Manager - Actimize SAM - Tuning & Calibration - Transaction Monitoring System

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.

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• 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.

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• 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.

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• 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.

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• 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.

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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.

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• 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.

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• 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.

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• 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.

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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