Compliance Director

About this role

Join us to help lead the next wave of the digital economy.

The world depends on the infrastructure that keeps us connected. From the way we work to how we live, every moment depends on it. Yet most of that infrastructure sits in the same crowded hubs, running up against constraints of space, power and permits. That’s where you come in.

At Apto, we design, build and operate hyperscale data centres where they’re needed most - in Europe’s fastest-growing markets, working with customers to unblock capacity bottlenecks. These are the places our customers need to be next, where land and power can be unlocked and where growth is possible - so the digital economy can thrive.

You’ll join a business formed to develop and operate the European data centre assets of global investment manager PIMCO, we benefit from the scale, resources and land sourcing capabilities of one of the largest real estate platforms in Europe.

We have the firepower to deliver - but it’s our people who make the difference: a leadership team behind some of the most ambitious data centre projects in the world, and colleagues who will push you, back you and bring you into the decisions that shape our future. From day one, we’ve been deliberate about the company we’re building - values-led, customer-obsessed and ambitious for each other’s success.

If you want to work somewhere you can see the direct impact of what you do, this is your moment. At Apto, we don’t just build data centres. We build careers, capabilities and a culture where everyone owns the outcome.

The role

As Compliance Director, you will be responsible for designing, implementing and continuously improving Apto's compliance framework across our European operations.

Key Responsibilities Include

• Develop and lead Apto's enterprise Compliance Management Framework.
• Design and maintain a risk-based Compliance Monitoring Programme to assess compliance across the business.
• Lead the ongoing review, development and governance of company policies, procedures and standards.
• Ensure compliance with applicable UK and European legislation, including GDPR and data protection requirements.
• Implement and monitor Anti Financial Crime compliance activities across functions, including testing and adherence to policies and regulatory requirements.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of AML, sanctions, ABC, fraud, and related compliance frameworks
• Partner with Information Security to maintain strong governance around data protection, privacy and information management.
• Plan and coordinate internal compliance reviews, external audits and independent assurance activities.
• Manage relationships with external auditors, compliance consultants and regulatory bodies where required.
• Monitor changes in legislation and regulatory requirements, ensuring the business remains compliant and prepared for future developments.
• Provide practical compliance advice to business leaders, supporting strategic initiatives and operational decision-making.
• Promote a strong culture of ethics, integrity and accountability through communication and awareness initiatives, including robust training programmes across all compliance matters.
• Prepare compliance reporting, dashboards and Board papers for Executive Leadership and governance committees.
• Monitor remediation plans arising from audits, compliance reviews and risk assessments through to successful completion.
• Support ISO certification programmes and wider corporate governance initiatives.
• Continuously identify opportunities to improve compliance processes, controls and governance across the organisation.

What we offer

Apto offers competitive salaries and bonuses alongside a full package of benefits that you’d expect. All employees are part of the Long-Term Incentive Plan, which offers a meaningful incentive to align the whole Apto team on the success of the platform. Further details will be provided during the interview process.

You will be joining Apto at an early stage in our development and the opportunities for career growth are limited only by your ambition, we will offer a breadth of exposure to senior executives, investors and daily interaction with a world class team. Everyone takes accountability for the success of Apto - this mindset isn’t for everyone but if it is for you - we'd love to have a conversation.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Law, Business, Risk Management, Governance or a related discipline.
• Proven experience in Anti Financial Crime compliance programs, including developing risk-based, audit-ready frameworks
• Significant experience leading compliance, governance, risk or internal audit functions within a complex international organisation.
• Demonstrable experience designing and implementing enterprise compliance programmes.
• Strong working knowledge of all data protection legislation.
• Experience developing and maintaining corporate policy frameworks and governance processes.
• Experience managing compliance monitoring, internal assurance and external audit programmes.
• Excellent stakeholder management skills with the ability to influence at Executive and Board level.
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, including report writing and presentation experience.
• Strong organisational and project management capabilities with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• A pragmatic, commercial approach to compliance that enables business growth while effectively managing risk.

Preferred Qualifications

• Professional qualification in Compliance, Governance, Risk, Audit or Law.
• GDPR or Data Protection certification (such as CIPP/E, CIPM or equivalent).
• CAMS (Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist) and/or ICA Diploma in Anti-Money Laundering or Financial Crime Prevention.
• Experience supporting ISO management systems and external certification programmes.
• Experience working within infrastructure, construction, technology, data centre or real estate sectors.
• Experience operating across multiple European jurisdictions.
• Knowledge of ESG, corporate governance and modern compliance frameworks.

Reporting

Hannah Kramer - Chief legal Officer

Apto is an equal opportunities employer.

Contact Apto today

If you are interested, please send apply here with your CV