The FCA have a clear vision to deepen trust, rebalance risk, support growth and improve lives. They are on an exciting journey to drive forward significant organisational, people, process and technology transformation to become a more forward-thinking and proactive regulator. Already significant improvements in digital enablement, business intelligence, market data and information maturity are all being pursued to maintain their position as a world leader in financial services reputation.
We are partnering with the FCA to help appoint a new Head of Consumer Finance Market Interventions, reporting into Alison Walters, Director of Consumer Finance. The successful individual will play a key role in shaping and delivering FCA’s transformation to a forward looking and proactive regulator that is data led, innovative, adaptive and assertive. This is a great opportunity to join the Senior Leadership Team during an exciting time of great change in financial services and its regulation.
The Consumer Finance Directorate is responsible for the regulation of c. 21,000 non- bank retail lending firms ranging from small credit brokers, credit card providers, point of sale finance, short term credit, and debt management providers.
Success involves working in collaboration across other FCA divisions, the FCA SLT and to provide effective leadership of c. 40 employees to oversee the operational running of the department focused on credit brokers, Claims Management Companies and high-volume cases across the directorate, making decisions to prevent and mitigate harm and implement the agreed supervision strategy for firms to ensure the FCA achieves its statutory objectives. You will also play a key role in representing the FCA externally with industry bodies, the media, conferences, and industry panels.
In the role you will:
· Develop and deliver a long -term strategy for the department and market, aligning to broader divisional and FCA 5- year strategy.
· Build strong relationships with key stakeholders to drive and influence positive outcomes for consumers and firms to foster competition and innovation.
· Take action to prevent or reduce harm occurring or stop harm where it has been identified. Your department will achieve this by utilising a broad range of tools to intervene, working collaboratively to employ expertise from across the FCA.
· Leading on performance, capability and culture within the department with a strong focus on operational excellence
· Delivering through others by relying on coaching, influencing and negotiating skills
· Building a strong and inclusive department that attracts and develops diverse pool of talent.
Requirements for the successful individual:
We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer, and therefore, people or individuals with disabilities and long-term conditions who best meet the minimum criteria for a role will go through to the next stage of the recruitment process. In cases of high application volumes we may progress applicants whose experience most closely matches the role’s key requirements. (To learn more about the Disability Confident Scheme Click Here)
Minimum
· Regulatory or consumer finance-based experience at senior level, including management of complex strategic issues.
· Significant experience of managing and influencing key stakeholders, including senior decision makers.
· Strong operational delivery skills, with the ability to drive effective performance across diverse teams. Role model strong leadership behaviours in line with the FCA values
· Aptitude for and experience of using data strategically and systematically to assess markets and/or firm outcomes.
· Experience of driving change and process efficiency/improvements, delivering value for money and innovation
Essential
· Critical thinker with analytical and problem-solving abilities, able to lead teams to deliver consumer-focused outcomes.
· Ability to motivate, develop and coach managers to lead high performing teams.
· Understanding and knowledge of consumer and firm issues within retail markets
· Experience of role modelling strong leadership behaviours in line with organisational values
· Confident representing the FCA externally to the media, external stakeholders and at conferences.
· Understanding of the financial services market in the UK, how firms operate within it and the regulatory framework in place.
· Experience of using data to systematically assess firms and implement appropriate tools in the delivery of agreed outcomes, in line with the wider FCA strategy.
· The ability to inclusively lead a group of talented individuals with a wide variety of professional expertise, experience, and backgrounds.
· An open and flexible management style and the ability to communicate effectively to a wide-ranging audience with different skills and perspectives.
Desirable
· Knowledge and awareness of the FCA supervisory and policy approaches
The FCA’s Values & Diversity
Our ambition is to create a diverse and inclusive workplace that reflects the society we serve, helping us to be a better regulator. We serve the public, and our decisions directly affect the wellbeing of people, businesses, and the UK economy. Therefore, our values matter. They represent the culture we aspire to every day, guide our judgement, build trust, and help us to be “At our best.”
The FCA is committed to achieving greater diversity across all levels of our organisation. Given this, we particularly welcome applications from women, disabled, and minority ethnic candidates, as these groups are currently under-represented.
As an inclusive employer, we are open to considering flexible working arrangements, including job shares. Please inform your recruiter if you wish to apply for this role on a flexible basis.
As part of the FCA’s ongoing commitment to developing our national presence, most of our vacancies are now open to working in our Edinburgh, Leeds, or London offices. This means that, as part of the application process, you will be able to select your preferred office location.
Application Support
We want to remove any possible barriers and are committed to providing a wide range of reasonable adjustments so that you can keep the focus on your conversations and be at your best. If you have an accessibility requirement, disability, or condition that means you might require changes to the recruitment process, please contact your recruiter to discuss this further. Our aim is to make you application as easy as possible, and your recruiter will be happy to work with you to make any necessary arrangements where possible.
· The closing date for this role is 23.55 on 27th March 2026.
· Selection will be via a two-stage interview process and psychometric assessment.
· Salary range between £118,000 to £165,000 depending on London or National base + benefits and up to 12% non-contributory pension.
· This role can be based in London, Leeds, or Edinburgh. Additional Useful Information
· We currently operate a hybrid working model, working a minimum of 50% in the office each month.
· If successful, you will be required to obtain and retain SC Clearance.
To apply, please submit your CV and cover letter.
The FCA has retained Green Park Executive Search to advise on this appointment. For further information about the position and additional details of qualifications, requirements, terms and conditions of service and how to apply please contact Juliet.hardingham@green-park.co.uk