Reporting to (Job Title): Chief Executive
Employment Type: Full time
Working pattern: Hybrid working, with at least 3 days per week based in our London office to support collaboration.
First Interviews: w/c 06 July 2026
We reserve the right to close an advert early if we identify suitable candidates.
Are you passionate about using data and research to shape the future of skills, talent and workforce strategy?
We’re looking for a Research & Data Manager to lead our work at the heart of one of the UK’s most important sectors. This is a high-impact role with real influence — working directly with industry leaders, government and regulators to tackle the biggest skills challenges facing financial services today.
Reporting directly to the CEO, you will be responsible for leading all data and research, including our flagship Annual Skills Report and member survey.
Hear from the current role holder, who is leaving to relocate abroad:
“This is a really fun and varied role, which includes working on unique data and the opportunity to regularly present findings to the Board, senior leaders and the wider world. I make sure everything we do is based on evidence and the Commission takes great pride in this. You’ll be leading the Commission’s research programme and advising colleagues on where and how to find the answers to their questions. There’s plenty of opportunity to speak to member representatives in financial services firms, so you’ll never be working in a silo. The Commission is a small and supportive team, which gets an amazing amount of work done and is at the centre of the debate on skills. I’m genuinely sad to leave and I’ll be following where the Commission goes next”.
Why this role matters
You’ll be leading our research and data agenda — turning complex evidence into clear, practical insights that help firms access the skills they need and drive meaningful change across the sector.
From running sector-wide surveys and benchmarking exercises to shaping our flagship Annual Skills Report, your work will directly to inform decision‑making at the highest levels.
What you’ll be doing
This is a varied and dynamic role where you will:
Lead our research programme — from scoping methodology to delivering high‑quality outputs that influence policy and industry action
* Build sector‑leading skills intelligence — using data to identify trends, challenges and opportunities
* Help firms benchmark and improve — translating insights into practical recommendations
* Shape our voice and influence — engaging senior leaders across industry, government and education
* Measure and demonstrate impact — strengthening how we track outcomes and member engagement
You’ll also play a key role in positioning the Commission as a leading voice on skills in financial services, working closely with our members and partners across the ecosystem.
Who we’re looking for
We’re looking for someone who combines analytical rigour with strong storytelling and stakeholder skills:
* Experience in research, data analysis and insight generation
* Strong understanding of quantitative and qualitative methods, ability to design primary research and analyse secondary sources and blend them together.
* Ability to turn complex information into clear, compelling narratives for senior audiences
* Confidence working with senior stakeholders across industry and government
* A proactive, organised and collaborative approach, including strong project management expertise.
Experience or interest in financial services, skills policy or workforce strategy would be a plus — but curiosity, attention to detail and teamwork matter most.
About us
The Financial Services Skills Commission is an independent, not for profit, member‑led body, representing the UK’s financial services sector on skills. We work directly with the sector to ensure that businesses have the talent and skills they need for the future.
We make the case for investing in upskilling and reskilling, while also promoting a culture of continuous learning. We do this by providing practical tools, data‑led insights, and collaborative environments that help shift the dial on the sector’s skills challenges.
We have around 50 members from across the sector and all parts of the UK, collectively representing almost 300,000 employees.
#J-18808-Ljbffr