Regulatory Affairs Manager

We are looking for a Regulatory Affairs Manager to focus on how Pay.UK works with its regulators across the UK payments landscape. This role suits an experienced regulatory or policy professional who wants clarity of scope, defined responsibilities, and meaningful work within a complex regulatory environment. You will work on live regulatory matters that relate directly to the operation and oversight of the UK retail payment systems. You will be trusted to manage specific regulatory relationships and deliver high quality regulatory submissions, supported by clear governance and experienced leadership. You will see how your work is used in practice, from shaping regulatory responses to supporting discussions with the Bank of England, PSR, FCA and CMA. This role sits within the Chief Policy and Engagement Office and works closely with colleagues across Pay.UK. You will have access to senior stakeholders, structured regulatory processes, and established forums for scrutiny and review. The focus is on clarity, evidence, and consistency, rather than volume or speed.

Accountabilities

• Assess regulatory developments and expectations to identify implications for Pay.UK projects, programmes, and business operations.
• Prepare clear, well-evidenced submissions and responses to regulators, including explaining governance, assurance, and delivery approaches.
• Manage day-to-day engagement with allocated regulators, ensuring communications are accurate, timely, and aligned across Pay.UK.
• Provide regulatory advice to project and programme teams, helping them understand regulatory obligations and expectations.
• Identify and document regulatory risks and issues within assigned areas, and develop options to address them.
• Coordinate internal input from subject matter experts and senior stakeholders to form agreed regulatory positions.
• Research and analyse regulatory policy changes to support horizon scanning and forward planning.
• Support executive and board level discussions by preparing concise analysis and recommendations on regulatory matters.

Qualifications, Skills and Experience

• Experience working in a regulated environment in the UK, with direct responsibility for regulatory engagement or policy development.
• Knowledge of the UK payments sector or wider financial services regulation, including economic, prudential, or competition regulation.
• Experience analysing regulatory requirements and translating them into clear advice or documented positions.
• Experience preparing written materials for regulators, senior management, or governance forums.

Pay.UK Behaviours

At Pay.UK, our behaviours are central to who we are and how we operate. They bring our values to life, shape our culture, and guide how we make decisions, collaborate, and respond to challenges across the payments ecosystem. All interview processes will assess the following behaviours:

• Listen to Find Win-Wins – Empathy, Listening and Understanding
• Influence with Courage – Influence, resolve
• Go Horizontal First – Cross Boundary Collaboration
• Take Ownership – Self Development
• Opportunity Mindset – Initiative
• Simplify – Achievement Orientation

Inclusivity

At Pay.UK, we value diversity and inclusivity. Research has shown that candidates from underrepresented groups may hesitate to apply unless they meet all the requirements listed. We encourage all qualified candidates to apply, regardless of how closely their skills and experience match the requirements. We are committed to supporting accessibility needs and creating a welcoming environment for all employees.

Who we are

Pay.UK maintains and develops the UK retail payment systems and standards that are core to the economy being able to function on a day-to-day basis. From Bacs to Faster Payments and cheques – we act as the single operator for all UK retail payments. We put the needs of consumers and businesses at the heart of everything we do, working in the public interest to ensure that the systems the country relies on for its banking transactions are safe, open, innovative and resilient. Our payment systems underpin the services that enable funds to be transferred between people and institutions. In 2024, the UK's retail payment systems processed 11 billion transactions worth over £10 trillion through Bacs Direct Credit, Direct Debit, Faster Payments, and cheques, and our Current Account Switch Service has facilitated over 9 million switches since its launch in 2013. Every day, individuals and businesses use the services we provide to get their salaries, pay their bills and make online and mobile banking payments. Our vision for the future is to enable a vibrant economy, with Pay.UK delivering robust payment infrastructure and standards for the benefit of consumers and businesses nationwide.

Benefits & additional information

• 12% Non-contributory pension
• Discretionary annual bonus
• 30 days annual leave (excluding bank holidays)
• Employee assistance programme
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Season ticket loan
• Annual fitness subsidy of up to £500 per annum
• Working from home policy – minimum 40% in the office (e.g. 2 days in the office over a 5 day working week)

Please note: Some of our benefits are only available to colleagues after meeting the requirements of the probationary period.