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 FTC / Secondment / Acting up) employer: Financial Conduct Authority
The FCA is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where you can make a significant impact on the future of UK financial services. With competitive salaries, generous benefits including a non-contributory pension and private healthcare, and a strong commitment to employee development through coaching and mentoring, you'll find ample opportunities for growth and collaboration in our inclusive culture. Located in vibrant cities like Edinburgh and Leeds, we promote a healthy work-life balance with a hybrid working model and dedicated volunteering time, making it a rewarding place to advance your career while contributing to meaningful change.
Contact Detail:
Financial Conduct Authority Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Policy Advisor (9-month FTC / Secondment / Acting up)
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company inside out! Research the FCA's recent initiatives and policies, especially in consumer investments. This will help us tailor our conversations and show that we're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees on LinkedIn to get insights about the team culture and expectations. This can give us an edge during interviews and help us build connections that might come in handy later.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those tricky interview questions! Think about how we can demonstrate our experience in leading complex policy workstreams and managing stakeholders. Practising our responses will help us feel more confident when it’s time to shine.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through the online portal! It’s the only way to ensure our application gets seen. Plus, we can keep track of our application status easily this way. Let’s make sure we follow the rules!
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Policy Advisor (9-month FTC / Secondment / Acting up)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the Lead Policy Advisor role. 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 Website:Remember, applications must be submitted through our online portal. Don’t send them via email or social media, as those won’t be accepted. We can’t wait to see your application on our site!
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 of how you've successfully managed relationships with key stakeholders in previous roles. Highlight your ability to build consensus and negotiate effectively, as this will be crucial for the Lead Policy Advisor position.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Experience
Be ready to talk about your experience in leading teams and managing complex workstreams. Share specific instances where you’ve motivated colleagues or provided constructive feedback to help them succeed.
✨Communicate Clearly and Concisely
Practice articulating your thoughts clearly, especially when discussing complex proposals. Tailor your communication style to different audiences, as this role requires producing high-quality papers and briefings for senior management.
