At a Glance
- Tasks: Deliver high-quality economic policy advice and analysis on complex issues.
- Company: Join the FCA, a key player in regulating UK financial services.
- Benefits: Generous leave, pension, private healthcare, and paid volunteering opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible hybrid working model with excellent career development prospects.
- Why this job: Shape the future of UK finance while making a real impact.
- Qualifications: Graduate degree in Economics and experience in financial markets required.
The predicted salary is between 60700 - 75600 £ per year.
Salary: National (Edinburgh and Leeds) £60,700 to £75,600; London £66,600 to £83,100 (salary offered based on skills and experience)
About the FCA and Team
We regulate financial services firms in the UK, to keep financial markets fair, thriving and effective. By joining us, you’ll play a key part in protecting consumers, driving economic growth and shaping the future of UK finance services. Economics is at the heart of the FCA’s work and underpins our regulatory decisions across wholesale and retail markets.
Role Responsibilities
- Using your economic knowledge and experience, you will deliver high-quality policy advice and analysis across a range of live policy issues, with a particular focus on wholesale markets, including capital markets.
- You will produce careful analysis to tight deadlines and undertake in-depth research on complex policy questions.
- As a Lead Economist you will manage multiple workstreams, design and manage projects, lead cost-benefit analysis for proposed interventions, and ensure outputs are robust.
- You will also provide line management and day-to-day oversight of junior colleagues, support senior management in planning and prioritising work, and act as an escalation point for complex issues.
Minimum Requirements
- Solid academic foundation in Economics, with a graduate level degree or higher in economics or a closely related field and relevant professional experience.
- Solid knowledge of wholesale financial markets, gained through professional experience or academic study.
- Demonstrable experience delivering cost-benefit analysis in a high-volume or policy-driven environment.
Essential Skills and Experience
- High-quality economic advice on regulatory and/or public policy issues.
- Extensive experience conducting robust economic policy analysis.
- Ability to work in ambiguous environments, identify key policy questions, and structure complex problems to produce clear, actionable insights.
- Well-developed stakeholder management skills, building trust-based relationships with internal and external partners.
- Effective communication skills, translating complex concepts into clear, accessible messages for non-technical audiences.
- Experience leading multidisciplinary analytical projects, planning, prioritising, coordinating team activities, and maintaining quality under pressure.
- Commitment to continuous learning, self-awareness and resilience.
Benefits
- 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays.
- Non-contributory pension (8-12% depending on age) and life assurance at eight times your salary.
- Private healthcare with Bupa, income protection and 24/7 Employee Assistance.
- 35 hours of paid volunteering annually.
- Hybrid model: minimum 40% office attendance per month (50% for senior leaders, 60% for Directors and Executive Directors).
- Beginning September, 50% office attendance for all employees.
- A flexible benefits scheme designed around your lifestyle.
Lead Economist employer: Financial Conduct Authority
The FCA is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where your expertise as a Lead Economist will directly influence the future of UK financial services. With a strong commitment to employee growth, you will benefit from a supportive culture that encourages continuous learning and provides generous benefits, including a non-contributory pension, private healthcare, and ample annual leave. Located in vibrant cities like Edinburgh and Leeds, the FCA promotes a hybrid working model that balances professional responsibilities with personal well-being.
Contact Details:
Financial Conduct Authority Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Economist
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the industry! Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream job.
✨Ace the Interview
Prepare for your interviews by researching the company and practising common questions. We recommend using the STAR method to structure your answers – it helps you showcase your skills and experiences effectively. Remember, confidence is key!
✨Showcase Your Skills
Don’t just tell them what you can do; show them! Bring along examples of your work or case studies that highlight your economic analysis skills. We love seeing real-life applications of your expertise, especially when it comes to complex policy issues.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Make sure to apply directly through our website for the best chance at landing the role. It’s the quickest way for us to see your application and get you in front of the right people. Plus, we’re always on the lookout for passionate candidates like you!
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Economist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Lead Economist role. Highlight your economic knowledge and experience, especially in wholesale markets, to show us you’re the right fit for the job.
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t just list your qualifications; demonstrate how your skills align with the essential requirements. Use specific examples of your experience in delivering cost-benefit analysis and managing projects to make your application stand out.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and ensure your messages are accessible, especially when explaining complex economic concepts.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Financial Conduct Authority
✨Know Your Economics
Brush up on your economic theories and principles, especially those relevant to regulatory frameworks. Be prepared to discuss how your academic background and professional experience align with the FCA's focus on wholesale markets.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Prepare examples of past projects where you conducted cost-benefit analysis or tackled complex policy questions. Highlight your ability to deliver high-quality insights under tight deadlines, as this will be crucial for the role.
✨Master Stakeholder Management
Think about instances where you've built trust-based relationships with stakeholders. Be ready to share how you effectively communicated complex concepts to non-technical audiences, as this is key for the Lead Economist position.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Experience
Reflect on your experience managing teams or projects. Be prepared to discuss how you prioritised tasks, coordinated activities, and maintained quality under pressure, showcasing your readiness to lead junior colleagues.
