At a Glance
- Tasks: Conduct market research to provide insights that shape financial regulations and improve consumer experiences.
- Company: Join the FCA, a leading regulator in the UK financial services sector.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative team environment with a focus on innovation and consumer advocacy.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in financial services while developing your research skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in market research and strong analytical skills required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 € per year.
The Financial Conduct Authority regulates financial services firms and financial markets in the UK. The FCA’s Market Research Team (MRT) provides vital consumer insights that support regulatory decisions. They deliver the Financial Lives survey – a key, nationally representative study tracking UK consumer attitudes, behaviours and financial experiences. They also deliver other data-driven consumer, firm and stakeholder insights through bespoke market research and collaboration with third-party data providers. The team embeds evidence across the FCA to inform policy, identify emerging issues and keep consumer and firm voices central to regulation.
Role Responsibilities
- The holder will be a subject matter expert, who can bring market research best practice and insights and new ideas into the team, and be able to challenge suppliers on the methodologies and designs they offer.
- You will be expected to advise the team on research design, sampling, weighting and analysis, and to take ownership of changes and innovation.
- This will include helping to improve the Financial Lives survey (FLS) where necessary.
- Primarily, it will involve designing other research and working with our suppliers and their statisticians so that they design and deliver top-quality research.
- You will co-author / take on lead authorship of our FLS main report, from producing the outline, to taking the report through governance for its publication.
- You will be responsible for a series of smaller FLS spotlight reports, authoring some and supporting others in the team to do so.
- You will also take responsibility for creating and managing a new Consumer Research series on the FCA’s website, which provides a single point of access to the consumer research we conduct other than FLS.
- You will manage or contribute to other complex financial services research projects, from clarifying business/research objectives and writing the Statement of Requirements (SoRs), through assessing bids, and working with winning agencies to deliver high-quality outputs, to seeing their reports through to publication.
- You will manage multiple stakeholder relationships, including colleagues across the FCA who commission or use research, suppliers, and external stakeholders.
- Economics will be a key stakeholder. We want to work more with them on the design and weighting of consumer and firm research.
- The holder will support the team manager and two lead associates to manage the work of the team and provide some on-the-job training.
Location: London, Edinburgh, Leeds
Contract type: Full time, Permanent
Profession: Analysis, Financial Services, Research
Working pattern: Flexible working, Hybrid
Closing Date: 18/05/2026
Market Research Specialist employer: UK Regulators' Network
The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where innovation and collaboration thrive. With a strong commitment to employee growth, the FCA provides opportunities for professional development and flexible working arrangements, ensuring a healthy work-life balance. Located in vibrant cities like London, Edinburgh, and Leeds, employees benefit from a diverse culture that values consumer insights and regulatory excellence, making it a rewarding place to contribute to meaningful change in the financial services sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Market Research Specialist
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, especially those at the FCA or similar organisations. A casual chat can lead to insider info about job openings and even referrals.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio of your market research projects and insights. When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, share your work to demonstrate your expertise and creativity.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay updated on industry trends! Follow financial news and consumer behaviour studies. This knowledge will help you engage in meaningful conversations during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in the field.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We make it easy for you to find roles that match your skills. Plus, applying directly shows your enthusiasm and commitment to joining our team at StudySmarter.
We think you need these skills to ace Market Research Specialist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Research Skills:When you're writing your application, make sure to highlight your market research expertise. We want to see how you can bring fresh insights and best practices to the table, so don’t hold back on showcasing your experience with methodologies and data analysis.
Tailor Your Application:Take a moment to customise your application for the Market Research Specialist role. We love it when candidates connect their skills and experiences directly to the responsibilities outlined in the job description. It shows us you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that get straight to the heart of what you want to say. Avoid jargon unless it’s relevant, and make sure your passion for consumer insights shines through!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it makes the whole process smoother for everyone involved.
How to prepare for a job interview at UK Regulators' Network
✨Know Your Market Research Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into market research methodologies and best practices. Familiarise yourself with the Financial Lives survey and be ready to discuss how you would improve it or tackle challenges in research design.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Prepare to demonstrate your analytical prowess by discussing past projects where you've designed research or analysed data. Bring examples that highlight your ability to challenge suppliers and ensure high-quality outputs.
✨Understand Stakeholder Management
Since managing multiple stakeholder relationships is key, think of examples where you've successfully collaborated with different teams or external partners. Be ready to explain how you would approach working with colleagues across the FCA and external stakeholders.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills. Prepare to discuss how you would handle specific challenges in market research, such as clarifying business objectives or managing complex projects.
