Regulatory Compliance Specialist Jobs in Illinois
Regulatory Compliance Specialist jobs in Illinois are consistently active, with strong demand concentrated in financial services, healthcare, manufacturing, and food and beverage sectors across the state at every level from entry-level associate through senior specialist. Chicago anchors the largest share of openings, with meaningful hiring also occurring in Peoria and Rockford, where companies like Abbott Laboratories, Hyatt, and Baxter International maintain significant Illinois operations. The most sought-after specialties in Illinois include FDA regulatory affairs, financial compliance under federal and state banking rules, and environmental and workplace safety compliance. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 18+ Regulatory Compliance Specialist jobs
The Director, GB Compliance and Regulatory Change is an opportunity to lead the Line 1B regulatory change mandate across Group Benefits and drive complex regulatory commitments and Corrective Action Plans through to sustainable closure. The role will bring together business, technology, Legal, Compliance, Privacy, Risk and other partners to translate regulatory requirements into clear plans, decisions and accountable execution.
By strengthening how Group Benefits responds to regulatory change and manages compliance risk, this role will help protect our customers and business while supporting effective, sustainable operations. The successful candidate will gain broad exposure across Group Benefits, work with senior leaders and enterprise partners, and lead high-priority initiatives with meaningful business and regulatory impact.
Position Responsibilities:
- Lead the Line 1B portfolio of regulatory changes, compliance issues and CAPs from impact assessment through implementation, evidence and closure.
- Chair the Group Benefits LAC with the Canada Segment BUCC and Line 1 GB members, driving impact assessments, action plans, decisions, working groups and escalation.
- Develop and drive integrated cross-functional plans with clear owners, milestones, dependencies, risks and closure criteria.
- Lead multidisciplinary teams without direct authority, secure commitments, resolve barriers and escalate material delivery risks and decisions.
- Partner with Legal and Compliance to translate regulatory requirements into executable business change while preserving Line 1 accountability and Second Line oversight.
- Provide Line 1B governance and challenge over risk assessments, mitigation plans, implementation readiness, delivery health and evidence supporting closure.
- Lead portfolio reporting, executive recommendations, annual planning and business readiness for regulatory change.
Required Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent business experience.
- 5+ years of experience leading complex regulatory, compliance, risk, transformation or program delivery in a regulated environment.
- Proven track record leading cross-functional initiatives and driving regulatory or corrective action commitments to completion without direct authority.
- Excellent project management, stakeholder management, negotiation and influencing skills.
- Ability to translate complex requirements into practical business actions, controls and evidence.
- Excellent analytical, written and verbal communication skills with sound judgement and strong attention to detail.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience in financial services, insurance or Group Benefits and familiarity with privacy, accessibility or health-benefit requirements.
- Knowledge of regulatory change, compliance issue management, operational risk and Line 1/Line 1B/Second Line accountabilities.
- Experience with Archer; PMP or comparable certification is an asset.
- Bilingualism (English and French) is an asset. If the successful candidate is in Québec, proficiency in both languages will be required to support clients from various provinces outside of Quebec.
When you join our team:
- We’ll empower you to learn and grow the career you want.
- We’ll recognize and support you in a flexible environment where well-being and inclusion are more than just words.
- As part of our global team, we’ll support you in shaping the future you want to see.
The role being advertised is an existing vacancy.
About Manulife and John Hancock
Manulife Financial Corporation is a leading international financial services provider, helping people make their decisions easier and lives better. To learn more about us, visit https://www.manulife.com/en/about/our-story.html.
Manulife is an Equal Opportunity Employer
At Manulife/John Hancock, we embrace our diversity. We strive to attract, develop and retain a workforce that is as diverse as the customers we serve and to foster an inclusive work environment that embraces the strength of cultures and individuals. We are committed to fair recruitment, retention, advancement and compensation, and we administer all of our practices and programs without discrimination on the basis of race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, religion or religious beliefs, creed, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions), sexual orientation, genetic characteristics, veteran status, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital status, family status, disability, or any other ground protected by applicable law.
It is our priority to remove barriers to provide equal access to employment. A Human Resources representative will work with applicants who request a reasonable accommodation during the application process. All information shared during the accommodation request process will be stored and used in a manner that is consistent with applicable laws and Manulife/John Hancock policies. To request a reasonable accommodation in the application process, contact hr@manulife.com.
Referenced Salary Location
Toronto, OntarioWorking Arrangement
Salary range is expected to be between
$125,100.00 CAD - $175,100.00 CADEmployees also have the opportunity to participate in incentive programs and earn incentive compensation tied to business and individual performance. The actual salary will vary depending on local market conditions, geography and relevant job-related factors such as knowledge, skills, qualifications, experience, and education/training. If you are applying for this role outside of the primary location, please contact hr@manulife.com for the salary range for your location.
Manulife offers eligible employees a wide array of customizable benefits, including health, dental, mental health, vision, short- and long-term disability, life and AD&D insurance coverage, adoption/surrogacy and wellness benefits, and employee/family assistance plans. We also offer eligible employees various retirement savings plans (including pension and a global share ownership plan with employer matching contributions) and financial education and counseling resources. Our generous paid time off program in Canada includes holidays, vacation, personal, and sick days, and we offer the full range of statutory leaves of absence. If you are applying for this role in the U.S., please contact hr@manulife.com for more information about U.S.-specific paid time off provisions.
We use data and analytics technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI), and automated processing tools, to analyze and process the information you provide to us or third parties in the application process. For more information, please refer to our personal information collection statement.
The Director, GB Compliance and Regulatory Change is an opportunity to lead the Line 1B regulatory change mandate across Group Benefits and drive complex regulatory commitments and Corrective Action Plans through to sustainable closure. The role will bring together business, technology, Legal, Compliance, Privacy, Risk and other partners to translate regulatory requirements into clear plans, decisions and accountable execution.
By strengthening how Group Benefits responds to regulatory change and manages compliance risk, this role will help protect our customers and business while supporting effective, sustainable operations. The successful candidate will gain broad exposure across Group Benefits, work with senior leaders and enterprise partners, and lead high-priority initiatives with meaningful business and regulatory impact.
Position Responsibilities:
- Lead the Line 1B portfolio of regulatory changes, compliance issues and CAPs from impact assessment through implementation, evidence and closure.
- Chair the Group Benefits LAC with the Canada Segment BUCC and Line 1 GB members, driving impact assessments, action plans, decisions, working groups and escalation.
- Develop and drive integrated cross-functional plans with clear owners, milestones, dependencies, risks and closure criteria.
- Lead multidisciplinary teams without direct authority, secure commitments, resolve barriers and escalate material delivery risks and decisions.
- Partner with Legal and Compliance to translate regulatory requirements into executable business change while preserving Line 1 accountability and Second Line oversight.
- Provide Line 1B governance and challenge over risk assessments, mitigation plans, implementation readiness, delivery health and evidence supporting closure.
- Lead portfolio reporting, executive recommendations, annual planning and business readiness for regulatory change.
Required Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent business experience.
- 5+ years of experience leading complex regulatory, compliance, risk, transformation or program delivery in a regulated environment.
- Proven track record leading cross-functional initiatives and driving regulatory or corrective action commitments to completion without direct authority.
- Excellent project management, stakeholder management, negotiation and influencing skills.
- Ability to translate complex requirements into practical business actions, controls and evidence.
- Excellent analytical, written and verbal communication skills with sound judgement and strong attention to detail.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience in financial services, insurance or Group Benefits and familiarity with privacy, accessibility or health-benefit requirements.
- Knowledge of regulatory change, compliance issue management, operational risk and Line 1/Line 1B/Second Line accountabilities.
- Experience with Archer; PMP or comparable certification is an asset.
- Bilingualism (English and French) is an asset. If the successful candidate is in Québec, proficiency in both languages will be required to support clients from various provinces outside of Quebec.
When you join our team:
- We’ll empower you to learn and grow the career you want.
- We’ll recognize and support you in a flexible environment where well-being and inclusion are more than just words.
- As part of our global team, we’ll support you in shaping the future you want to see.
The role being advertised is an existing vacancy.
About Manulife and John Hancock
Manulife Financial Corporation is a leading international financial services provider, helping people make their decisions easier and lives better. To learn more about us, visit https://www.manulife.com/en/about/our-story.html.
Manulife is an Equal Opportunity Employer
At Manulife/John Hancock, we embrace our diversity. We strive to attract, develop and retain a workforce that is as diverse as the customers we serve and to foster an inclusive work environment that embraces the strength of cultures and individuals. We are committed to fair recruitment, retention, advancement and compensation, and we administer all of our practices and programs without discrimination on the basis of race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, religion or religious beliefs, creed, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions), sexual orientation, genetic characteristics, veteran status, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital status, family status, disability, or any other ground protected by applicable law.
It is our priority to remove barriers to provide equal access to employment. A Human Resources representative will work with applicants who request a reasonable accommodation during the application process. All information shared during the accommodation request process will be stored and used in a manner that is consistent with applicable laws and Manulife/John Hancock policies. To request a reasonable accommodation in the application process, contact hr@manulife.com.
Referenced Salary Location
Toronto, OntarioWorking Arrangement
Salary range is expected to be between
$125,100.00 CAD - $175,100.00 CADEmployees also have the opportunity to participate in incentive programs and earn incentive compensation tied to business and individual performance. The actual salary will vary depending on local market conditions, geography and relevant job-related factors such as knowledge, skills, qualifications, experience, and education/training. If you are applying for this role outside of the primary location, please contact hr@manulife.com for the salary range for your location.
Manulife offers eligible employees a wide array of customizable benefits, including health, dental, mental health, vision, short- and long-term disability, life and AD&D insurance coverage, adoption/surrogacy and wellness benefits, and employee/family assistance plans. We also offer eligible employees various retirement savings plans (including pension and a global share ownership plan with employer matching contributions) and financial education and counseling resources. Our generous paid time off program in Canada includes holidays, vacation, personal, and sick days, and we offer the full range of statutory leaves of absence. If you are applying for this role in the U.S., please contact hr@manulife.com for more information about U.S.-specific paid time off provisions.
We use data and analytics technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI), and automated processing tools, to analyze and process the information you provide to us or third parties in the application process. For more information, please refer to our personal information collection statement.
See All 18 Regulatory Compliance Specialist Jobs in Illinois
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Find JobsRegulatory Compliance Specialist Jobs by City in Illinois
Where Illinois roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Regulatory Compliance Specialist Job Market in Illinois
A snapshot from current Illinois openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Food & Beverage
What Illinois Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in regulatory compliance specialist jobs across Illinois.
- Bachelor's degree in regulatory affairs, law, business, or a related field required
- Familiarity with Illinois-specific financial, environmental, or healthcare regulatory frameworks
- Regulatory Affairs Certification (RAC) or Certified Compliance and Ethics Professional (CCEP) preferred
- Experience interpreting and applying federal and Illinois state agency rules and guidance
- Strong written communication skills for preparing compliance reports and internal documentation
- Proficiency with compliance management software and Microsoft Office suite
Regulatory Compliance Specialist Jobs in Illinois: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a regulatory compliance specialist in Illinois?
Most regulatory compliance specialist roles in Illinois require a bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as business, law, life sciences, or public health. Illinois does not issue a single state license for this role, but employers in regulated industries strongly prefer candidates who hold nationally recognized credentials such as the Regulatory Affairs Certification (RAC) through the Regulatory Affairs Professionals Society or the Certified Compliance and Ethics Professional (CCEP). Relevant coursework or experience in Illinois state agency requirements, such as those from the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation or the Illinois EPA, gives candidates a meaningful edge.
How much do regulatory compliance specialists make in Illinois?
Regulatory compliance specialists in Illinois earn a median of about $80,550 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $50,040 for the lowest 10% to over $132,290 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire regulatory compliance specialists in Illinois?
Employers hiring regulatory compliance specialists in Illinois right now include Burns & McDonnell, Plante Moran, and Medline Industries, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Illinois's dense concentration of headquarters in finance, pharmaceuticals, and food manufacturing means that large, established organizations across these sectors consistently post compliance openings throughout the year.
Which Illinois cities have the most regulatory compliance specialist jobs?
Chicago, Northfield, and Peoria are the Illinois cities with the most regulatory compliance specialist openings. Chicago accounts for the largest share by far, driven by its concentration of financial institutions, hospital systems, and corporate headquarters, while Peoria and Rockford draw openings from major manufacturers and healthcare networks anchored in those regions.
Are there remote regulatory compliance specialist jobs in Illinois?
Yes, and more than many field-based roles, because regulatory compliance work is primarily desk-based and documentation-driven. About 75% of regulatory compliance specialist openings tied to Illinois are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, reflecting the role's suitability for distributed work arrangements. Policy review, audit preparation, and regulatory reporting are the functions most commonly performed fully remotely.
How can I get hired as a regulatory compliance specialist in Illinois with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying for a compliance analyst or compliance coordinator role, which large Illinois employers such as Northern Trust, Advocate Health Care, and Caterpillar use as their entry-level compliance pipeline. Candidates with adjacent backgrounds in paralegal work, quality assurance, or internal audit are frequently considered for these positions. Completing a certificate program through an Illinois institution such as Loyola University Chicago or DePaul University in regulatory affairs or healthcare compliance, or earning the CCEP associate-level credential, gives a candidate without direct experience a concrete credential to present during hiring.
Where can I find and apply to regulatory compliance specialist jobs in Illinois?
You can find and apply to regulatory compliance specialist jobs in Illinois on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from Illinois employers. Find roles that fit your background and apply directly to each one.
See All 18 Regulatory Compliance Specialist Jobs in Illinois
Find roles in Illinois that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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