At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead policy development and reform in investment advice, managing complex workstreams and stakeholder relationships.
- Company: Join the FCA, a key regulator shaping the future of UK financial services.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days leave, private healthcare, and a flexible benefits scheme.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on consumer outcomes and drive economic growth in finance.
- Qualifications: Experience in delivering complex programmes and leading teams effectively.
The predicted salary is between 60700 - 80766 £ per year.
Division: Supervision, Policy and Competition
Department: Market Analysis & Policy
Salary: National (Edinburgh and Leeds) ranging from £60,700 to £80,766 and London from £66,600 to £88,666 per annum (Salary offered will be based on skills and experience)
This role is graded as: Lead Associate, Regulatory
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. SPC oversees firms and individuals (supervision), creates and reviews the rules by which they operate (policy) and identifies and remedies ineffective competition in markets (competition). Sitting in the Consumer Investments (CI) directorate, the CI Market Analysis and Policy (MAP) department leads policy, strategy, and risk identification across the consumer investments market through four specialist teams focused on market insights, market analysis, advice policy, and distribution policy. You will be focused on leading policy development and reform in investment advice and guidance as part of the Consumer Investments Advice Policy Team. It works with stakeholders to deliver key initiatives such as the Advice Guidance Boundary Review and Targeted Support, while addressing emerging trends like AI to improve consumer outcomes.
Role Responsibilities
- Own complex policy workstreams end-to-end, overseeing the development of policy proposals and producing high quality papers for senior management/Board decisions and public consultation, including communicating proposals externally.
- Manage relationships with key internal and external stakeholders, building consensus and securing agreement at senior levels.
- Line-manage and lead colleagues, helping to set direction, motivate, and provide constructive feedback to support consistently strong performance.
- Coach and develop more junior team members, including supporting their capability and confidence in policy delivery.
- Support the Manager to run the team day-to-day: agree priorities, allocate work, support colleagues, and help to build the team’s culture.
- Help shape the team and department strategy, including defining priority outcomes and how we will measure success.
- Share knowledge regularly across the team and act as an escalation point for complex issues, identifying risks and options early.
Minimum Skills Required
- Prior experience delivering complex work programmes and turning evidence into clear recommendations for senior decision-makers.
- Prior experience leading people and delivering high quality outputs through others (through formal line management and/or informal leadership).
Essential
- Sound judgment in complex or ambiguous situations: able to weigh evidence and trade-offs, manage risk, and land clear recommendations.
- Stakeholder management: able to build effective relationships, persuade and negotiate, and bring others with you to agree a shared approach.
- Clear written and verbal communication: able to produce concise papers/briefings and explain complex proposals clearly, tailoring messages for different audiences.
- Reliable delivery focus: able to plan and prioritise across multiple workstreams, manage dependencies, and deliver to deadlines.
- Understanding of regulatory policy development: able to develop workable options and take proposals through governance and senior decision-making.
- Collaborative and inclusive teamworking: able to work effectively across disciplines, encourage constructive feedback, and support others to deliver high-quality outcomes.
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 where employees work a minimum of 40% in the office each month (expectation of 50% for senior leaders). Changing from September to a minimum of 50% in the office each month (expectation of 60% for Directors and Executive Directors).
- A flexible benefits scheme designed around your lifestyle.
Lead Policy Advisor (9-month Fixed Term Contract) employer: Financial Conduct Authority
The FCA is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of Edinburgh or Leeds, where you can make a tangible impact on the future of UK financial services. With a strong focus on employee development, competitive salaries, and a comprehensive benefits package including generous annual leave and private healthcare, the FCA fosters a collaborative culture that values innovation and inclusivity. Join us to lead meaningful policy initiatives while enjoying a flexible working model that supports your work-life balance.
Contact Details:
Financial Conduct Authority Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Policy Advisor (9-month Fixed Term Contract)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at the FCA on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insider info about the role and help us stand out in the application process.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching recent policy changes in the financial sector. We want to show that we’re not just interested in the role, but also passionate about the industry and its challenges.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice our communication skills! Since clear communication is key for this role, let’s rehearse explaining complex ideas simply. Mock interviews with friends can really help us nail this.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through the FCA's online portal! It’s the only way to get our application seen, so let’s make sure we follow the rules and submit everything on time.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Policy Advisor (9-month Fixed Term Contract)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of Lead Policy Advisor. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t just list your skills; demonstrate them! Provide examples of how you've successfully managed complex policy workstreams or led teams in the past. We want to see your impact!
Keep It Clear and Concise:When writing your application, clarity is key. Make sure your papers and proposals are easy to read and get straight to the point. Remember, we appreciate clear communication!
Apply Through Our Portal:Remember, applications must be submitted through our online portal. Avoid sending your application via email or social media, as those won’t be accepted. We can’t wait to see your application!
How to prepare for a job interview at Financial Conduct Authority
✨Know Your Policy Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the latest regulatory policies and trends, especially those related to investment advice and guidance. Familiarise yourself with the FCA's recent initiatives and be ready to discuss how they impact consumer outcomes.
✨Showcase Your Stakeholder Management Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your experience in managing relationships with key stakeholders. Think about times when you’ve built consensus or navigated complex negotiations, as this will be crucial for the role.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Experience
Be ready to talk about your previous leadership roles, whether formal or informal. Share specific instances where you’ve motivated a team, provided constructive feedback, or coached junior colleagues to success.
✨Communicate Clearly and Concisely
Practice articulating complex ideas in a straightforward manner. You might be asked to explain policy proposals, so ensure you can tailor your communication style to different audiences, making it easy for them to grasp your points.
