Principal Digital Markets Adviser

Contract: Fixed Term Contract – 14 months

Are you excited about the potential of tech, but concerned how it may affect society? Join us and shape how Digital Markets develop and make a real difference for people and businesses online.

About us

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is a world-leading government body, established to make sure competition works in people’s favour and businesses treat their customers fairly. We are expanding our presence in Manchester and the city will be an important hub for our growing Digital Markets Unit (DMU). The DMU will focus on some of the most important online markets used by consumers and businesses in the UK, including search, social media, app stores and online marketplaces.

It is an exciting time to join the CMA’s Digital Markets Unit – we are passionate about what we do and offer a supportive environment, with opportunities to be involved in a wide range of interesting work.

The role

This exciting opportunity places you at the forefront of promoting greater competition and innovation in vital Digital Markets, such as online search, social media, app stores, and online marketplaces, directly benefiting UK consumers and businesses.

In this role, you will craft policy, guidance, and frameworks for the new Digital Markets regime. Your work will be crucial in deepening understanding of key digital sectors, which is essential for determining 'Strategic Market Status' and shaping regulatory approaches. A significant part of this role involves collaboration. You will work alongside other regulators, both domestically and internationally, to strengthen cooperation and create a more effective, coherent regulatory landscape.

Your contributions will extend beyond policy and planning. You will actively participate in case and project work within Digital Markets, collaborating with colleagues across the CMA. This hands-on work will provide valuable insights that will inform the strategic direction of the Digital Markets Unit.

Additionally, you will have the opportunity to mentor junior team members, fostering their growth and performance. This position is pivotal not only in governance but also in driving innovation and leadership in one of the most dynamic sectors.

About you

Previous experience studying or working in a digital-related field may be helpful but is not essential. We are looking for people from a range of backgrounds, with transferable skills. This could include experience in one of the following fields: accountancy, advocacy, data analysis/science, economics, government, law, project management, regulation, research, teaching/academia, technology.

Essential for this role is a proven track record in thriving within multi-disciplinary team environments, demonstrating an exceptional ability to deliver tangible results under stringent deadlines. You should exhibit robust skills in fostering relationships with a diverse array of stakeholders across various professional spheres, showcasing an ability to navigate and synergize different perspectives.

What we can offer you

The CMA is a hugely diverse, rewarding and stimulating place to work – an opportunity to work for the public good and to stretch and develop yourself in doing so. We offer generous benefits, including an excellent pension scheme with an average employer contribution of 27%, at least 25 days leave (increasing to 30 over five years), and generous maternity/paternity leave provision. You can also take advantage of interest-free season ticket loans, a cycle to work scheme, and our extensive flexible working options.

We actively promote mental and physical wellbeing with access to an employee assistance programme, a varied programme of wellbeing initiatives and a network of mental health first aiders.

The Digital Markets Team (DMU) will host a drop-in session for prospective candidates interested in working for the CMA. Candidates are invited to join a virtual session where the team will explain the work of the DMU and you can hear from existing team members about their experiences. Recruiting managers will be on hand to ask any questions you may have about the vacancies in team.

We will run the session over Microsoft Teams from 17.30 on 18.30 on 15th January 2024, to register your interest please visit - Live Q&A Event: working in the CMA’s Digital Markets Unit Tickets, Mon 15 Jan 2024 at 17:30 , Eventbrite

To find out more about this opportunity and about working for the CMA, please click on the APPLY button.

The closing date for applications is 11.55pm on 22nd January 2024.

Existing Civil Servants and applicants from accredited NDPBs are eligible to apply, but will only be considered on loan basis (Civil Servants) or secondment (accredited NDPBs). Prior agreement to be released on a loan basis must be obtained before commencing the application process. In the case of Civil Servants, the terms of the loan will be agreed between the home and host department and the Civil Servant. This includes grade on return.

Like many other organisations, we operate a hybrid working model with a mix of office and home working. We believe this supports us to deliver our best work while allowing the flexibility to maintain balanced and healthy lives.

The CMA is an accredited Disability Confident Employer, and we are an equal opportunities employer, welcoming suitably qualified applicants from all backgrounds. We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles.