Programme Director

CDD Lab Director - Ops & Journey Digitisation

London (Hybrid) Director Level | Financial Services

We're partnering with a leading global financial services organisation undergoing a major transformation of its Financial Crime / CDD (KYC) operations. They are looking for a hands-on, delivery-focused leader to take on a CDD Lab Director role-driving the digitisation and transformation of end-to-end customer due diligence journeys. This is a high-impact role where you will lead from the front, embedding automation and AI, improving operational performance, and challenging traditional approaches to accelerate change.

• Lead a cross-functional transformation lab (product, ops, tech, data)
• Drive end-to-end digitisation of CDD / KYC journeys (onboarding, reviews, remediation)
• Embed AI and automation into operational workflows
• Reduce manual touchpoints and increase straight-through processing (STP)
• Deliver measurable improvements in cost, speed, and customer experience
• Challenge policy and strategy to enable simpler, faster execution

• Proven experience leading large-scale transformation / delivery programmes
• Strong background in operations, digital transformation, or product-led change
• Track record of process digitisation, automation, or operational improvement
• Experience working in regulated environments (banking, insurance, fintech)
• Ability to drive execution at pace and influence senior stakeholders

Exposure to KYC, CDD, or Financial Crime is advantageous, but not essential.

We're interested in candidates currently in roles such as:

• Transformation / Programme Director
• Head of Operations Transformation / Digital Ops
• Product Director (Customer Journeys / Onboarding)
• Head of KYC / Client Onboarding / Financial Crime Operations
• Automation / AI Transformation Lead

• Shape a flagship transformation programme at scale
• Work at the intersection of operations, technology, and AI
• Deliver real, measurable impact across a critical area of the business
• High visibility role with senior stakeholder exposure

Apply directly or message me for a confidential discussion.