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: Collaborate with top professionals in a dynamic, evolving environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a pivotal role driving AI and tech innovation.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in tech operations and experience in 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.
- 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.
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 in London 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 in London
✨Tip Number 1: Tap Into Professional Networks
The finance world loves a good connection, so jump into industry-specific groups on platforms like LinkedIn where you can find discussions on financial controlling. Engaging in these communities can expose you to hidden job leads that aren't openly advertised!
✨Tip Number 2: Attend Finance Events and Conferences
Make it a mission to attend finance-related events and conferences, even virtual ones! This is a golden opportunity to network face-to-face with people from companies like FCA. You never know who might be your next boss or a crucial contact!
✨Tip Number 3: Showcase Your Expertise
Consider writing articles or sharing insights related to financial controlling or industry trends. Publish these on platforms like LinkedIn to establish yourself as a knowledgeable player in the field. This not only increases your visibility but also catches the attention of recruiters from FCA.
✨Tip Number 4: Apply Directly on Company Websites
Since you're going for a full-time gig, don't forget to keep an eye on the careers page of companies you're interested in, like FCA. Many companies prefer candidates who apply through their website as it shows genuine interest and makes your application stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Department: AI & Technology Security Operations in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers Game:In financial controlling, detail is everything! Make sure your CV showcases your proficiency with numbers—highlight any relevant experience in budgeting, forecasting, or working with financial software. Quantifying your past achievements will make you stand out, so don’t be shy about flaunting those impressive percentages or cost savings you've implemented.
Tailored Cover Letter is Key:Your cover letter is a chance to shine, especially for a full-time role. Use it to express your genuine interest in FCA and the specific impact you hope to make in financial controlling. Mention any relevant qualifications or experiences that align with the company’s goals, and don’t forget to show that you're ready for a long-term commitment!
Certifications Matter:List relevant certifications such as ACCA or CIMA on your CV. These qualifications not only showcase your dedication to the field but also your technical competence in financial principles. If you have any ongoing training or courses, make sure to mention those as well to demonstrate your commitment to continual learning in financial controlling.
Don’t Overlook Soft Skills:While numbers are crucial, so are those soft skills! Financial controllers need strong communication and analytical reasoning abilities. We recommend embedding examples of these skills in your CV and cover letter, like how you’ve successfully delivered financial reports to stakeholders or collaborated with teams to improve processes. Let’s show FCA how you can be a team player!
How to prepare for a job interview at FCA
✨Brush Up on Technical Skills
Make sure you're comfortable with key financial concepts, especially around forecasting, budgeting, and variance analysis. Sometimes, interviewers may throw in technical questions or case studies, so practicing these types of scenarios will help you shine!
✨Showcase Your Financial Acumen
If you've had experience with specific financial software like SAP or Oracle, make it known! Be ready to discuss how you used these tools to improve processes or reporting, as this hands-on knowledge can really set you apart in a full-time role with FCA.
✨Know Your Numbers
In full-time interviews, especially in financial controlling, be prepared for numerical reasoning tests or questions. Brush up on your mental maths and understand how to interpret and analyse financial statements on the spot, as this may come up during the assessment.
✨Connect with Company Goals
Familiarise yourself with FCA's financial objectives and any recent developments. During the interview, try to weave your understanding of their business model and challenges into your answers—this shows your genuine interest and alignment with their goals!
