Head of Department, Capital Markets

Head of Capital Markets Department

The FCA is seeking a Head of Department for Capital Markets. The role focuses on setting and enforcing rules for wholesale financial markets and supervising key market participants such as benchmark administrators and credit rating agencies. The successful candidate will lead a team within the Infrastructure & Exchanges Directorate and collaborate closely with regulators, industry stakeholders and internal colleagues to support the FCA's strategy to strengthen UK capital markets.

Responsibilities

• Lead the continued development and delivery of FCA capital market priorities through periods of significant change.
• Develop and deliver supervisory strategies for credit rating agencies and benchmark providers, adapting to evolving supervisory approaches.
• Enhance the Department's market capabilities through data analysis, tools and new ways of working.
• Forge and maintain strong, collaborative partnerships with key internal stakeholders to ensure a coordinated FCA approach to capital markets.
• Represent the FCA externally, building relationships with domestic and international regulatory authorities, industry representatives, and driving the FCA narrative on UK capital markets.
• Lead the Department's management team and technical specialists, ensuring effective work and a positive, inclusive culture.
• Recruit and retain high quality staff, manage operational effectiveness and mitigate potential risks.
• Represent the Department at FCA boards, committees and working groups.
• Act as a member of the FCA senior leadership team, contributing to the new FCA strategy.
• Deliver through others by coaching, influencing and negotiating with a range of internal and external stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Experience managing and influencing key stakeholders, including senior decision makers internally and externally.
• In depth knowledge of UK capital markets, ideally with market facing experience.
• Experience leading teams with multiple deliverables, particularly in policy and/or supervision of financial market activities.
• Demonstrated strong leadership behaviours that align with FCA values.
• Ability to inclusively lead a diverse team, employing an open and flexible management style and effective communication for varied audiences.
• Analytical mindset and risk based decision making, capable of making sound judgments in time critical environments.
• Ability to act confidently within the legal framework and identify legal risks.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to manage several competing priorities and work streams under significant time pressure.
• Strong sense of teamwork and collaborative culture.
• Desirable: awareness of political and media interest in FCA work and skill to manage communications and relationships in these spheres sensitively.

EEO Statement

We are a Disability Confident Employer and encourage applications from disabled individuals. We welcome applicants from under represented groups and invite them to apply with any necessary adjustments.

Benefits

• 30 days holiday per year plus bank holidays.
• Private healthcare with Bupa.
• Non contributory pension with at least 8% basic salary contribution (up to 12% depending on age).
• Life assurance equal to eight times the basic salary.
• Income protection.
• Additional benefits available through a personalized benefits package (e.g., dental, cycle to work, salary top up).