivity metrics, identify process gaps, and implement corrective and preventive actions.
• Ensure adherence to regulatory standards, internal controls, and client policies, particularly related to AML, KYC, EDD, and sanctions screening.
• Drive operational excellence by standardizing procedures and optimizing delivery processes.

3. Risk & Compliance Management

• Proactively identify and elevate operational and AML‑related risks, including fraud risks, to client governance forums, ensuring timely mitigation and transparent communication.
• Ensure proper application of the risk‑based approach (RBA), escalation protocols, and documentation standards.
• Collaborate with Compliance and MLRO counterparts to ensure alignment with regulatory frameworks (FATF, EU AMLD, MAS, HKMA, etc. ).
• Support internal and external audits, inspections, and regulatory reviews to maintain full audit readiness.

4. Financial & Contractual Management

• Manage financial performance of AML delivery scope — including cost‑to‑serve, staffing optimization, and productivity.
• Support contract governance by ensuring adherence to service level agreements (SLAs), key performance indicators (KPIs), and operational commitments.
• Participate in solution design, pricing, and capacity planning for AML‑related engagements.

5. Stakeholder Management

• Partner with Delivery Account Leads, Client Relationship Leads, and Compliance SMEs to address operational risks and performance challenges.
• Provide regular business reviews and updates to senior leadership on performance, incidents, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Collaborate with other delivery centers to share best practices and harmonize AML delivery standards globally.
• Serve as escalation point for client concerns, ensuring swift issue resolution and root‑cause prevention.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Economics, Business, Law, or related field (Master’s preferred).
• English Level – Minimum C1

Experience

• Minimum 7 years of leadership experience managing AML/KYC/CDD or Transaction Monitoring teams.
• Strong understanding of AML regulations, FATF recommendations, and client‑specific standards.

Certifications

• At least one of the following certifications: ICA certifications in AML, Financial Crime, or Compliance and/or CAMS (Certified Anti‑Money Laundering Specialist)

Skills

• Deep knowledge of AML processes and controls.
• Strong leadership, stakeholder management, and analytical problem‑solving.
• Excellent communication and business writing skills.
• Proficiency in data‑driven decision‑making and operational metrics management.
• Ability to thrive in a fast‑paced environment and effectively manage change in a flexible and adaptive manner.

Preferred Experience

• Delivery leadership within global financial institutions or managed services.
• Exposure to regulatory jurisdictions such as EU or US AML regulations.
• Experience in managing transitions, process migrations, and change initiatives.

You must possess a valid work permit or residency for Portugal and/or citizenship of a European Union or Schengen Area country.