Join to apply for the Early Careers Programme Lead role at Financial Conduct Authority and help shape the future of UK financial services.
Overview
The FCA regulates financial services firms in the UK to keep markets fair, thriving and effective. This Early Careers team leads on programme delivery, development, talent and performance.
Division: Corporate
Department: HR
Senior Associate, Corporate
Role Responsibilities
* Oversee delivery of all Early Careers programmes, driving continuous improvement and ensuring a high‑quality participant experience.
* Manage the structure and operation of our schemes, including development, probation, performance, rotations and roll‑off – to ensure they remain fit for purpose and build a strong future talent pipeline.
* Influence and evolve our programmes by applying creativity and expertise to improve and develop them.
* Line manage two Programme Management Associates, providing coaching and guidance to enable effective delivery and professional growth.
* Bring insight into Early Careers and talent trends to keep the FCA competitive and forward‑thinking whilst gaining a unique view across the organisation, working with business areas to identify future skills needs.
* Build trusted relationships with stakeholders and Early Careers Champions to enhance engagement and position the FCA as an employer of choice.
* Work closely with colleagues in Resourcing & Talent and the wider HR function to identify opportunities for alignment and deliver a best‑in‑class Early Careers offer.
* Drive innovation through digital tools and technology to improve efficiency and strengthen the Early Careers offer.
* Contact for recruitment: Raimonda via Raimonda.Stankute@fca.org.uk. Applications must be submitted through our online portal.
Minimum Skills Required
* Proven experience managing early careers or future talent programmes in a large, complex organisation.
* Demonstrated ability to design and deliver inclusive development programmes aligned to organisational talent strategies.
* Strong stakeholder engagement and influencing skills, with the ability to drive organisational change.
Essential Criteria
* Strategic mindset with experience managing and developing teams.
* Collaborative, inclusive leadership style aligned with organisational values.
* Proven track record in coaching, mentoring and developing talent.
* Ability to use data analytics and generational insights to inform talent decisions.
* Experience in budget management and supplier partnerships.
* Sound judgement and adaptability in complex, changing environments.
* Consistent delivery focus with resilience, initiative and effective self‑management.
Benefits
* 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays.
* Hybrid model with up to 60% remote work.
* Non‑contributory pension (8–12% depending on age) and life assurance at eight times your salary.
* Private healthcare with Bupa, income protection and 24/7 Employee Assistance.
* 35 hours of paid volunteering annually.
* A flexible benefits scheme designed around your lifestyle.
Our Values and Culture
Our colleagues are the key to our success as a regulator. We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive culture: one that’s free from discrimination and bias, celebrates difference and supports colleagues to deliver at their best. We believe that our differences and similarities enable us to be a better organisation – one that makes better decisions, drives innovation, and delivers better regulation.
Disability Confident
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.
Useful information and timelines
* Advert closing date: 28th November 2025 (midnight).
* CV review/shortlist: 1st–2nd December 2025.
* Interviews: 8th–10th December 2025.
* Recruiter will discuss the process in detail with you during screening; please indicate if you are unavailable for any of these dates.
Seniority level
Mid‑Senior level
Employment type
Full‑time
Job function
Other
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