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UK Independence Team – Assistant Director

The UK Independence team is part of the EY UK Risk Management (RM) function and is a key component of the firm’s System of Quality Management. The team supports compliance with Independence requirements across all service lines and the wider business, enabling client‑serving teams and EY UK Leadership to make well‑informed decisions and bring services to market in a compliant and responsible manner.

To meet growing demand from the business for Independence advice amid increasingly complex regulatory requirements and operating environment, the team is evolving toward a more business‑aligned operating model, creating an opportunity for a new Assistant Director to join the team.

The opportunity

This is an opportunity to join the UK Independence team at mid-level, with responsibility for supporting high profile and business critical Independence matters.

As an Assistant Director, you will support the business in interpreting and applying Independence requirements across a range of complex scenarios, navigating differing regulatory expectations, and advising on how services can be structured in a compliant and practical manner.

You will support the effective operation of a business aligned Independence team, working closely with Service Line Leadership, Quality teams, Professional Practice, and client serving partners to deliver timely, commercially informed advice that protects the firm’s compliance.

The role offers significant exposure to senior stakeholders and the opportunity to help shape the future of the business aligned Independence operating model, embedding strong accountability, effective ways of working, and continuous improvement across the function.

Key Responsibilities

Your core responsibilities will include:

Proactively developing your knowledge in EY services and the related independence requirements, including all related supplementary guidance and resources, as well as staying abreast of developments in Independence to advise the business on the application of Independence requirements and regulatory expectations, including:

• Providing guidance on structuring services in a compliant, practical, and commercially informed manner.

• Advising on designing and overseeing effective safeguards to support responsible service delivery.

• Ensuring Independence consultations are sound, timely and appropriately documented.

• Supporting Independence compliance monitoring, such as related to fee cap, fee ratios, PACE documentation, and/or GIS compliance requirements.

• Supporting effective use of Independence tools to support compliance and business enablement.

• Supporting the Independence System of Quality Management requirements.

• Leading on specific Independence projects and matters.

• Bringing an innovative mindset by challenging current practices, making recommendations to leadership and promoting continuous improvement and agility to meet business needs.

• Coaching and developing others to build capability and depth of expertise.

Across all your responsibilities, you will be expected to exercise sound judgement, engage proactively with the business, and balance technical rigour with commercial awareness, ensuring Independence requirements are applied consistently while supporting the firm’s strategic objectives.

Experience

We are looking for individuals who bring a strong mix of technical credibility, leadership capability and business awareness.

Key requirements include:

• Experience within a Risk Management function, ideally with direct Independence or closely related regulatory experience.

• Strong commercial awareness, with the ability to lead on engagement with the business as both a second‑line function and a trusted advisor.

• Proven capability to interpret Independence requirements and tailor them into practical, compliant guidance, including advice on service structuring and appropriate safeguards.

• Strong analytical and judgement skills, with excellent attention to detail and the ability to apply regulatory requirements to real‑world business scenarios.

• Highly organised, with the ability to manage competing priorities and delivery in a fast‑paced environment.

• Demonstrated ability to build trusted relationships with service lines, developing a deep understanding of business models, services, and commercial context.

• Resilient under pressure, with a track record of delivering high‑quality outcomes in high‑intensity, high‑visibility situations.

• Proactive and self‑directed, exercising sound judgement and accountability, with confidence to make decisions and escalate matters appropriately.

• Strong communicator, able to engage credibly.

• Collaborative and adaptable, able to work effectively across functions and disciplines.

What we offer

We offer a competitive remuneration package with flexible working and a comprehensive Total Rewards offering, including tailored benefits through FlexEY.

As part of the UK Independence team, you will work in a critical risk management function closely connected to client delivery and go‑to‑market activity, with the opportunity to help embed a new operating model and further develop your leadership, judgement, and business‑partnering capabilities.

In addition, EY offers:

• Continuous learning: Build deep technical expertise alongside strong business, leadership, and communication skills.

• Business impact: Work directly with senior stakeholders to influence compliant, responsible go‑to‑market activity.

• Leadership development: Receive coaching and development to lead through change and build high‑performing teams.

• Inclusive culture: Contribute to a collaborative, inclusive environment that values diverse perspectives and continuous improvement.

If you can demonstrate that you meet the criteria above and are motivated by the opportunity to combine technical excellence with strong business engagement, we encourage you to apply.

The exceptional EY experience. It’s yours to build.

Apply now to develop your potential.

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