Head of Strategic Communications

Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency; London; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job description

Job Description

We are currently looking for a Head of Strategic Communications to join our Communications Function within the Enablement group.

Please note this opportunity is currently only available to those working within the Civil Service. Applications from non-Civil Servants may not be reviewed and may be rejected.

This is a full-time opportunity, on a permanent basis. The role will be based in 10 South Colonnade, Canary Wharf London, E14 4PU. Please be aware that this role can only be worked in the UK and not overseas.

Government departments and agencies are working towards implementing a minimum 60% attendance in office sites.

We are currently implementing a flexible, hybrid way of working, with a minimum of 8 days per month working on site to enable collaboration and contact with partners and stakeholders needed to deliver MHRA business. Attendance on site is driven by business needs so depending on the nature of the role, this can flex up to 12 days a month, with the remainder of time worked either remotely or in the office. Some roles will need to be on site more regularly.

Who are we?

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency enhance and improve the health of millions of people every day through the effective regulation of medicines and medical devices, underpinned by science and research.

The MHRA Communications and Engagement Function, within the Enablement group, is a multi-award-winning team that has a consistent track-record of achievement and providing value for money. Our focus is to support the Agency to deliver its business outcomes by putting patients and the public at the centre of all our work.

What’s the role?

This role will lead the Strategic Communications team, ensuring high quality service provision through providing clear strategic direction and priorities with the ability to develop and deliver communication strategies to a range of audiences.

This is a multi-disciplined communications role responsible for internal and external relationships at a senior level, developing and delivering strategic communications strategies and campaigns, managing services delivering channel and content management and leading reputation and crisis management activity.

Key Responsibilities

1. Lead the strategic communications team, ensuring performance through providing clear strategic direction and priorities and developing people.
2. Responsibility for providing high quality service delivery for critical functions and oversight of core external facing channels including website content, graphic design, and corporate content development.
3. Identify, plan, provide strategic oversight of and drive opportunities for communications that support the Agency’s wider strategic objectives. Strategically plan and manage communications for a complex and high-profile organisation.
4. Develop and secure buy in for effective strategies that respond to strategic objectives across the Communications and Engagement division, demonstrating ability to develop and deliver communication strategies to a range of audiences.

Who are we looking for?
Our Successful Candidate Will Have The Following

1. Communicating and Influencing - Excellent communication and interpersonal skills both written and oral.
2. Developing Self and Others - A confident self-starter, who can operate at pace and independently.
3. Proven senior leadership and management skills, including motivating and developing staff, and managing their performance.
4. Demonstrable track record of developing communications and engagement strategies.
5. Experience project managing the delivery of complex programmes and campaigns using a range of communications tools and techniques.

The Selection Process

1. Online application form, including questions based on the Behaviour, Experience and Technical Success Profiles. Please ensure all application questions are completed in full; your application may not be considered if any responses are left blank.
2. Presentation, to be prepared as part of your interview, with further information being supplied when you reach this stage.
3. Interview, which can include questions based on the Behaviour, Experience, Technical and Strengths Success Profiles.

Closing date: 30th April 2025
Shortlisting date: 2nd May 2025
Interview date: w/c 15th May 2025

If you need assistance applying for this role or have any other questions, please contact [e-mail].