Job Description

Role: Senior Manager - Transaction Monitoring & Actimize SAM 9 Optimization
Location: London
Contract position.

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced Senior Manager to lead transaction monitoring (TM) optimization and tuning initiatives within a large-scale banking environment. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in enhancing Actimize SAM 9 systems , driving model tuning , scenario optimization , and ensuring the delivery of a robust financial crime risk monitoring framework .

This is a hands-on leadership role requiring deep expertise in Actimize SAM 9 , combined with strong stakeholder management, delivery leadership, and the ability to bridge the gap between technical configuration and compliance requirements .

Key Responsibilities

• Actimize SAM 9 Leadership
• Lead the end-to-end tuning, configuration, and optimization of the Actimize SAM 9 transaction monitoring system.
• Define and execute strategies to improve detection accuracy, optimize thresholds, and reduce false positives.
• Provide expert guidance on the SAM 9 platform, including segmentation, rule enhancements, and performance optimization.
• Transaction Monitoring Frameworks
• Own the bank's TM optimization strategy, ensuring alignment with regulatory expectations and financial crime risk appetite.
• Lead gap assessments on TM configurations and translate findings into actionable enhancements.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define best practices for scenario design and data quality management.
• Data Analysis & Tuning
• Leverage data analytics to assess TM model performance and deliver insight-driven tuning recommendations.
• Identify challenges with cross-border, trade finance, and retail transaction data and propose effective solutions.
• Develop structured approaches to reduce operational inefficiencies while ensuring regulatory compliance.
• Stakeholder & Project Leadership
• Act as a senior point of contact between compliance, data teams, and technology functions.
• Present tuning strategies, configuration changes, and outcomes directly to senior stakeholders.
• Lead weekly project cadences, provide structured updates, and ensure timely delivery of enhancements.
• Team Leadership & Mentorship
• Guide a team of TM specialists and technical consultants, providing coaching and oversight.
• Act as a subject-matter expert for junior and mid-level TM resources working on tuning, optimization, and configuration.

Key Requirements

• Technical Expertise
• Mandatory: Proven hands-on experience with Actimize SAM 9 (versions 8 or 9 preferred).
• Deep understanding of transaction monitoring tuning, optimization, and rule configuration.
• Experience troubleshooting data ingestion, managing thresholds, and segmenting scenarios.
• Professional Experience
• 8+ years of experience in transaction monitoring, financial crime technology, or AML systems optimization.
• Prior exposure to large-scale TM frameworks in banking or financial services is essential.
• Strong track record of designing, implementing, and delivering TM tuning initiatives in regulated environments.
• Regulatory & Compliance Knowledge
• Understanding of AML risk typologies, sanctions exposure, and regulatory drivers for TM optimization.
• Ability to translate compliance objectives into actionable technical configurations.
• Leadership & Communication
• Experience managing senior stakeholders across compliance, risk, and technology functions.
• Excellent presentation skills with the ability to explain technical configurations to non-technical audiences.
• Proven ability to lead multi-disciplinary teams and ensure delivery under tight timelines.

Preferred Background

• Experience with large banking environments, especially those operating across corporate, retail, and trade finance products.
• Strong knowledge of data management principles within TM platforms.
• Prior consulting or project delivery experience would be highly beneficial.

Role Highlights

• Position: Senior Manager - Transaction Monitoring
• Focus: Actimize SAM 9 tuning, optimization & delivery leadership
• Engagement: Contract
• Location: London
• Team Size: Cross-functional engagement with compliance, data, and technology
• Package: Competitive, based on seniority and expertise