Head of Illegal Markets

This is an exciting new role that will significantly contribute to, shape, and lead our response to illegal gambling. Working within the Operations Directorate, you will coordinate and direct resources from our Enforcement and Intelligence functions, while working closely with the Illegal Markets, Sports Betting Integrity Unit, Legal, Policy, Strategy, and Communications Teams. This is a high-profile position with frequent exposure to external stakeholders, as well as the Executive Team and Board. You will be expected to identify and manage risk, novel and contentious issues, and precedent-setting products, providing tactical and strategic resolutions. This role plays a critical part in delivering the Commission's broader strategy to combat illegal gambling, directly contributing to the creation of a safer and more transparent gambling environment across Great Britain. You will work closely with senior stakeholders to develop and refine strategic responses to emerging threats and illegal market activities, ensuring that the Commission's approach is agile, effective and forward-thinking. By leading high-profile investigations and disrupting illegal gambling networks, you will play a key role in protecting vulnerable consumers and safeguarding the integrity of the gambling industry. Your work will not only shape the Commission's operational strategy but will also inform policy decisions at the highest levels, contributing to both national and international responses to illegal gambling practices. This role reports directly to the Director of Enforcement and Intelligence. Our offer to you:

• Civil Service Pension, with 28.97% employer contribution. Click for more information
• 26 days' holiday, rising to 29 days after two years' service (pro rata)
• Holiday purchase scheme (option to buy up to five extra days annual leave)
• Flexible working & family friendly policies
• Ergonomic, fully accessible office, very close to Birmingham New Street Station
• Open, collaborative and people focused culture
Your responsibilities:
• Lead high-profile investigations and complex disruption and criminal investigations, directing and in some instances performing the Senior Investigating Officer (SIO) role, with oversight of all disclosure obligations and requirements.
• Build and maintain effective relationships with key internal and external stakeholders, including Government Departments, National and International bodies, partner law enforcement agencies, and other regulators. Provide expert advice and guidance to address illegal gambling activity.
• Provide operational oversight to the Commission's illegal markets response, focusing primarily on Level 2 and Level 3 threats. Develop strong partnerships with law enforcement and related agencies.
• Lead on covert surveillance and CHIS (Covert Human Intelligence Source) activity, ensuring all operations are compliant with relevant legislation.
• Represent the Gambling Commission at Court, hearings, and other formal proceedings as required.
• Contribute to illegal market strategy development, business planning, reporting and operational guidance with the Senior Management Team and key external partners.
• Champion high standards in investigations, ensuring consistent performance, thorough monitoring, debriefing, and continuous improvement practices.
• Lead on the delivery and implementation of a robust Quality Assurance (QA) and Performance Delivery framework to monitor, evaluate, and improve the effectiveness and consistency of illegal markets enforcement activities, to monitor case progress and to ensure all processes and procedures comply with case legal requirements and internal practices.
This role involves frequent travel and overnight stays. The successful person will also be excluded from playing the National Lottery.


• Leadership & Team Development: We are looking for an experienced leader that has the technical ability to lead our criminal investigation and disruption response and develop our teams involved in the operational response.
• Broad Technical Knowledge: In-depth technical understanding of criminal investigations, including knowledge of investigative tools, methodologies, and practices.
• Collaboration with Legal & External Counsel: Experience working closely with legal teams, external counsel on Level 2 and Level 3 investigations; ensure investigations are legally sound, compliant with relevant regulations, and effectively supported.
• Evaluation & Impact Assessment: Proficient in evaluating the effectiveness of enforcement and intelligence activities and capabilities, using data-driven insights to refine strategies, enhance operational efficiency, and ensure continuous improvement in enforcement outcomes.
Desirable criteria:
• Accredited qualifications relevant to SIO, CPIA, PACE or POCA.
• Experience with covert authorities (surveillance, CHIS, test purchasing)
• Case Management Experience
• Experience in online illegal markets disruption techniques and/or digital forensics.
• Intelligence analysis qualifications or experience.
• Experience in gambling-related regulatory or investigative work.
  
  The Gambling Commission is the regulatory authority responsible for overseeing and regulating gambling activities in the United Kingdom. Our primary role is to ensure that gambling is conducted fairly, openly, and free from crime, while also protecting vulnerable individuals from harm.
We regulate various forms of gambling, including casinos, bingo, sports betting, and lotteries, and issues licenses to operators. We are committed to ensuring a safe and responsible gambling environment, promoting transparency, and enforcing compliance with legal standards to maintain public trust in the industry. We're proud to have notable industry recognition, including the Regulatory Excellence Award from the International Association of Gaming Regulators (IAGR). This prestigious award recognized the Commission's international leadership in enhancing consumer protection through industry collaboration. Please apply if you want to be part of an organisation that is force for good!