Lead Associate - Mortgage Thematic Team

LEAD ASSOCIATE, MORTGAGE THEMATIC TEAM, MORTGAGES AND MUTUALS DEPARTMENT, SUPERVISION

BACKGROUND

There are few jobs where you can make a real difference to the 2 million people who work in the UK Financial Services industry, the 40 million consumers of financial products and the stability of our economy as a whole.

Our people are integral to our success as an organisation, working alongside industry, visiting firms and speaking to consumers every day as we strive to ensure the FCA is setting the standard for other regulatory bodies across the world.

The Mortgages and Mutuals Department leads for the FCA on mortgage conduct supervision. It is responsible for the conduct regulation of a wide range of firms including building societies, credit unions, smaller lenders, networks and intermediaries.

We are now recruiting for a lead associate (Reg. C1) to work in the department's thematic team. The role involves leading and overseeing delivery of thematic work designed to identify, assess and mitigate the highest priority conduct risk in the mortgages sector using the Pillar 3 (issues and products) supervision approach which has been developed as a vital and growing element of the FCA's supervisory approach.

The team's work can be high-profile, market sensitive and on occasions is in the media spotlight. In addition to overseeing multiple project work streams the successful candidate will need to build and maintain strong relationships with external stakeholders, including those in trade bodies, firms, consumer groups, and cross-division internal stakeholders.

WHAT DOES THIS JOB INVOLVE?

The key responsibilities of the post holder will be:

Working closely with, and deputising for, the team manager and playing a part in the department's leadership and management, particularly in regard to embedding the FCA supervision approach and cultural characteristics.

Leading the delivery of thematic projects by the team, including scoping, planning, proactive project management, methodology development and execution, proportionate risk mitigation and communication strategies.

Maintaining and developing effective relationships with stakeholders, including at a senior level, both internally and externally.

Ensuring the team's support for activity led by other areas of Supervision, or the wider FCA, is effectively and appropriately managed.

Contributing to development of supervisory strategies for relevant sub-sectors.

Working together with the team's existing lead associate to deliver effective resource planning; knowledge sharing; coaching and mentoring others; operational effectiveness, staff development and support.

Travel within the UK to visit firms head offices and operations throughout the country.

MINIMUM, ESSENTIAL & DESIRABLE SKILLS

MINIMUM:

Managing people: previous experience of project or team management. Prioritising tasks, allocating resources, developing employees and identifying best practice.

Strong communication and interpersonal skills: excellent written and oral communication, able to communicate effectively with senior staff in the FCA, firms and other external stakeholders in presentations and meetings. Ability to draft reports to a high standard suitable for external publication.

ESSENTIAL:

Strong analytical skills: ability to think clearly and rigorously about how best to assess and validate conduct risks and reach robust judgements, including under pressure.

Drive: motivated by challenges, responding positively to them. Flexible approach to change and an ability to adapt working styles accordingly.

Influence: able to identify and manage key stakeholders, to build and maintain constructive relationships, and win the support of firms and trade bodies for our conduct agenda. Ability to make a strong personal impact, persuading with well-reasoned arguments and challenging where appropriate.

Good organisational skills: ability to manage competing priorities, and a challenging workload at times, in a resource-constrained environment showing tenacity, resilience and flexibility.

The ability to work actively with others to achieve outcomes in both formal and informal teams. Can demonstrate how they work individually in support of team and organisational goals.

A good understanding of the regulatory framework, and of the FCA's approach to supervision.Understanding of conduct risk, consumer behaviour and the drivers of poor consumer outcomes.

Commercial awareness: understanding of business models and the impact of the wider economic climate on firm behaviour.

Respects the diversity of cultural, social and academic backgrounds found in the organisation.

DESIRABLE:

Experience of project management or project planning.

Knowledge/experience of the mortgage sector and the FCA's policy in this area, including relevant industry qualifications.

Proven experience of strategic decision making - the ability to develop effective and innovative strategies to mitigate conduct risks and secure good outcomes for consumers.

WHAT WILL I GET FROM THE ROLE?

You will have a rare opportunity to understand and shape the workings of the financial sector at a time of considerable change. You will enjoy a unique aerial view of the financial services industry, with the opportunity to do meaningful work that makes a real difference.

You will have the opportunity to work with and influence a wide range of industry professionals, both internally and externally to the FCA.

As an Academy business we place great value on learning and at the FCA we offer world-class development opportunities which will assist you in achieving your career aspirations.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

This job falls within the REG C1 job family.

The salary banding for this role is £60,000 - £70,000 depending on experience.

Applications for this role close on 9th August 2015.

SELECTION PROCESS:

STAGE 1: On-line application, please submit your CV and answers to the following application questions:
Why do you believe that you are suitable for this role? (no more than 300 words)
What do you see as the main challenges facing the mortgage sector? (no more than 300 words)

Please ensure that you specifically relate your first answer to the minimum, essential and desirable criteria listed in the job advert.

STAGE 2: Screening - your application will then be forwarded to the recruiting managers.
STAGE 3: Selection & assessment process - Candidates will be assessed on the basis of their written applications, and those selected for the next stage will be invited to participate in a written test and competency based interview. There may also be a final stage interview.

PLEASE CONTACT KAVI VADERA ON (SEE BELOW) IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS OR WOULD LIKE TO DISCUSS THE ROLE FURTHER.