At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic communications and engage with key stakeholders in a dynamic regulatory environment.
- Company: Join the Financial Conduct Authority, shaping the future of financial services in the UK.
- Benefits: Flexible working, competitive salary, and the chance to influence major projects.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team driving innovation in UK finance and regulation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on public confidence and regulatory strategy during exciting times.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in communications and experience engaging with senior stakeholders.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 117800 € per year.
Overview
The Financial Conduct Authority regulates financial services firms and financial markets in the UK.
Role Purpose
This pivotal leadership role combines strategic advisory responsibility at the highest levels of the organisation with leadership of a large and high-performing communications function. The Director will shape how the FCA delivers its strategy, communicates its priorities, provides thought leadership, engages key stakeholders and builds public confidence during a period of significant change for the organisation and the wider financial system. The Director leads internal communications at the FCA, engaging and inspiring our 5,500-strong workforce across London, Leeds and Edinburgh. The role sits as a central member of the FCA’s senior leadership community, with access to the Chief Executive, Deputy Chief Executive, the wider executive team and Board, requiring judgment, credibility and maturity to influence at senior levels inside and outside the FCA.
What will the candidate get from the role?
- Joining the Director and Senior Leadership Team at the FCA during an exciting and challenging time of great change in financial services and its regulation and a fast-changing geopolitical context.
- Leading a directorate of talented and committed people with major operational responsibilities as well as a steady stream of significant projects.
- Exposure to strategic issues and key players in the world of finance, nationally and internationally.
- An opportunity to shape the deployment of technology, data and AI in a demanding and wide-ranging communications role in UK finance and regulation.
Key Responsibilities
- Strategic Advice and Senior Stakeholder Engagement
- Provide trusted counsel to the Chief Executive, Deputy Chief Executive, Board and senior leadership on communications, reputation and stakeholder strategy.
- Support senior leadership in navigating parliamentary, governmental and wider stakeholder scrutiny, including engagement with accountability bodies, industry stakeholders and consumer groups.
- Ensure timely, well-judged positioning and messaging on complex and high-profile issues.
- External Reputation and Narrative
- Shape and deliver a clear and compelling narrative for the FCA as a modern, forward-looking and effective regulator that operates across the UK and influences internationally.
- Lead engagement across media, public affairs, industry and consumer audiences.
- Ensure complex regulatory priorities are communicated with clarity, consistency and impact.
- Oversee the effective management of issues, crises and other high-profile communications activity.
- Oversee the teams responding to freedom of information requests and subject access requests.
- Enterprise Leadership and Strategic Evolution
- Lead the internal communications at the FCA as a role model who inspires and engages colleagues, working closely with the Chief People Officer.
- Contribute beyond the communications function to the FCA’s broader organisational leadership and decision-making.
- Support the delivery of the FCA’s strategy, ensuring communications effectively enable its priorities and direction, including driving the FCA’s strategy internally, particularly its focus on becoming a smarter regulator.
- Help position the FCA externally as a credible, authoritative and forward-looking regulator.
- Align internal and external communications to support organisational priorities and evolving ways of working.
- Leadership of the Communications Function
- Lead a directorate of approximately 120 professionals across multiple locations, including London, Leeds and Edinburgh.
- Work through a strong senior team to deliver high-quality outcomes across media relations, internal communications, digital content, public affairs and stakeholder engagement.
- Build capability in insight-led, data-informed and digitally enabled communications.
- Foster an inclusive, high-performing and collaborative culture.
Location: London, Edinburgh, Leeds
Contract type: Full time, Permanent
Profession: Communications, Director
Working pattern: Flexible working, Hybrid
Closing Date: 13/05/2026
Director (Communications) employer: UK Regulators' Network
The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and inclusive work environment that empowers its 5,500-strong workforce across London, Leeds, and Edinburgh. As a leader in financial regulation, the FCA provides unparalleled opportunities for professional growth and strategic influence, allowing employees to engage with key stakeholders and shape the future of financial services during a transformative period. With a commitment to fostering a high-performing culture and embracing innovative communication strategies, the FCA stands out as a rewarding place to build a meaningful career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director (Communications)
✨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 you stand out when applying.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the FCA's recent projects and challenges. We want to see that you’re not just interested in the role, but also in how you can contribute to their mission during this exciting time.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Think of examples where you've successfully led teams or projects, especially in communications. We love to see how you inspire and engage others.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we’re always looking for passionate candidates who align with our values.
We think you need these skills to ace Director (Communications)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know Your Audience:When crafting your application, keep in mind who will be reading it. Tailor your language and examples to resonate with the FCA's mission and values. Show us that you understand the financial landscape and how effective communication plays a role in it.
Be Clear and Concise:We appreciate clarity! Make sure your application is straightforward and to the point. Use bullet points where necessary to highlight your key achievements and skills. Remember, less is often more when it comes to written applications.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:As a Director, we want to see your leadership style shine through. Share specific examples of how you've led teams or projects successfully. Highlight your ability to inspire and engage others, especially in challenging situations.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. This ensures your application gets to the right place and allows us to track your progress easily. Plus, it’s the best way to stay updated on your application status!
How to prepare for a job interview at UK Regulators' Network
✨Know Your Audience
Before the interview, research the Financial Conduct Authority and its current challenges. Understand their strategic priorities and how the communications function plays a role in achieving them. This will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate your knowledge of the organisation.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a Director, you'll need to inspire and engage a large team. Be prepared to discuss your leadership philosophy and provide examples of how you've successfully led teams through change. Highlight your experience in fostering a collaborative culture and driving high-quality outcomes.
✨Prepare for Stakeholder Engagement Scenarios
Expect questions about how you would handle complex stakeholder relationships. Prepare specific examples of how you've navigated scrutiny from various stakeholders, including government bodies and consumer groups. Show that you can communicate effectively under pressure.
✨Articulate Your Vision for Communications
Be ready to discuss your vision for the FCA's communications strategy. Think about how you would shape the narrative around the FCA as a modern regulator and how you would leverage technology and data in your approach. This is your chance to showcase your innovative thinking!
