Director of Supervision

Job description

Director of Supervision
Contract Type
Fixed Term Contract / Secondment

Contract length
12 months

Working Pattern
Full time

Working Hours
35

Salary
circa £98,000-£105,000 (£107,800-£115,500 if London based) d.o.e

Location Options
Birmingham, Cardiff , London - Old Broad Street

Function Type
Regulation

The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) is creating a supervision function that will play a pivotal role in strengthening our ability to identify risks earlier, intervene proportionately and protect the public while maintaining confidence in legal services.

As Director of Supervision, you will lead the initial development and implementation of this new function, establishing the foundations on which a modern, risk-based and intelligence-led approach to supervision can grow. Working closely with senior leaders across the organisation, you will help shape and deliver the operating model, governance arrangements, capability, systems and ways of working needed to bring the function into operation.

This is a unique opportunity to help build something from the ground up. The successful candidate is expected to join at a formative stage in the development of the function and, while an Executive Director of Supervision is also being recruited, is likely to be in post ahead of that appointment. As a result, you will have significant scope to shape the early direction, design and implementation of the function, before working in partnership with the Executive Director to embed and mature the model as it evolves.

This is not a role for someone looking to inherit a well-established operation. Success will come from being comfortable working in a developing environment, helping to shape and establish a new function whilst balancing strategic thinking with practical delivery.

What's in it for you?

This is an opportunity to play a pivotal role in delivering the organisation's strategic priorities, and building a modern, risk-based approach to regulation.

You will have the chance to influence the creation of an entirely new regulatory capability from its earliest stages, helping to shape how the SRA proactively identifies risk, engages with firms and individuals, and delivers regulatory impact. Unlike many transformation roles, where key decisions have already been taken, you will have genuine opportunity to influence both the design and implementation of the function.

You will work alongside experienced senior leaders across the organisation, contributing to a wider transformation programme that aims to strengthen operational excellence, develop more proactive approaches to risk, and focus regulatory effort where it can make the greatest difference.

This role offers a high degree of visibility, autonomy and influence. It will suit someone who enjoys building new capabilities, solving complex problems and leaving a lasting legacy. If you are energised by creating structure, capability and momentum in an evolving environment, this is an exceptional opportunity to do so.

What we're looking for

We are seeking an experienced leader with a strong track record of designing, establishing, or transforming regulatory or supervisory functions in a regulatory, supervisory or oversight environment.

You will bring significant senior leadership experience and a strong understanding of risk-based regulation and supervisory methodologies. You will be comfortable translating high-level objectives into practical operating models, governance frameworks, processes and ways of working that deliver sustainable outcomes.

You will have experience leading significant organisational change, building capability and developing multidisciplinary teams. You will be able to work across organisational boundaries, establish effective partnerships and influence senior stakeholders through sound judgement, credibility and strong communication skills.

Importantly, you will thrive in an evolving environment. You are likely to be someone who enjoys building while the blueprint is still being written, balancing ambition with pragmatism and confidence with collaboration

Useful information

This is a full time, 12-month fixed-term contract. You can find a full role profile at the bottom of this advert.

The role can be based from either our office in Birmingham or London, however regular travel will be required between SRA offices to support collaboration, programme delivery and stakeholder engagement activities.

Hybrid working arrangements are in place to allow for a certain amount of remote working from home when not required in our offices (typically three days a week).

How to apply

Please click 'Apply' to complete the online application form and upload your CV and Cover Letter, addressing how your experience meets each requirement outlined in this advert and the attached role profile.

The SRA is the independent regulator of solicitors and law firms in England and Wales, protecting consumers and supporting the rule of law and the administration of justice. We do this by overseeing all education and training requirements necessary to practise as a solicitor, licensing individuals and firms to practise, setting the standards of the profession and regulating and enforcing compliance against these standards.

We offer an inclusive, supportive and friendly working environment and the chance to develop your career within a professional organisation. We are committed to the health and wellbeing of staff, helping everyone to strike a good balance between personal and professional life.

Additionally, we provide a generous flexible benefits package, an excellent defined contribution pension scheme and an additional 3% of annual basic salary upon successful completion of probation.

Attached Role Profile
Director Supervision August 2026.docx - 552KB Opens in a new window Converted File Director Supervision August 2026.docx.pdf - 91KB Opens in a new window

Vacancy closing date: 13/09/2026, 23:55

The Solicitors Regulation Authority is an Equal Opportunities Employer.

Diversity and inclusion is central to everything we do. We are actively committed to promoting and participating in good practice in the way that we attract, recruit and retain staff.

Everyone is encouraged to bring their whole self to work because we appreciate the value that a truly diverse workforce brings to an organisation. We celebrate difference, recognising the benefits this brings to our inclusive culture, including age, disability, gender identity and expression, religion, race, sex, sexual orientation and socio economic background.