Head of Department- Digital Services Learning and Business

About the FCA

At the FCA we’re creating a fair and more resilient financial system. We’re establishing more transparent relationships between financial services and customers, building trust in financial markets and protecting vulnerable consumers. We’re currently on an exciting journey as we drive significant organisational, people, process, and technology transformation to become a more forward‑thinking, proactive regulator. Significant improvements in digital enablement, business intelligence, market data and information management maturity are all being pursued to maintain our position as a world leader in financial services regulation. In March 2025, the FCA launched a new 5‑year strategy to deepen trust, rebalance risk, support growth and improve lives.

The Role

This role is within the Enforcement and Market Oversight Division and part of the Enforcement Intelligence Specialist Services (EISS) Directorate. The successful candidate will lead four teams delivering specialist services and business activities in support of the EMO mission to fight financial crime and protect consumers. They will be responsible for high‑impact significant projects in addition to delivering operational support to investigations, identify more efficient and innovative ways of working, manage information and enhance central functions in collaboration with internal and external stakeholders. The role requires previous experience of delivering broader digital services that support investigations and an in‑depth knowledge of ISO17025, the Forensic Science Regulators Act and Code of Practice, UKAS accreditation, as well as investigative procedures, CPIA and disclosure. A strong knowledge of technical delivery within digital forensics and eDiscovery is core to the role. The role will support the Director in developing the strategic direction of EISS, delivery of business as usual, including project delivery and embedding other transformation priorities. Oversight of management information, property, risk, Freedom of Information Act requests, and investigator training and learning systems is also included. Maintaining and continuously developing strong strategic and operational partnerships, internally and externally, across law enforcement, other regulators and the public sector, and representing the FCA, is essential. The postholder will lead and maintain relationships with external partners across these areas.

What will the candidate get from the role?

• Joining the Senior Leadership Team at the FCA during an exciting and challenging time of great change in financial services and its regulation.
• Leading a department of talented and committed people through significant projects whilst also delivering on business‑as‑usual objectives.
• Exposure to strategic issues and key players in the world of finance, both nationally and internationally.

Key responsibilities

• Delivering digital forensics in support of investigations, ensuring progression towards ISO17025 accreditation and maintenance of key standards.
• Be responsible for the delivery of management information and business support roles for EISS and EMO (Enforcement & Market Oversight).
• Delivery of the eDiscovery function making best use of the latest technology and ensuring value for money on investment.
• Leading the work with key stakeholders and Transformation Project Management to maintain and enhance systems that promote integration and enable proactive identification of harm.
• Maintain and enhance data‑led business systems and continue to develop the existing culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence.
• Building on and further developing the long‑term business plan for the department that supports FCA strategic commitments and leads on performance.
• Utilising skills such as coaching, influencing and negotiating to engage a range of internal and external stakeholders.
• Maintaining and enhancing a strong and inclusive department that attracts and develops diverse talent.
• As a key member of the leadership team, support the Director in the governance and delivery of EISS business, including engagement/representation across the FCA at Executive and Board level.
• Maintain and build on existing relationships with appropriate networks and stakeholders internally and externally.
• Align departmental direction with the FCA strategy, in particular fighting financial crime.
• Deputise on behalf of Director as required.
• Undertaking Authorising Officer (RIPA) responsibilities for relevant operational activity, exercising formal decision‑making authority in accordance with statutory, policy and governance requirements.

Skills/Experience Required

• Significant experience of leadership in managing and influencing key stakeholders, including senior decision makers internally and externally.
• In‑depth experience and a strong working knowledge in digital forensics, eDiscovery and associated technology.
• Strong investigative background and ability to strategically lead investigator training for Enforcement and Market Oversight Division.
• Demonstrates leadership experience in crisis management, critical thinking and the ability to deliver large‑scale multi‑year projects.
• Experience in leading the work of a large department of approximately 50 people and managing staff, including conflict resolution and development of individuals.

Essential

• Experience of role‑modeling strong leadership behaviours in line with organisational values.
• The ability to inclusively lead a department of approximately 50 people across a varied portfolio within four key business areas.
• An open and flexible leadership style with the ability to communicate effectively and use data to improve business.
• Good operational knowledge of RIPA/IPA.

Desirable

• An understanding of fighting financial/organised crime would be a significant advantage.
• While formal qualifications are not necessary, they would be a benefit to the role.

FCA’s Values & Diversity

Our ambition is to create a diverse and inclusive workplace that reflects the society we serve, helping us to be a better regulator. Our values matter and represent the culture we aspire to each day. The FCA is committed to achieving greater diversity across all levels of our organisation and particularly welcomes applications from women, disabled, and minority ethnic candidates. We are open to considering flexible working arrangements, including job shares, and may prefer office location in Edinburgh, Leeds or London.

Application Support

We want to remove any possible barriers and are committed to providing a wide range of reasonable adjustments so you can focus on the application. If you have an accessibility requirement, disability or condition that means you might require changes to the recruitment process, please contact your recruiter to discuss further.

Benefits

• 30 days holiday per year plus bank holidays.
• Private healthcare with Bupa.
• A non‑contributory pension of at least 8% of basic salary each month.
• Life assurance of eight times your basic salary.
• Income protection.
• Our competitive benefits scheme allows you to create a personalised benefits package, including options to purchase further benefits or top‑up your base salary.

Conflicts of interest

All applicants to the FCA must demonstrate that they do not have other interests likely to conflict with responsibilities as an employee. Any potential conflicts of interest will be explored during the interview if necessary.

Useful information

The closing date for this role is 9:00 am on Monday 29 June. Selection will be via a two‑stage interview alongside assessment with Mercuri Urval. You will be required to obtain DV clearance. We operate a hybrid working model; minimum 40% office each month (50% for senior leaders). From September 2026 this will increase to 60% for directors. This role is London based only and the salary range is £140,000‑£165,000. To apply, please submit your CV and cover letter via the Gatenby Sanderson link below. If you have any questions regarding your application, please email FCAenquiries@gatenbysanderson.com.