Early Careers Programme Lead

Financial Conduct Authority; Leeds; On-site; GBP 43,000 - 58,000; Full time

Job summary

A national regulatory body in the UK seeks an Early Careers Programme Lead to oversee the delivery and development of early careers programmes. The role involves managing stakeholder relations, ensuring a seamless participant experience, and driving continuous improvement in programme quality. This position demands proven experience in programme management, strong leadership skills, and an inclusive approach to team dynamics. A hybrid working model is available with competitive salary ranges based on location.

Benefits

25 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Non-contributory pension (8–12%)

Private healthcare with Bupa

Qualifications

• Proven experience managing early careers or future talent programmes.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and influencing skills.
• Strategic mindset with experience managing and developing teams.

Responsibilities

• Oversee delivery of all Early Careers programmes.
• Manage the structure and operation of our schemes.
• Drive innovation through digital tools and technology.

Skills

Stakeholder engagement

Programme management

Inclusive leadership

Job description

Job title: Early Careers Programme Lead
Division: Corporate
Department: HR

• Salary: National (Edinburgh and Leeds) ranging from £43,300 - £57,500 and London from £46,400 - £61,800 (salary offered will be based on skills and experience)
• This role is graded as: Senior Associate, Corporate
• Your recruitment contact is Raimonda 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 finance services.

This role sits within the Early Careers team, leading on programme delivery, development, talent and performance. You’ll work alongside a highly motivated group of EC professionals, all passionate about shaping the future of Early Careers at the FCA.

The Early Careers team focuses on two core areas: Recruitment & Attraction and Programme Delivery & Development. This role leads on Programme Development, collaborating closely with our EC Recruitment colleagues to ensure a seamless, high quality Early Careers experience.

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

  Skills required

  Minimum:

  • 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:

  • 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

  For a full list of our benefits and our recruitment process as a whole visit our benefits page.

  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, drives innovation, and delivers better regulation.

  If you require any adjustments due to a disability or condition, your recruiter is here to help - reach out for tailored support.

  We welcome diverse working styles and aim to find flexible solutions that suit both the role and individual needs, including options like part-time and job sharing where applicable.

  Disability confident: our hiring approach

  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

  Timeline:

  • Advert Closing Date: 28th November 2025 (midnight)
  • CV Review/Shortlist: 1st-2nd December 2025
  • Interviews: 8th-10th December 2025
  • Your Recruiter will discuss the process in detail with you during screening for the role, therefore, please make them aware if you are going to be unavailable for any date during this time.