Compliance Operations Manager - Sanctions

The Role

The Sanctions Operations Lead will be the leader for Block's global sanctions screening operations, ensuring risk management and regulatory compliance across all Block ecosystems including Cash App, Square, Afterpay, and Tidal. You will guide operational excellence through team leadership, vendor management, and cross-functional partnerships while maintaining rigorous quality standards and supporting Block's commitment to safe, compliant growth. You will play a crucial role in protecting Block's ecosystem through sanctions screening programs and strategic operational leadership.

You Will

• Lead a global team of sanctions screening analysts (10-12 FTEs) while providing oversight to vendor operations (~20 analysts), driving performance excellence and career development through clear metrics, coaching, and capability building initiatives.
• Ensure accurate resolution of sanctions alerts across all Block businesses, maintaining quality standards and service level agreement adherence while preventing backlogs through proactive resource management and process optimization.
• Partner with the Global Sanctions Program Office and Head of Sanctions to ensure operational agreement on policy requirements and regulatory expectations, providing regular insights on operational trends and emerging risks.
• Drive continuous improvement in sanctions screening operations through the strategic implementation of automation and AI capabilities, collaborating with engineering teams to enhance detection accuracy and operational efficiency.
• Build and maintain effective partnerships across Product Compliance, Risk Modeling, and Engineering teams to ensure sanctions controls evolve with Block's product innovation while maintaining regulatory compliance.
• Oversee vendor performance management through established KPIs and quality metrics, ensuring consistent service delivery and risk management standards across all screening operations.
• Provide strategic leadership in operational risk management, including escalation of significant issues, clear reporting on key metrics, and proactive identification of process improvement opportunities.

You Have

• 8+ years of experience in financial crimes compliance operations, with demonstrated expertise in sanctions screening operations and regulatory requirements; experience in financial technology or payments industry.
• Proven track record of leading large, complex teams (10+ direct reports) with evidence of developing talent and driving performance improvement.
• Experience with sanctions screening systems, alert management processes, and emerging technologies, with experience implementing operational improvements and automation initiatives.
• Stakeholder management capabilities, demonstrated through successful partnerships with Policy, Product, Technology, and Risk teams while navigating complex organizational dynamics.
• Ability to leverage data to drive operational insights, identify emerging trends, and implement strategic improvements in screening effectiveness.
• Experience managing vendor relationships and third-party operations, with a track record of maintaining standards and effective oversight of outsourced teams.
• Strong risk management acumen with demonstrated ability to balance operational efficiency with regulatory requirements and compliance standards in a global financial services environment.
• Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree or relevant certifications (CAMS, CFE) preferred.

We're working to build a more inclusive economy where our customers have equal access to opportunity, and we strive to live by these same values in building our workplace. Block is a proud equal opportunity employer. We work hard to evaluate all employees and job applicants consistently, based solely on the core competencies required of the role at hand, and without regard to any legally protected class. We believe in being fair, and are committed to an inclusive interview experience, including providing reasonable accommodations to disabled applicants throughout the recruitment process. We encourage applicants to share any needed accommodations with their recruiter, who will treat these requests as confidentially as possible. Want to learn more about what we're doing to build an inclusive workplace? Check out our Inclusion & Diversity page

Full-time employee benefits include the following:

• Healthcare coverage (Medical, Vision and Dental insurance)
• Health Savings Account and Flexible Spending Account
• Retirement Plans including company match
• Employee Stock Purchase Program
• Wellness programs, including access to mental health, 1:1 financial planners, and a monthly wellness allowance
• Paid parental and caregiving leave
• Paid time off (including 12 paid holidays)
• Paid sick leave (1 hour per 26 hours worked (max 80 hours per calendar year to the extent legally permissible) for non-exempt employees and covered by our Flexible Time Off policy for exempt employees)
• Learning and Development resources
• Paid Life insurance, AD&D, and disability benefits

These benefits are further detailed in Block's policies. This role is also eligible to participate in Block's equity plan subject to the terms of the applicable plans and policies, and may be eligible for a sign-on bonus. Sales roles may be eligible to participate in a commission plan subject to the terms of the applicable plans and policies. Pay and benefits are subject to change at any time, consistent with the terms of any applicable compensation or benefit plans.