Lead Economist

Position: Lead Economist – 12 Month Fixed Term Contract

Lead Economist – 12 Month Fixed Term Contract

Financial Conduct Authority

Join the FCA as a Lead Economist on a 12‑month fixed‑term contract. We regulate financial services firms in the UK and analyse economic impact to protect consumers, drive growth and shape future regulation.

Job Details

• Location:
  
  Greater London, England, United Kingdom (up to 60% remote)
• Salary:
  National (Edinburgh & Leeds) £59,100 – £73,700;
  London £64,900 – £81,000 (only vary by experience)
• Grade:
  Lead Associate – Regulatory
• Employment type:
  
  Full‑time
• Seniority level:
  Mid‑Senior

Contact

Recruitment contact:
Riley Fox,  Apply through the FCA online portal.

Role Overview

The Economics Division works with a vibrant mix of backgrounds, closely collaborating with colleagues across the FCA to produce evidence‑driven analysis. We are hiring Lead Economists for three teams:

• Consumers and Growth – focus on consumer policy and growth economics.
• Growth Strategic Analysis – strategic analysis for growth priorities.
• Horizon Scanning and Futures – scenario planning and futures work.

Responsibilities
Consumers and Growth

• Shape the future of consumer policy through multi‑year academic research programmes.
• Build influence and collaboration by engaging industry, academia, think‑tanks.

Growth Strategic Analysis

• Guide economic analysis for policy decisions at the senior FCA level.
• Embed growth priorities across analytical, policy, and operational teams.
• Communicate and inspire through speeches, hearings, and major events.

Horizon Scanning and Futures

• Guide the development of horizon scanning and scenario planning.
• Anticipate industry shifts through PESTLE trend tracking.
• Embed strategic insight through collaboration across teams.

Qualifications
Minimum Skills

• Prior economic experience; degree in economics or at least 50% economics modules.
• Experience leading engagement with stakeholders.
• Proven ability to guide complex analyses with appropriate risk management.

Essential for Consumers and Growth

• Lead, review and quality‑assure technical reports.
• Work with academics/external parties to deliver analysis.
• Manage procurement processes for economic analysis.

Essential for Growth Strategic Analysis

• Experience with economic growth and productivity concepts.
• Guide, coordinate, and deliver proportionate analysis at pace.
• Communicate analysis to senior non‑technical audiences.
• Experience in line‑management or project managing staff.

Essential for Horizon Scanning and Futures

• Expertise in futures approaches, PESTLE and scenario methods.
• Lead project teams and engage stakeholders.
• Implement techniques within small project teams, including AI in economic analysis.

Benefits

• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays.
• Hybrid model – up to 60% remote work.
• Non‑contributory pension (8–12% based on age) and life assurance eight times salary.
• Private healthcare (Bupa), income protection, 24/7 Employee Assistance.
• 35 hours of paid volunteering annually.
• Flexible benefits scheme.

For a full list of benefits and the recruitment process, visit the FCA benefits page.

Values & Culture

The FCA values diversity and strives to create an inclusive culture. We are Disability Confident and support applicants with disabilities or long‑term conditions.

We welcome diverse working styles and aim to find flexible solutions such as part‑time or job sharing.

Application Timeline

• Job advert closes: 14th January at 11:59pm.
• CV review shortlist: 16th January.
• First interview: week commencing 19th January.
• Submit a short cover letter (≤400 words) stating motivation and preferred roles.
• Recruiter will discuss detailed process during screening.

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