Overview

Are you an experienced litigator with a proven track record of leading complex litigation? The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is seeking a Litigation Director to lead high-stakes court and tribunal proceedings across the CMA's wide-ranging portfolio of cases. The CMA is an independent non-ministerial UK government department and is the UK's principal competition and consumer protection authority. We help people, businesses, and the UK economy by promoting competitive markets and tackling unfair behaviour. We provide the opportunity to work across all sectors of the UK economy, undertaking objective, evidence-based analysis that can have a direct and substantial impact on the economy and economic prosperity.

As a key senior member of the CMA's Legal Service, you will manage litigation teams, oversee the conduct of litigation in the Competition Appeal Tribunal, High Court, and other forums, and work collaboratively with project teams, external barristers, and senior CMA leadership. You will also provide strategic advice on litigation risks in the pre-litigation stage of the CMA's work, ensuring robust legal input throughout CMA investigations and decision-making processes.

What you will be responsible for

• Lead and manage litigation proceedings across the CMA's portfolio, ensuring timely, high-quality legal advice and outcomes.
• Working closely with General Counsel, Senior Litigation Director and other senior lawyers, managing relationships and overseeing delivery.
• Coach and develop a talented team of litigators, fostering a professional culture of excellence and innovation.
• Allocate resources effectively, managing budgets and career development opportunities.
• Engage proactively with senior CMA leaders and external stakeholders including government departments, competition agencies, and legal practitioners.
• Represent the CMA at external events and contribute to the broader leadership of the organisation.

Selection criteria and process

It is essential that you can provide evidence and examples for each of the following selection criteria in your application. For tips on how to make the most of your application, please have a look at our guidance document. We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Making Effective Decisions
• Seeing the Big Picture
• Leadership
• Communicating and Influencing
• Delivering at Pace

This vacancy is using Success Profiles and will assess your Behaviours, Ability, Experience and Technical skills. At application and interview you will be asked to demonstrate your suitability for the role in line with the essential criteria in the person specification, the Civil Service Success Profile Framework. The selection process will comprise the sift (CV & application review), an Individual Leadership Assessment and an interview, which will include a written exercise or presentation. Please note that it is essential that your personal statement is aligned to provide evidence that you have the knowledge and experience for each of the essential selection criteria (as included on the role profile attached and listed above under 'Person Specification') in your application. An initial sift based on criteria 1, 2 and 3 (Lead Criteria) may be held if a large number of applications are received. If your application progresses to a full sift, all elements of the essential criteria listed under Person Specification will then be considered.

The closing date for applications is Monday 13 October 2025 (23:55). We cannot accept applications submitted after the closing date and time. Shortlisting will take place 14-22 October 2025. Successful candidates at the shortlisting stage will be asked to participate in an Individual Leadership Assessment (ILA) which is a one-to-one psychological assessment of candidates in recruitment and selection for Senior Civil Service (SCS) roles. The ILA must occur prior to interviews taking place. The ILA assessments have been scheduled to take place from 27 October - 7 November 2025. During this time, shortlisted candidates will also be offered an informal chat with the vacancy holder. Interviews are planned to take place from 11-13 November 2025. Those invited to interview will be asked to prepare a presentation or complete a written exercise, details of which will be provided in advance of the interview. The interview will be a 1-hour panel interview where you will be asked questions based on the Behaviours and Experience elements outlined in the role profile. Interviews will be face-to-face and take place in the London CMA office in Canary Wharf. These dates are indicative and could be subject to change; if you are unable to meet them, please let us know in your application.

Reasonable adjustments

We want to ensure no one is at a disadvantage during our recruitment process because of a disability, condition or impairment. To assist you, we will reduce or remove barriers where possible and provide additional support where appropriate. If you need a change to be made so that you can make your application, you should complete the "Assistance required" section in the "Additional requirements" page of your application form to tell us what changes or help you might need during the recruitment process. You can also email recruitment@cma.gov.uk. For example, you may need wheelchair access at interview, or if you are deaf, a Language Service Professional. You might also require additional time to complete a timed assessment or a sign language interpreter to support the relaying of information.

Artificial Intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use. Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Security and nationality

Security: Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check and meet security requirements before appointment. See our vetting charter. Nationality requirements: This job is broadly open to UK nationals, nationals of the Republic of Ireland, Commonwealth nationals with right to work in the UK, EU/EEA/Swiss/Norwegian/Icelandic/Liechtenstein nationals and family with settled or pre-settled status under the EUSS, and other listed categories. See further information on nationality requirements.

Working for the Civil Service and diversity

The Civil Service Code sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants. We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition. We embrace diversity and promote equal opportunities, including a Disability Confident Scheme and Redeployment Interview Scheme. We also encourage life at the CMA through our values and resources.

Benefits

• Salary of £104,365 plus £30,234 towards Civil Service Pension scheme contributions.
• 25 days leave (increasing to 30 days over five years), 8 public holidays, and additional time off for the King's birthday, plus other leave options.
• Season ticket loans, cycle to work scheme, flu vaccinations and eye tests.
• Access to Civil Service Sports & Leisure, discounts, and other wellbeing benefits.
• Candidate pack for more information on benefits.

Our values

We are Ambitious and Evidence-based, and we strive for Excellence. We treat everyone with Respect and we are Collaborative and Inclusive. We uphold Civil Service values: Honesty, Integrity, Impartiality and Objectivity.