Lead Associate - Data Analyst

The FCA regulates the conduct of 45,000 firms in the UK to ensure our financial markets are honest, fair and competitive.

The Technology, Resilience and Cyber department (TRC) sits within the Specialists Directorate. The department provides specialist expertise and thought leadership on the approach to embedding Operational Resilience in third party service providers that support the Financial Services industry. We are looking for a Lead Data Analyst to provide leadership and technical expertise in how we use data to support the supervisory oversight of Critical Third Parties and provide analytical expertise to the Technology, Resilience and Cyber Department.

Under the Financial Services Markets Act (FSMA) 2023, the FCA will be taking on joint responsibility with the PRA and the Bank of England for overseeing the operational resilience of CTPs. This is a high-profile area of work that is central to the FCA’s strategic commitment to minimise the impact of operational disruptions on the financial services industry and advance our secondary objective by contributing to a more stable financial system.

What will you be doing?

• Support supervisory oversight of Critical Third Parties (CTPs) and operational resilience of regulated firms through data insights on firms, business models, incidents and resilience.
• Manage a data analyst, including work allocation, coaching and guidance.
• Conduct analysis and make recommendations to HM Treasury on which third parties should be designated as CTPs.
• Enhance data use to generate insights, tools and analysis that support effective CTP oversight.
• Guide the production of Management Information reports on CTP oversight for senior audiences and stakeholders.
• Contribute to strategy development, training and departmental capabilities, including deputising for the team manager.

What will you get from the role?

• This role will provide the opportunity to be part of a ground-breaking new regulatory regime – one of the first in the world overseeing critical third parties supporting the UK financial system.
• You will get the opportunity to work with providers critical to the functioning of UK financial services, to ensure that we minimise the impact of operational disruptions on the financial services industry, enhancing UK economic stability, competitiveness and economic growth.
• You will develop a wide network across UK and international regulators, government departments and industry.
• Unique professional development from the perspective of being in a position where you oversee systemic services to the FS sector.

Which skills are required?

• Minimum prior experience in data analysis – including an understanding of statistical concepts, experience of using analytical tools e.g. Tableau, R, Python; and ability to deliver outputs that clearly communicate data insights, to the level that you are able to oversee other data analysts’ quality of work.
• Experience of managing people either within or outside of your direct line management - ensuring delivery of project work as well as providing feedback and support to colleagues.
• Essential experience of identifying and solving business problems using data to improve how we work.
• Experience of providing MI and assurance to senior leaders, using data to identify trends and making recommendations for action.
• Strong interpersonal and influencing skills, credibility and ability to interact effectively with a range of both domestic and international stakeholders, including senior executives within the FCA, other global regulators and industry.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills. Capable of drafting and delivering complex papers and presentations in PowerPoint for FCA executive committees and external stakeholders.
• Experience of identifying when and how to obtain technical input from FCA subject matter experts.
• Strong project management capability to help plan, prioritise and allocate work across a team of people both within and outside of your direct line management.
• Ability to balance and manage priorities, working flexibly and pragmatically when priorities change.
• A good understanding of the UK financial system including the interconnected nature of vital services provided by financial service firms.
• Be on call to support the management of operational incidents on a periodic basis outside of normal business hours.

Our Values & Diversity

We are proud to be an inclusive employer and our ambition is to cultivate a culture for all employees that respects their individual strengths, views and experiences. We believe that our differences and similarities enable us to be a better organisation – one that makes better decisions, drives innovation and delivers better regulation. Within the workplace you will have access to various employee resource groups which aim to promote and achieve a healthy work/life balance and support our diversity ambitions.

Benefits of working at the FCA

• 25 days holiday per year plus bank holidays.
• Hybrid working (work from home up to 60% of your time).
• Private healthcare with Bupa.
• A non-contributory Pension of at least 8% of basic salary each month (there are several contribution levels that increase depending on your age – up to 12% a month once you reach age 35).
• Life assurance of eight times your basic salary.
• Income protection.
• We also have a competitive flexible benefits scheme which gives you the opportunity to create a personalised benefits package, tailored to suit your lifestyle.
• We welcome applications from candidates who are looking for flexible arrangements. Many of our staff work flexibly including working part-time, staggered hours and job shares.

Application Support

We are dedicated to removing barriers and ensuring our application process is accessible to everyone. We offer a range of adjustments to make your application experience as comfortable and straightforward as possible. If you have an accessibility need, disability, or condition requiring changes to the recruitment process, please contact your recruiter using the details below and they will be happy to discuss this further with you.

Useful Information and Timeline

This role is graded as Lead Associate - Regulatory.

Advert Closing Date: 13th June.

CV Review/Shortlist: 16th June.

First Round Case Study Assessment: W/C 25th June.

Competency Based Interview: W/C 25th June.

Your Recruiter will discuss the process in detail with you during screening for the role, therefore, please make them aware if you are going to be unavailable for any date during this time.

Got a question?

If you are interested in learning more about the role, please contact: Recruiter – Sonika.Suryadevara@fca.org.uk. Applications must be submitted through our online portal. Applications sent via email will not be accepted.