Policy Partner– Innovative Pathways

MHRA; Greater London; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Job summary

MHRA is seeking a policy and programme leader to drive cross-cutting innovation policy and regulatory strategy from our London office. You will manage governance, coordinate complex projects, and deliver policy proposals with senior stakeholders across the organisation.

The role requires strong strategic thinking, demonstrable programme management experience, and the ability to collaborate with partners to advance patient access to innovative healthcare products.

Qualifications

• Experience delivering policy across complex programmes and multiple stakeholders.
• Strong strategic thinking to align delivery with system objectives and policy context.
• Ability to work with internal and external stakeholders to enable delivery of initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and delivery of cross-cutting innovation policy and regulatory strategy.
• Manage governance and procedural frameworks supporting Innovation Accelerator regulatory pathways.
• Coordinate multi-work policy projects and develop efficient delivery proposals.
• Monitor policy landscape and draft evidence-based reports for senior leaders.

Skills

Policy management

Strategic thinking

Stakeholder engagement

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree in a scientific discipline

Job description

This is a full-time opportunity, on a permanent basis. The role will be based in 10 South Colonnade, Canary Wharf London, E14 4PU.

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 the collaboration and contact with partners and stakeholders 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. Please discuss this with the recruiting manager before accepting an appointment.

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 Innovation and Compliance Group delivers public health impact, world-leading research innovation, and a unique proposition via an ambitious Science Strategy which will balance innovation against sustainability and affordability. It is divided into 3 sub-Groups, Innovation Accelerator and Regulatory Science, Clinical Investigations and Trials and Standards and Compliance.

What’s the role?

This role [AH1]

Key responsibilities:

• Lead the development and delivery of cross-cutting innovation policy and regulatory strategy, including supporting the future evolution of innovation pathways to enable responsible innovation and improve patient access to innovative healthcare products. Manage the governance and procedural frameworks that support Innovation Accelerator regulatory pathways, including operational roles and responsibilities, including the risk register and reporting on performance against KPIs.
• Lead delivery of policy-based projects, acting as the project manager for multiple pieces of work, coordinating project roles, tasks and use of resources, and developing proposals for efficient delivery of projects.
• Monitor the broader policy landscape relating to innovative product and regulatory environment, conducing policy analysis and formulating reasoned, evidence-based arguments for change through use of data and other information to draft reports, advice and briefings to senior leaders on a variety of policy and strategy areas.
• Establish strong relationships with both internal and external stakeholders to ensure alignment with the broader ambitions, including developing partnerships to support the delivery of projects and initiatives.

Who are we looking for?

Oursuccessful candidatewill:

• Be able to ensure plans and activities in your area of work reflect wider strategic priorities and communicate effectively with senior leaders to influence future strategies. Bring together views, perspectives and diverse needs of stakeholders to gain a broader understanding of the issues surrounding policies and activities.
• Have demonstrable experience of managing complex programmes across multiple stakeholders.
• Have demonstrable experience of strong strategic thinking skills, with the ability to align delivery with broader system objectives and policy context.
• Have experience of delivering on policy (from defining the issue, working with stakeholders, and driving through to completion).

Person Specification:

Method of assessment: A=Application, I=Interview, P=Presentation

Behaviour Criteria:

• Making Effective Decisions (A, I)
• Seeing the Big Picture (A, I)
• Working Together (A, I)
• Communicating and Influencing (A, I)

Experience Criteria:

• Demonstrable experience of managing complex programmes across multiple stakeholders (A, I, P)
• Demonstrable experience of strong strategic thinking skills, with the ability to align delivery with broader system objectives and policy context (A, I, P)
• Experience of delivering on policy (from defining the issue, working with stakeholders, and driving through to completion) (A, I, P)
• Desirable: Experience of the health system and/or Life Sciences sector in the UK (A, I, P)

Technical Criteria:

• Desirable: Educated to a bachelor's degree level in a scientific discipline (A, I)

If you would like to find out more about this fantastic opportunity, please read our Job Description and Person Specification!

Please note: The job description may not open in some internet browsers. Please use Chrome or Microsoft Edge. If you have any issue viewing the job description, please contact [e-mail]

The selection process:

• Online application form, including questions based on theBehaviour, 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. Our applications are CV blind, and our Hiring Managers will not be able to access your CV when reviewing your application.
• Presentation, to be prepared as part of your interview, with further information being supplied when you reach this stage.
• Interview, which can include questions based on theBehaviour, Experience, Technical and Strengths Success Profiles.

In the instance that we receive a high number of applications, we will hold an initial sift based on the lead criteria of Seeing the Big Picture.

Applicants are assessed on whether they meet any mandatory requirements as well as the necessary skills and experience for the role. Applications are scored based on the competency-based answers provided- ensure you have read these thoroughly and allowsufficienttime. You can view the competencies for this role in the job description.

Use of AI in Job Applications

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.

If you require any disability related adjustments at any point during the process, please contact [e-mail] as soon as possible.

Closing date:13th September 2026

Shortlisting date: from 16th September 2026

Interview date: from 23rd September 2026

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

Candidates will be subject to UK immigration requirements as well as Civil Service nationality rules. Further information on whether you are able to apply is available.

Successful candidates must pass a disclosure and barring security check as well as animal rights and pro-life activism checks. People working with government assets must complete basic personnel security standard checks.

Certain roles within the MHRA will require post holders to have vaccinations, and in some circumstances, routine health surveillance. These roles include:

• Laboratory-based roles working directly with known pathogens
• Maintenance roles, particularly those required to work in laboratory settings
• Roles that involve visiting other establishments where vaccination is required
• Roles required to travel overseas where specific vaccination may be required.

Applicants who are successful at interview will be, as part of pre‑employment screening subject to a check on the Internal Fraud Database (IFD). This check will provide information about employees who have been dismissed for fraud or dishonesty offences. This check also applies to employees who resign or otherwise leave before being dismissed for fraud or dishonesty had their employment continued. Any applicant’s details held on the IFD will be refused employment. A candidate is not eligible to apply for a role within the Civil Service if the application is made within a 5 year period following a dismissal for carrying out internal fraud against government.

Any move to the MHRA from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax-Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility here.

Individuals appointed on level transfer will retain their existing salary and are responsible for ensuring they fully understand the financial implications of any potential move and the impact (if any) on their terms. If an individual is in any doubt, they should seek clarification before accepting a job offer.

Staff joining on promotion will receive up to a 10% increase of their current basic salary, or the pay band minimum, whichever is the greater.

The individual will not retain any allowances paid by the former department/Agency, unless there are special circumstances, such as a reserved right to those allowances on transfer.

Successful candidates may be subject to annual Occupational Health reviews dependent on role requirements. If you have any queries, please contact [e-mail].

In accordance with the Civil Service Commissioners’ Recruitment Principles our recruitment and selection processes are underpinned by the requirement of selection for appointment on the basis of merit by a fair and open competition. If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with the Recruitment Principles and you wish to make a complaint, in the first instance, you should contact the MHRA Recruitment Team at [e-mail].

If you are not satisfied with the response you receive, you can contact the Civil Service Commission at: civilservicecommission.independent.gov.uk

[e-mail]

Civil Service Commission

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