Head of Department, Digital Services Learning and Business

This is a pivotal leadership role at the heart of the FCA’s Enforcement and Market Oversight Division where intelligence, technology and forensic capability come together to tackle complex financial crime and protect consumers. Sitting within the Enforcement Intelligence Specialist Services (EISS) Directorate, this role leads a critical set of capabilities that underpin the FCA’s most sensitive investigations, from early intelligence through to court-ready evidence. As enforcement activity accelerates in pace and scale, the importance of high-quality digital, forensic and data-led services has never been greater.

The Head of Department will lead four specialist teams spanning digital forensics, eDiscovery, business operations and ICT services, delivering the infrastructure, tools and expertise that support investigations across the organisation. This is a role that combines operational leadership with transformation: overseeing high-impact projects, driving innovation in the use of AI and advanced technologies, and ensuring that systems, processes and data are used as effectively as possible. Alongside this, the postholder will maintain rigorous compliance with forensic and disclosure standards, including ISO17025 accreditation and regulatory requirements, ensuring the integrity and credibility of evidence in complex legal proceedings.

As a senior member of the EISS leadership team, the role also carries significant strategic weight. Working closely with internal and external partners (including law enforcement, regulators and technology providers) the Head of Department will help shape the future of the FCA’s enforcement capability. With a broad remit spanning investigator training, risk management, business planning and operational resilience, this is a unique opportunity to lead at scale, influence at pace, and play a central role in strengthening the UK’s response to financial crime.

Why This Role

• A unique opportunity to shape the future of financial crime enforcement in the UK
• Senior leadership role at a time of significant growth, pace and ambition
• The chance to lead cutting-edge digital, forensic and AI-enabled capabilities
• Exposure to complex, high-profile work with national and international impact

Key responsibilities

• Delivering Digital forensics in support of investigations, ensuring progression towards ISO17025 accreditation and maintenance of key standards.
• Be responsible for the delivery of management information and business support roles for EISS and EMO (Enforcement & Market Oversight).
• Delivery of the eDiscovery function making best use of the latest technology and ensuring value for money on investment.
• Leading the work with key stakeholders and Transformation Project Management to maintain and enhance systems that promote integration and enable a more proactive identification of harm. Be innovative and open to new ways of working.
• Maintain and enhance data-led business systems and continue to develop the existing culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence.
• Building on and further developing the long-term business plan for the department that supports FCA strategic commitments and leads on performance.
• Utilising skills such as coaching, influencing and negotiating to engage a range of internal and external stakeholders.
• Maintaining and enhancing a strong and inclusive department that attracts and develops diverse talent.
• As a key member of the leadership team, support the Director in the governance and delivery of EISS business, including engagement/representation across the FCA at Executive and Board level.
• Maintain and build on existing relationships with appropriate networks and stakeholders internally and externally.
• Aligns Departmental direction with the FCA strategy, in particularly fighting financial crime.
• Deputise on behalf of Director as required.
• Undertaking Authorising Officer (RIPA) responsibilities for relevant operational activity, exercising formal decision-making authority in accordance with statutory, policy and governance requirements. This includes providing assurance that activity is necessary, proportionate and legally compliant, and that appropriate safeguards and oversight arrangements are in place.

Skills/Experience Required

Minimum

• Significant experience of leadership in managing and influencing key stakeholders, including senior decision makers internally and externally.
• In-depth experience and a strong working knowledge in digital forensics, eDiscovery and associated technology are essential.
• Strong investigative background and ability to strategically lead investigator training for Enforcement and Market Oversight Division.
• Demonstrates leadership experience in crisis management, critical thinking and demonstrates the ability to deliver large scale multi-year projects.
• Experience in leading the work of a large department of approx. 50 people and managing staff (including managing workstreams through others effectively, resolving conflict, developing individuals to deliver at their best and motivating team members to achieve high standards through empowerment and trust).

Essential

• Experience of role modelling strong leadership behaviours in line with organisational values.
• The ability to inclusively lead a department of approx. 50 people across a varied portfolio within four key business areas.
• An open and flexible leadership style with the ability to communicate effectively and use data to improve business.
• Good operational knowledge of RIPA/IPA.

Desirable

• An understanding of Fighting financial/organised crime would be a significant advantage
• While formal qualifications are not necessary, they will be a benefit to the role.

For a confidential discussion about the role, please contact Sarah Luxford or Russell Brandon at GatenbySanderson who will be delighted to speak with you: FCAEnquiries@gatenbysanderson.com

Closing date for applications: Friday 10 July 2026 @ 9am

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Further info

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. So, our values matter. They represent the culture we aspire to every day, guiding our judgements, building trust and helping 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 under-represented groups.

As an inclusive employer, we are open to considering flexible working arrangements, including job shares. Please inform GatenbySanderson if you wish to apply for this role on a flexible basis.

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 your application as easy as possible, and GatenbySanderson will be happy to work with you to make any necessary arrangements where possible.

Conflicts of Interest

All applicants to the FCA are required to demonstrate that they do not have other interests likely to conflict with their responsibilities as an employee of the FCA. You should declare any potential conflict of interest as early as possible in the selection process, and also disclose information or personal connections that, if appointed, might be open to misperception.

Any potential conflicts of interest will not prevent candidates going forward to interview but may, if appropriate, be explored during the interview to establish how the candidate would address the issue(s) should they be successful in their application.