At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead AI & technology security operations, ensuring robust and secure digital systems.
- Company: Join the FCA, a forward-thinking regulator transforming financial services.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career development, and the chance to shape the future of finance.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for growth across multiple UK locations.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a pivotal role driving AI and tech innovation.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in tech operations and experience with AI risk management.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ per year.
The FCA has retained Global Resourcing to manage this role.
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 forward significant organisational, people, process, and AI and technology transformation to become a more forward-thinking, proactive regulator. We will use data more effectively to drive better regulatory decisions and build greater cohesion across our broad financial services remit.
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 FCA will focus on four priorities:
- Be a smarter regulator; predictable, purposeful and proportionate. The FCA will improve its processes and embrace technology to become more efficient and effective.
- Support sustained economic growth, by enabling investment, innovation and ensuring the continued competitiveness of the UK's world-leading financial services.
- Help consumers navigate their financial lives by working with industry to boost trust, product innovation and ensuring the right information and support is available for people to take financial decisions.
- Fight financial crime, focusing on those who seek to use the fact they are regulated to do harm. It will go further to disrupt criminals and support firms to be an effective line of defence.
The Role: We have an exciting opportunity for a permanent Head of AI & Technology Security Operations. This role is designed for an experienced manager, senior technical specialist, or existing Head of Department with proven experience of leading teams and operating at scale in a rapidly evolving digital and AI-driven operating environment. The successful candidate will strengthen their strategic and operational leadership while overseeing high-tempo, service-critical digital and AI operations.
The Head of AI & Technology Security Operations is accountable for ensuring that the FCA's technology estate - including rapidly expanding AI capabilities - is robust, secure, and able to withstand, detect, and recover from disruption, failure, or exploitation. The role brings together operational resilience, infrastructure governance, supplier oversight, and enterprise technology and AI-specific vulnerability management, ensuring that both traditional infrastructure and AI-enabled systems are designed, operated, and governed to remain safe, dependable, and trustworthy under stress.
Working in close collaboration with C&IR (Cyber and Information Resilience), this HoD plays a critical leadership role in implementing and managing the technology controls needed to anticipate and mitigate AI-driven risks, including model vulnerabilities, upstream dependency risks, data poisoning, adversarial attacks, and control failures arising from increased autonomy and scale. This role will be responsible for leading, motivating and directing the department (~70FTE) across London, Leeds, & Edinburgh; and managing the FCA's critical Digital and AI systems, including AI live service, Service Desk, Incident Management, Cyber Security Operations and Supplier Management.
This is a fantastic development opportunity which will help to build expertise, experience and career skills in a senior, challenging and highly visible role. The role will be reporting to the Chief Information Officer, and sit in the wider Data, Technology, and Innovation Division.
What will the candidate get from the role? As Head of AI & Technology Security Operations, you will join the DTI senior leadership team at a pivotal moment in the FCA's evolution, supporting its ambition to become a forward-thinking, AI-enabled and data-driven regulator. You will lead a skilled multidisciplinary department, working across high-impact digital and AI initiatives to strengthen technology and AI risk management, improve resilience and enable the safe adoption of emerging technologies. Collaborating closely with Cyber & Information Resilience, DTI leadership, product teams and front-line divisions, you will play a key role in driving meaningful change and reinforcing the FCA's reputation as a trusted, innovative regulator.
Key responsibilities will include:
- Leading the development and operation of the FCA's AI vulnerability and threat management capability, identifying and mitigating risks linked to AI model weaknesses, adversarial threats, automation and agentic AI systems.
- Establishing clear frameworks and controls for the safe deployment of AI, including human oversight, monitoring, explainability.
Head of Department: AI & Technology Security Operations employer: FCA
Foster Care Associates (The FCA) is an outstanding employer that prioritises the well-being and professional development of its staff. With a supportive work culture, generous benefits including a £2,000 car allowance and up to 35 days of annual leave, employees are encouraged to grow within their roles while making a meaningful impact in the lives of children and families across the South West. Located in Ivybridge, this position offers a unique opportunity to work in a vibrant community dedicated to fostering excellence in care.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Department: AI & Technology Security Operations
✨Get Involved in the Cybersecurity Community
Diving into the cybersecurity community is key for landing that full-time gig. Join forums like Reddit's r/cybersecurity or attend local meetups to connect with industry veterans and other job seekers. Networking is everything in this field—don’t just be a passive lurker!
✨Show Off Your Skills with Capture the Flag Competitions
Participate in Capture the Flag (CTF) competitions; these are not just a fun way to boost your skills but also a chance to showcase your talent to potential employers. Many companies, including FCA, love seeing candidates who actively engage in these challenges.
✨Tailor Your Online Presence
Make sure your LinkedIn and any professional profiles reflect your cybersecurity expertise. Share your projects, whether they’re personal or from a previous role, to catch the eye of hiring managers. This is how they’ll find your passion and commitment to the field!
✨Apply Directly Through FCA
Don’t forget to head straight to our website and check out any openings for cybersecurity roles at FCA. Applying directly can sometimes give you an edge, especially if you can mention that you've been following our work or engaging in the community.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Department: AI & Technology Security Operations
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show off your technical skills:In cybersecurity, it's crucial to highlight your technical prowess. Make sure your CV showcases specific skills like network security, penetration testing, or threat analysis. If you have relevant certifications (like CEH or CISSP), pop those on the front page to grab attention!
Tailor your portfolio for the role:Even for a full-time role, a portfolio can set you apart. If you've worked on any cybersecurity projects—be it CTF challenges, security assessments, or research papers—include these in your application. This demonstrates not just your skills, but also your hands-on experience!
Use real-world examples:When writing your cover letter, don’t just stick to your qualifications. Share real-world examples of how you’ve tackled security issues or vulnerabilities. This gives the hiring team at FCA insight into your practical problem-solving abilities and makes your application memorable.
Demonstrate your passion for cybersecurity:Cybersecurity is an ever-evolving field, so show us that you’re always learning! Mention any recent courses, webinars, or industry events you’ve attended. This not only exhibits your enthusiasm but also signals to FCA that you’re committed to staying ahead in the game.
How to prepare for a job interview at FCA
✨Sharpen Your Technical Skills
For a role in cybersecurity, it’s essential to be up-to-date with the latest tools and techniques. Brush up on your knowledge of firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and vulnerability assessment tools. Be ready to discuss specific scenarios where you’ve applied these skills, as hands-on experience can really set us apart in interviews.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect the interviewers at FCA to throw in some hypothetical situations to see how you’d handle them. Think about common security breaches or incidents and be prepared to explain how you would respond. This not only shows your problem-solving skills but also your understanding of real-world cybersecurity challenges.
✨Highlight Your Certifications
Certifications like CompTIA Security+, CISSP, or CEH can give you a significant edge in a full-time role in cybersecurity. Make sure to mention these during your interview and be prepared to discuss what you learned through those certifications and how they relate to the position at FCA.
✨Show Your Passion for Cybersecurity
Since you’re going for a full-time gig, showing genuine enthusiasm for the field can make all the difference. Share any personal projects, blogs, or communities you’re part of that relate to cybersecurity. This not only showcases your passion but also your commitment to staying engaged in this ever-evolving field.
