Lead Economist – 12 Month Fixed Term Contract

The Financial Conduct Authority; City of Edinburgh; On-site; GBP 59,000 - 74,000; Full time

Job summary

A regulatory body for financial services in the UK is seeking a Lead Economist for a 12-month fixed-term contract. This role involves shaping consumer policy through rigorous research and analysis, guiding strategic economic decisions, and collaborating with industry stakeholders. The ideal candidate will have a relevant degree, strong analytical skills, and a passion for improving financial services. The position is based in Edinburgh and offers competitive salary ranging from £59,100 to £73,700, depending on skills and experience.

Qualifications

• Strong background in economic research and analysis with a focus on consumer policy.
• Ability to lead academic research programs and engage with various stakeholders.
• Excellent communication skills to convey complex ideas effectively.

Responsibilities

• Shape the future of consumer policy through research and insights.
• Guide economic analysis on policy choices impacting growth.
• Manage the FCA’s futures program and track industry trends.

Skills

Economic analysis

Research coordination

Collaboration with industry

Data interpretation

Education

Relevant degree in economics or related field

Job description

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Testing was carried out by Blazie Engineering using the Website Accessibility Conformance Evaluation Methodology (WCAG-EM) approach to deciding on a sample of pages to test.**Lead Economist – 12 Month Fixed Term Contract** **Division: Operations** **Department: Economics*** **Salary:** National (Edinburgh and Leeds) ranging from £59,100 to £73,700 and London from £64,900 to £81,000 (salary offered will be based on skills and experience)* **This role is graded as:** Lead Associate - Regulatory* **Your recruitment contact is** Riley Fox via [e-mail]. Applications must be submitted through our online portal. Applications sent via social media or email will not be accepted.**About the FCA and team**We regulate financial services firms in the UK, to keep financial markets fair, thriving and effective. By joining us, you’ll play a key part in protecting consumers, driving economic growth, and shaping the future of UK financial services.The Economics Division is formed by a vibrant mix of backgrounds and works closely with colleagues across the FCA to ensure high-quality analysis and effective choices across all aspects of FCA regulationWe are seeking Lead Economists for the following roles:* Consumers and Growth (Consumers, Econometrics and Behavioural Unit)* Growth Strategic Analysis (Strategic Economic Analysis – Growth and Markets Team)* Horizon scanning and futures (Economic Strategy team)**Role responsibilities**Consumers and Growth* Shape the Future of Consumer Policy: Establish and coordinate a multi-year academic research programme, guiding internal and external studies to close evidence gaps and deliver insights that drive economic growth* Build Influence and Collaboration: Lead engagement with industry, academia, and think tanks to share research, strengthen the FCA’s evidence base, and create a community that shapes policy and practiceGrowth Strategic Analysis* Shape Strategic Decisions: Guide economic analysis on policy choices and their impact on growth, influencing choices at the FCA’s most senior levels, including the Executive Committee and Board* Champion Growth Across the FCA: Embed growth priorities by collaborating with analytical, policy, and operational teams to identify and drive actions that deliver measurable benefits* Communicate and Inspire: Support the FCA’s Growth Strategy by contributing to speeches, parliamentary hearings, and major events, ensuring our vision is understood and acted upon internally and externallyHorizon Scanning and futures* Guide Futures Thinking: Guide the development and implementation of horizon scanning and scenario planning, ensuring our approach to future trends is rigorous, inclusive, and delivers real strategic benefits* Anticipate Industry Shifts: Manage the FCA’s futures programme—tracking PESTLE trends, shaping strategic scenarios, and overseeing weak signals—to inform long-term regulatory decisions* Embed Strategic Insight: Maximise the value of futures work by collaborating across Strategy, Policy, Competition, and Supervisory teams, making it a core driver of the FCA’s strategic approach**Skills required****Minimum:*** Prior