At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team of economists and provide high-quality economic advice on complex cases.
- Company: Join the CMA, the UK's leading competition and consumer protection authority.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive pension scheme, generous leave, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Work in a dynamic environment with a commitment to inclusivity and career development.
- Why this job: Shape the strategy of the UK economy while making a real impact in public interest.
- Qualifications: Strong background in competition economics and proven leadership experience required.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 € per year.
Location: Belfast, Cardiff, Darlington, Edinburgh, London, Manchester
Closing date: 23 February 2026
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is the UK’s principal competition and consumer protection authority. We promote competition and protect consumers with a clear end goal in mind: to drive economic growth and improve household prosperity. The CMA has a range of powers, which it uses to undertake a wide variety of cutting-edge, high profile and complex work, spanning merger and market inquiries, competition and consumer law enforcement, subsidy advice, and internal market advice.
If you are a highly influential senior leader motivated to shape the CMA’s essential work in the public interest, playing a pivotal role in the leadership of our economists and related teams, then this could be the ideal role for you.
Your role
As Senior Director, Economics, you will support the Chief Economic Adviser in leading the economists, market researchers, statisticians and econometricians (the “economics profession”) at the CMA and being responsible for the quality of economic work carried out by the CMA. You will have the opportunity to provide economic leadership on complex and important merger, markets, enforcement, and digital markets regime cases and help ensure that the economic work carried out by the CMA is of consistently high quality. You will also be closely involved in helping to grow, lead, maintain and develop the economics team culture as strong, intellectually rigorous, and responsive.
This is an exceptional opportunity to have the opportunity to input into organisation level strategic thinking within and across projects, helping to shape the strategy of the UK’s primary competition authority at a critical time for the UK economy. This role can be based in Belfast, Cardiff, Darlington, Edinburgh, London or Manchester (with regular travel).
About you
You will be an excellent senior level competition economist with strong academic and professional qualifications and experience. With an outstanding track record of providing high quality economic advice on complex cases, studies, and enquiries, you will bring an in-depth knowledge of competition and regulatory economics and current issues in the field to the role. You will utilise your extensive experience of building and leading teams, and excellent communication and interpersonal skills as you build and develop the team and interact with internal and external stakeholders.
The benefits
Your benefits package will include a competitive contributory pension scheme and generous annual leave, plus opportunities for flexible and hybrid working. The package also includes childcare benefits, season ticket, and bicycle loans. The Civil Service is committed to becoming the most inclusive employer in the UK and we want to maximise the potential of everyone who chooses to work for us. In return for your dedication, you will enjoy our commitment to your career and development.
How to apply
Applications for this post are only accepted online. You will need to provide a CV and a tailored statement of suitability for the role, and to complete a diversity questionnaire. To discover more about this opportunity and make your application, please review the candidate pack and make an application by clicking apply.
Senior Economics Director employer: Competition and Markets Authority
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment across multiple UK locations including Belfast, Cardiff, and London. With a strong commitment to employee development, competitive benefits such as flexible working options, generous leave, and a focus on inclusivity, the CMA fosters a culture of intellectual rigor and collaboration, making it an ideal place for senior economists to thrive and contribute to meaningful economic policy.
Contact Detail:
Competition and Markets Authority Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Economics Director
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the economics field and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a role that’s perfect for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on current economic issues and CMA's recent work. Show us that you’re not just a great economist, but also someone who’s genuinely interested in the CMA’s mission and how you can contribute.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of a strong online presence. Update your LinkedIn profile to reflect your expertise and achievements in competition economics. Engage with relevant content to showcase your knowledge and passion.
✨Tip Number 4
When applying, make sure to tailor your CV and statement of suitability specifically for the Senior Economics Director role. Highlight your leadership experience and how it aligns with the CMA’s goals. And remember, apply through our website for the best chance!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Economics Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored specifically for the Senior Economics Director role. Highlight your relevant experience and skills that align with the job description, especially your leadership in economic work and team management.
Craft a Strong Statement of Suitability:Your statement of suitability is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Be specific about your achievements and how they relate to the CMA's goals and the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:As a senior leader, your ability to communicate effectively is crucial. In your application, demonstrate your strong communication skills by being clear and concise. Use professional language but keep it engaging to reflect your personality.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, you’ll find all the necessary information and resources to help you along the way.
How to prepare for a job interview at Competition and Markets Authority
✨Know Your Economics Inside Out
As a Senior Economics Director, you’ll need to demonstrate your deep understanding of competition and regulatory economics. Brush up on recent cases and current issues in the field, and be ready to discuss how they relate to the CMA's work.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
This role involves leading a team of economists and related professionals. Prepare examples of how you've successfully built and led teams in the past, focusing on your communication and interpersonal skills that foster a strong team culture.
✨Tailor Your Application Materials
Make sure your CV and statement of suitability are specifically tailored to the role at the CMA. Highlight your relevant experience and qualifications that align with the job description, especially your track record in providing high-quality economic advice.
✨Prepare for Strategic Discussions
Expect to engage in discussions about strategic thinking within the organisation. Familiarise yourself with the CMA’s current projects and think about how you can contribute to shaping their strategy, particularly in relation to complex merger and market inquiries.
