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- Tasks: Lead investigations and disrupt illegal gambling networks to protect consumers.
- Company: Join a high-profile organisation dedicated to combating illegal gambling in Great Britain.
- Benefits: Enjoy a Civil Service Pension, flexible working, and generous holiday allowances.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for travel and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the gambling industry and contribute to safer practices.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in criminal investigations and collaboration with legal teams.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
This is an exciting new role that will significantly contribute to, shape, and lead our response to illegal gambling. Working within the Operations Directorate, you will coordinate and direct resources from our Enforcement and Intelligence functions, while working closely with the Illegal Markets, Sports Betting Integrity Unit, Legal, Policy, Strategy, and Communications Teams. This is a high‑profile position with frequent exposure to external stakeholders, as well as the Executive Team and Board. You will be expected to identify and manage risk, novel and contentious issues, and precedent‑setting products, providing tactical and strategic resolutions.
The role plays a critical part in delivering the Commission's broader strategy to combat illegal gambling, directly contributing to the creation of a safer and more transparent gambling environment across Great Britain. You will work closely with senior stakeholders to develop and refine strategic responses to emerging threats and illegal market activities, ensuring that the Commission's approach is agile, effective and forward‑thinking. By leading high‑profile investigations and disrupting illegal gambling networks, you will play a key role in protecting vulnerable consumers and safeguarding the integrity of the gambling industry. Your work will not only shape the Commission's operational strategy but will also inform policy decisions at the highest levels, contributing to both national and international responses to illegal gambling practices. This role reports directly to the Director of Enforcement and Intelligence.
Benefits
- Civil Service Pension, with 28.97% employer contribution.
- 26 days' holiday, rising to 29 days after two years' service (pro rata).
- Holiday purchase scheme (option to buy up to five extra days annual leave).
- Flexible working & family friendly policies.
- Ergonomic, fully accessible office, very close to Birmingham New Street Station.
- Open, collaborative and people focused culture.
Responsibilities
- Lead high‑profile investigations and complex disruption and criminal investigations, directing and in some instances performing the Senior Investigating Officer (SIO) role, with oversight of all disclosure obligations and requirements.
- Build and maintain effective relationships with key internal and external stakeholders, including Government Departments, National and International bodies, partner law enforcement agencies, and other regulators.
- Provide expert advice and guidance to address illegal gambling activity.
- Provide operational oversight to the Commission's illegal markets response, focusing primarily on Level 2 and Level 3 threats.
- Develop strong partnerships with law enforcement and related agencies.
- Lead on covert surveillance and CHIS (Covert Human Intelligence Source) activity, ensuring all operations are compliant with relevant legislation.
- Represent the Gambling Commission at Court, hearings, and other formal proceedings as required.
- Contribute to illegal market strategy development, business planning, reporting and operational guidance with the Senior Management Team and key external partners.
- Champion high standards in investigations, ensuring consistent performance, thorough monitoring, debriefing, and continuous improvement practices.
- Lead on the delivery and implementation of a robust Quality Assurance (QA) and Performance Delivery framework to monitor, evaluate, and improve the effectiveness and consistency of illegal markets enforcement activities, to monitor case progress and to ensure all processes and procedures comply with case legal requirements and internal practices.
- This role involves frequent travel and overnight stays.
Qualifications
- Leadership & Team Development: experienced leader with the technical ability to lead our criminal investigation and disruption response and develop our teams involved in the operational response.
- Broad Technical Knowledge: in‑depth technical understanding of criminal investigations, including knowledge of investigative tools, methodologies, and practices.
- Collaboration with Legal & External Counsel: experience working closely with legal teams, external counsel on Level 2 and Level 3 investigations; ensuring investigations are legally sound, compliant with relevant regulations, and effectively supported.
- Evaluation & Impact Assessment: proficiency in evaluating the effectiveness of enforcement and intelligence activities and capabilities, using data‑driven insights to refine strategies, enhance operational efficiency, and ensure continuous improvement in enforcement outcomes.
Desirable Criteria
- Accredited qualifications relevant to SIO, CPIA, PACE or POCA.
- Experience with covert authorities (surveillance, CHIS, test purchasing).
- Case Management Experience.
- Experience in online illegal markets disruption techniques and/or digital forensics.
- Intelligence analysis qualifications or experience.
- Experience in gambling‑related regulatory or investigative work.
Head of Illegal Markets in Birmingham employer: Gambling Commission
Contact Detail:
Gambling Commission Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Illegal Markets in Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
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 to professionals on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its recent activities. Understand their approach to illegal gambling and think about how your skills can contribute to their mission. We want you to shine, so practice common interview questions and have your own questions ready!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your expertise! If you’ve got experience in investigations or working with law enforcement, make sure to highlight that in conversations. We’re looking for leaders who can drive change, so don’t hold back on sharing your successes and insights.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged. So, take that step and let’s get you on board!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Illegal Markets in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Head of Illegal Markets role. Highlight your relevant experience in criminal investigations and your ability to lead teams, as this will show us you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Skills: Don’t just list your qualifications; demonstrate how your skills align with the responsibilities outlined in the job description. We want to see examples of your leadership and collaboration with legal teams, so be specific!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and ensure your key points stand out. This will help us quickly see why you're a great fit for the role.
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 position. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Gambling Commission
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you have a solid understanding of illegal gambling and the current landscape. Brush up on relevant laws, regulations, and recent cases. This will not only show your expertise but also demonstrate your commitment to the role.
✨Build Relationships
Since this role involves working closely with various stakeholders, think about how you can showcase your relationship-building skills. Prepare examples of how you've successfully collaborated with internal teams or external partners in the past.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
As a Head of Illegal Markets, you'll need to lead investigations and teams. Be ready to discuss your leadership style and provide specific examples of how you've guided teams through complex situations or challenges.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities in high-pressure situations. Think of scenarios related to illegal gambling and how you would approach them strategically. This will highlight your critical thinking and tactical skills.