Director (Communications) in Leeds

Director (Communications) in Leeds

Leeds Full-Time 75000 - 117800 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead strategic communications and engage with key stakeholders in a dynamic regulatory environment.
  • Company: Join the FCA, a pivotal regulator shaping financial services in the UK.
  • Benefits: Flexible working, competitive salary, and the chance to influence major projects.
  • Other info: Be part of a forward-thinking organisation during a time of significant change.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on the future of finance while leading a talented team.
  • 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) in Leeds 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.
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Contact Detail:

UK Regulators' Network Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Director (Communications) in Leeds

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former FCA employees on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for landing a role like the Director of Communications. Personal connections can give us insights that job descriptions just can't.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for the interview by understanding the FCA's current challenges and priorities. We should be ready to discuss how our skills can help shape their narrative and engage stakeholders effectively. Show them we’re not just interested in the role, but in making a real impact!

✨Tip Number 3

Practice our communication skills! As a potential Director, we need to demonstrate clarity and confidence. Try mock interviews with friends or mentors, focusing on articulating our vision for the FCA’s communications strategy.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure our application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows we’re serious about joining the FCA team and contributing to their mission.

We think you need these skills to ace Director (Communications) in Leeds

Strategic Advisory Skills
Stakeholder Engagement
Reputation Management
Crisis Communication
Media Relations
Public Affairs
Internal Communications
Leadership Skills
Team Management
Data-Informed Decision Making
Digital Communication Skills
Influencing Skills
Organisational Leadership
Communication Strategy Development

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 love a good story, but make sure your application is straightforward. Use clear language and avoid jargon where possible. Highlight your key achievements and experiences that align with the role without waffling on too much.

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. Demonstrate your ability to inspire and engage others, especially in challenging situations.

Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget 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 role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about us and what we stand for.

How to prepare for a job interview at UK Regulators' Network

✨Know Your Stuff

Before the interview, dive deep into the FCA's mission and recent developments in financial regulation. Familiarise yourself with their strategic priorities and how they communicate these to stakeholders. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you tailor your responses to align with their goals.

✨Showcase Your Leadership Style

As a Director, your leadership approach is crucial. Be ready to discuss your experience in leading large teams and driving high-quality outcomes. Share specific examples of how you've inspired and engaged colleagues, especially during times of change, to demonstrate your capability in fostering a collaborative culture.

✨Prepare for Stakeholder Engagement Scenarios

Expect questions about how you would handle complex stakeholder relationships. Think of scenarios where you've successfully navigated scrutiny from various groups, such as government bodies or consumer advocates. Highlight your strategic advisory skills and how you’ve effectively communicated complex issues in a clear and impactful way.

✨Align Internal and External Communications

Be prepared to discuss how you would ensure that internal communications support the FCA’s external narrative. Think about strategies you've implemented in the past that have aligned messaging across different platforms. This shows your understanding of the importance of cohesive communication in building public confidence.

Director (Communications) in Leeds
UK Regulators' Network
Location: Leeds

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