Our third-party due diligence team assess our clients’ current, former or potential counterparties, looking for any issues that might pose a reputational or business risk to them, wherever they may be in the world. The work is compliance-focused and volume-driven.

The Associate Research Manager is responsible for the quality of work. S/he will oversee and guide Researchers to ensure they produce clear, analytical and exceptionally well-written reports which help our clients protect their integrity and reputation.

S/he will also support the Research Manager in training researchers and managing projects, leveraging internal and external resources in order to complete projects in a timely and effective manner. 

The successful candidate will have a strong knowledge of open-source intelligence and public record research, experience in writing and reviewing due diligence reports, people management skills and has excellent communication, writing and interpersonal skills.

People Management

• Manage a team of researchers and senior researchers
• Define, for each team member, objectives and responsibilities in line with the practice goals
• Conduct performance reviews
• Ensure well-being and professional development of staff
• Support the Research Manager in recruiting new researchers

Project management of third-party due diligence

• Ensure work is properly scoped, allocated to researchers, tracked and ultimately delivered on time and within budget
• Communicate directly with clients in order to clarify the scope of projects, address questions, and suggest potential additional avenues of research
• Review and approve (content and editorial) work, ensuring projects are of high quality and meet Clients’ specifications
• Liaise with and provide feedback to vendors and subcontractors, ensuring the quality of work they provide is high and adheres to our global delivery standards
• Engage with colleagues in the Business Intelligence team whenever work requires their input and collaboration

Regional research initiatives

• Assist Research Manager in training new researchers in the methodology and approach, ensuring new team members successfully complete the onboarding process
• Provide continual training and cascade updates to the methodology and approach
• Monitor quality of work and give feedback to researchers; motivate and guide researchers to ensure they are focused and directed effectively on operational and other aspects of the work
• Interact regularly with other Team Leads and Associate Research Managers to provide support and feedback on VANTAGE work
• Participate in discussions with other Team Leads and Associate Research Managers to provide insight on potential service/product improvement

Requirements

• Education to degree level (minimum of a bachelor’s or equivalent experience)
• Experience in writing, researching and reviewing/editing due diligence reports; demonstrated excellence in research, writing and editing in Chinese and English
• Full fluency in written and spoken Chinese and English is essential
• Knowledge of other languages and the socio-political environment in the Greater China and North Asia (GCNA) and APAC regions is an advantage

• Experience in writing, researching and reviewing/editing due diligence reports; demonstrated excellence in research, writing and editing in English
• Experience in managing projects, especially where the project team is spread across several locations
• At least 1-2 years’ experience in line management
• Strong knowledge of research techniques, databases, networks, online registers and archives and other OSINT research tools
• Experience influencing people across an organization, especially without direct reporting lines
• Proven ability to meet project deadlines

Preferred

• Knowledge of software-based case management solutions
• Experience in compliance functions within financial institutions or corporate settings, including roles equivalent to a Research Supervisor in a due diligence or investigative research firm
• Strong knowledge of the socio-political environment in greater China
• Experience in a compliance team in a financial institution or a corporate setting
• Knowledge of other languages and the socio-political environment in the region is an advantage
• Qualifications specific to financial crime or compliance would be an advantage

Benefits

• Control Risks offers a competitively positioned compensation and benefits package that is transparent and summarised in the full job offer.
• We operate a discretionary global bonus scheme that incentivises, and rewards individuals based on company and individual performance.
• Control Risks supports hybrid working arrangements, wherever possible, that emphasise the value of in-person time together - in the office and with our clients - while continuing to support flexible and remote working.
• Working with our clients, from day one our people are given direct responsibility, career development and the opportunity to work collaboratively on fascinating projects in a rewarding and inclusive global environment.
• The Company is committed to further its diversity, inclusion and equity agenda and as an employee you have access to various business resource groups in the Company including the Company's LGBT+ network called MOSAIC, the Women's Network, and Synergy - a people network to celebrate and promote ethnic diversity at Control Risks

Control Risks is committed to a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age or veteran status.

If you require any reasonable adjustments to be made in order to participate fully in the interview process, please let us know and we will be happy to accommodate your needs.