At the FCA, we’re creating a fair and more resilient financial system. We’re establishing more transparent relationships between financial services and customers, building trust in financial markets and protecting vulnerable consumers.
The Role
This is a pivotal leadership role within the FCA, combining strategic advisory responsibility at the highest levels with accountability for a large and high‑performing communications function. The Director will shape how the FCA delivers its strategy, communicates priorities, provides thought leadership, engages key stakeholders and builds public confidence at a time of considerable change.
Role Purpose
The Director delivers expert counsel to the Chief Executive, Deputy Chief Executive and Board on reputation, stakeholder engagement and communications strategy, ensuring the organisation communicates with clarity, authority and impact. The role also carries significant enterprise leadership, contributing to the broader strategic agenda and supporting the FCA’s ambition to become more digital and data‑led.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide trusted counsel on communications, reputation and stakeholder strategy to senior leadership.
- Navigate parliamentary, governmental and wider stakeholder scrutiny, engaging with accountability bodies, industry stakeholders and consumer groups.
- Ensure timely, well‑judged positioning and messaging on complex and high‑profile issues.
- Shape and deliver a clear narrative for the FCA, influencing internationally.
- Lead engagement across media, public affairs, industry and consumer audiences.
- Oversee the management of issues, crises and high‑profile communications activity, including freedom of information and subject access requests.
- Lead the internal communications as a role model, inspiring colleagues and working closely with the Chief People Officer.
- Contribute to the FCA’s broader organisational leadership and decision‑making.
- Support the delivery of the FCA’s strategy, ensuring communications enable its priorities.
- Align internal and external communications to support organisational priorities.
- Lead a directorate of approximately 120 professionals across London, Leeds and Edinburgh, delivering 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.
Skills & Experience Required
- Significant experience managing and influencing key stakeholders, including senior decision makers.
- Established communications professional with experience leading teams in fast‑paced, high‑profile environments.
- Strategic decision‑making skills, including analysing complex data quickly.
- Ability to influence senior stakeholders and communicate effectively, both written and verbal.
- Role model strong leadership behaviours in line with the FCA values.
- Experience of implementing insight‑led, outcome‑driven communications strategies.
- Track record of creating a culture of innovation and continuous improvement.
- Strong political awareness and professional judgement.
- Experience providing clear, balanced advice to Board level.
- Outstanding stakeholder management and influencing skills with senior stakeholders across public and private sectors.
- High level of personal resilience, managing media relations in a sensitive environment.
- Excellent people leader who improves capability, leads through change and builds a diverse and inclusive team.
- Ability to navigate complex environments and deliver through effective partnerships.
Highly Desirable
- Understanding of financial services and regulatory context of the FCA.
- Enthusiasm for embracing innovation, including new technology and data tools in communications.
Benefits
- 30 days holiday per year plus bank holidays.
- Private healthcare with Bupa.
- Non‑contributory pension of at least 8% of basic salary, increasing to 12% once age 35.
- Life assurance of eight times the basic salary.
- Income protection.
Closing Date and Selection
- The closing date for this role is 23:55 on 12 May 2026.
- Selection via a two‑stage interview and psychometric assessment.
- Successful candidates must obtain and retain SC Clearance.
- Minimum 40% office attendance (50% for senior leaders); from September 2026 a minimum of 50% office time; executive directors required to be 60%.
- Salary range £200,000‑£250,000 for London, £180,000‑£225,000 nationally.
Application
The FCA is a Disability Confident Employer. Candidates with disabilities and long‑term conditions who meet the minimum criteria will progress to the next stage.
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