Personal Assistant to Head of Department

Financial Conduct Authority; London; Hybrid; GBP 31,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading regulatory body is seeking a Personal Assistant to support the Head of Department in the Authorisations Division. This role offers the chance to engage with senior stakeholders, manage communications, and contribute to the department's strategic direction. The ideal candidate will have prior experience and excellent organizational skills, with opportunities for professional growth within the FCA.

Benefits

25 days holiday plus bank holidays

Hybrid working (up to 60% remote)

Private healthcare with Bupa

Non-contributory pension of at least 8%

Life assurance of eight times your salary

Flexible benefits scheme

Qualifications

• Prior experience as a Personal Assistant.
• Exceptional organizational skills.
• Experience with senior stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Provide professional assistance to the Head of Department.
• Oversee inbox management and prepare meeting agendas.
• Coordinate agendas and manage departmental communications.

Skills

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Relationship building

Flexibility

Tools

Microsoft Outlook

Microsoft OneNote

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Word

Microsoft PowerPoint

Job description

Title – Personal Assistant to Head of Department (9 Month Fixed-Term Contract)

Division – Authorisations

Salary – National (Edinburgh and Leeds) ranging from £28,800 to £43,100 and London £31,600 to £47,400 per annum (Salary offered will be based on skills and experience)

About the FCA

The FCA regulates the conduct of 45,000 firms in the UK to ensure our financial markets are honest, fair, and competitive. Follow this link to find out more: About the FCA.

The Team

The Authorisations Division ensures firms and individuals applying for authorization or approval understand how we test their compliance with our regulations. We use authorization to facilitate our public offerings and to protect consumers from misconduct in the financial services industry. An opportunity has arisen for a Personal Assistant to support the Head of Department for Controllers & Cancellations in Authorisations. This is an exciting chance to be involved and help this busy department continue to thrive. The Controllers & Cancellations department handles applications for Change in Control and Cancellations from firms across all financial sectors.

What will you be doing?

1. Provide professional assistance to the Head of Department, handling information and progressing actions as needed, including liaising with senior management, external stakeholders, and their offices.
2. Oversee inbox management by monitoring emails, preparing agendas for management meetings, and following up on actions.
3. Investigate queries, manage departmental communications, and support management with ad hoc tasks.
4. Coordinate agendas, meeting papers, and pending actions for stakeholders, ensuring effective briefings.

What will you get from the role?

1. Gain a deep understanding of departmental functions, processes, and priorities.
2. Opportunities to learn and expand internal knowledge.
3. Support the leadership and strategic direction of the department.
4. Exposure to senior stakeholders within the FCA.
5. Potential to advance within the organization by providing essential support for smooth operations and decision-making.

Which skills are required?

We are a Disability Confident Employer; therefore, disabled people or individuals with long-term conditions who meet the minimum criteria will progress to the next stage of recruitment. Click here to learn more about the Disability Confident Scheme.

Minimum requirements

1. Prior experience as a Personal Assistant with exceptional organizational skills.
2. Experience building and maintaining strong relationships with senior stakeholders.
3. Proficiency in Microsoft Outlook, OneNote, Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.

Essential qualities

1. Ability to maintain security, trust, and confidentiality of information.
2. Capacity to manage competing priorities and work effectively under tight deadlines.
3. Skill in engaging and influencing internal and external stakeholders.
4. Strong team orientation with the ability to work independently.
5. Excellent communication skills adaptable to different audiences.
6. Flexibility to adapt to changing circumstances and willingness to take on new tasks.

Our Values & Diversity

We are committed to inclusivity and fostering a culture that respects individual strengths, views, and experiences. Our diversity enables better decision-making, innovation, and regulation.

Employees have access to resource groups promoting work/life balance and diversity initiatives.

Did you know? 50% of our Executive Committee were the first in their family to attend university.

Benefits of working at the FCA

1. 25 days holiday plus bank holidays.
2. Hybrid working (up to 60% remote).
3. Private healthcare with Bupa.
4. Non-contributory pension of at least 8% of basic salary, increasing with age up to 12%.
5. Life assurance of eight times your salary.
6. Income protection.

We offer a flexible benefits scheme to tailor your benefits to your lifestyle.

We support flexible working arrangements, including part-time, staggered hours, and job sharing.

Learn more about life at the FCA: Life at the FCA.

Application Support

We aim to make the application process accessible. If you require adjustments, contact your recruiter to discuss your needs.

Useful Information and Timeline

• Role grade: Senior Professional Support – Corporate.
• Application closing date: 30th May 2025 (Midnight).
• CV review/shortlisting: 3rd June 2025.
• Interviews: Week commencing 9th June 2025.

Please inform your recruiter if you are unavailable during these dates.

Got a question?

Interested in the role? Contact Rumana Hussain at [e-mail].

Applications must be submitted via our online portal. Emails will not be accepted.