At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead research and data initiatives to shape skills and workforce strategy in financial services.
- Company: Join a dynamic, member-led body focused on improving skills in the UK financial sector.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative team environment with a focus on continuous learning and development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by influencing policy and industry action with your research.
- Qualifications: Experience in research and data analysis, with strong storytelling skills.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
Reporting to: Chief Executive
Employment Type: Full time
Working pattern: Hybrid working, with at least 3 days per week based in our London office to support collaboration.
Are you passionate about using data and research to shape the future of skills, talent and workforce strategy? We’re looking for a Research & Data Manager to lead our work at the heart of one of the UK’s most important sectors. This is a high-impact role with real influence — working directly with industry leaders, government and regulators to tackle the biggest skills challenges facing financial services today.
You will be responsible for leading all data and research, including our flagship Annual Skills Report and member survey.
Why this role matters: You’ll be leading our research and data agenda — turning complex evidence into clear, practical insights that help firms access the skills they need and drive meaningful change across the sector. From running sector-wide surveys and benchmarking exercises to shaping our flagship Annual Skills Report, your work will directly inform decision‑making at the highest levels.
What you’ll be doing: This is a varied and dynamic role where you will:
- Lead our research programme — from scoping methodology to delivering high‑quality outputs that influence policy and industry action
- Build sector‑leading skills intelligence — using data to identify trends, challenges and opportunities
- Help firms benchmark and improve — translating insights into practical recommendations
- Shape our voice and influence — engaging senior leaders across industry, government and education
- Measure and demonstrate impact — strengthening how we track outcomes and member engagement
You’ll also play a key role in positioning the Commission as a leading voice on skills in financial services, working closely with our members and partners across the ecosystem.
Who we’re looking for: We’re looking for someone who combines analytical rigour with strong storytelling and stakeholder skills:
- Experience in research, data analysis and insight generation
- Strong understanding of quantitative and qualitative methods, ability to design primary research and analyse secondary sources and blend them together.
- Ability to turn complex information into clear, compelling narratives for senior audiences
- Confidence working with senior stakeholders across industry and government
- A proactive, organised and collaborative approach, including strong project management expertise.
- Experience or interest in financial services, skills policy or workforce strategy would be a plus — but curiosity, attention to detail and teamwork matter most.
About us: The Financial Services Skills Commission is an independent, not for profit, member‑led body, representing the UK’s financial services sector on skills. We work directly with the sector to ensure that businesses have the talent and skills they need for the future. We make the case for investing in upskilling and reskilling, while also promoting a culture of continuous learning. We do this by providing practical tools, data‑led insights, and collaborative environments that help shift the dial on the sector’s skills challenges.
We have around 50 members from across the sector and all parts of the UK, collectively representing almost 300,000 employees.
Research & Data Manager employer: Financial Services Skills Commission
The Financial Services Skills Commission is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and collaborative work environment in the heart of London. With a strong focus on employee growth and development, team members are encouraged to engage with industry leaders and contribute to impactful research that shapes the future of skills in financial services. The hybrid working model promotes a healthy work-life balance, while the supportive team culture ensures that every voice is heard and valued.
Contact Details:
Financial Services Skills Commission Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Research & Data Manager
✨Get Involved in Data Science Meetups
Tap into local data science meetups or workshops to connect with fellow enthusiasts and professionals. These events are goldmines for networking, and sometimes even lead directly to job openings at companies like Financial Services Skills Commission!
✨Show Off Your Projects
Start building a public portfolio showcasing your data science projects on platforms like GitHub or personal websites. Highlight unique analyses or models you've developed. This not only demonstrates your skills but also gets your name out there for roles like Research & Data Manager at Financial Services Skills Commission.
✨Leverage Professional Networks
Join professional bodies related to data science, like the Data Science Society or similar organisations. Getting involved can lead to mentorship opportunities and insider knowledge about full-time positions at companies like Financial Services Skills Commission.
✨Apply Directly through Our Website
When you find a suitable opening like Research & Data Manager at Financial Services Skills Commission, make sure to apply directly through our website. It gives you an edge and shows you're keen to join our team. Plus, who doesn’t love a direct application? It’s easier than navigating through job boards!
We think you need these skills to ace Research & Data Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Projects:In the world of data science, your projects can speak volumes about your skills. Make sure to showcase a few key projects in your CV or portfolio, especially those that highlight your ability to work with data sets, build models, or use relevant tools like Python, R, or SQL. Don’t forget to include links to any GitHub repositories if applicable!
Quantify Your Achievements:Employers love numbers! When drafting your CV, highlight your achievements with quantifiable results. For instance, mention how your data analysis led to a certain percentage increase in efficiency or revenue at a previous job or project. These details can really make your application pop!
Craft a Tailored Cover Letter:For a full-time role at Financial Services Skills Commission, your cover letter should reflect your passion for data science and your excitement about the specific projects or values of the company. Dive into why you’re a good fit, how your skills align with their needs, and any unique perspectives you can bring to the team.
Stand Out with Relevant Courses and Certifications:Although experience talks, relevant courses or certifications can be your ticket to impressing hiring managers at Financial Services Skills Commission. Mention any standout courses you've completed that equipped you with essential skills, such as machine learning certifications or data visualisation courses. This shows your commitment to continuously developing your skills in the field!
How to prepare for a job interview at Financial Services Skills Commission
✨Brush Up on Your Statistics
For a data science role, we need to seriously sharpen our statistics skills. Get ready to tackle technical questions on probability distributions, hypothesis testing, and regression analysis. These are often the bread and butter of data science interviews, so don't just skim over them!
✨Showcase Your Projects
Prepare a killer portfolio showcasing your data science projects. We should include details about the datasets used, the tools and techniques applied, and the impact of your findings. If we can walk them through a particularly challenging project or a cool visualisation that had real-world implications, it’ll really make us stand out!
✨Get Comfortable with Python and R
Most data science positions require us to be proficient in programming languages like Python and R. We should practice common libraries like pandas, NumPy, and scikit-learn, and be ready for live coding exercises or algorithm questions. Showing off our coding chops can really impress the interviewers at Financial Services Skills Commission!
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to encounter real-world case studies during the interview. We might be asked how we’d approach a data problem or analyse a dataset to extract insights. It's essential to think out loud and demonstrate our problem-solving process so that the interviewer can see our logical thinking in action.