Head of Innovative Devices Process, Systems & Data Governance

This vacancy is open to all Civil Service employees and employees of accredited non-departmental public bodies (NDPBs) who were appointed on merit following a fair and open competition; or were appointed to a permanent post through an exception in the Civil Service Commissioners' rules.

We are currently looking for a (adjective) Head of Innovative Devices Process, Systems & Data Governance to join our Innovation and ComplianceFunction within the Health Quality and Access group.

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 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. Remote working is potentially available for some specific roles. 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 (I&C) group delivers public health impact, world-leading research innovation, and a unique proposition via an ambitious Science Strategy which balances innovation against sustainability and affordability. It is divided into four sub-groups: Innovation Accelerator and Regulatory Science, Clinical Investigations and Trials, Standards and Compliance and Innovative Devices.

The Innovative Devices function works to provide pre-market support and facilitates a smooth passage to market access. This is particularly aimed at innovative products across MedTech, diagnostics and digital, or where there is higher associated risk. The function will ensure that the UK has supply of new and advancing medical devices to include software as a medical device, novel implantables and diagnostics and play a significant role in developing the new Regulatory Framework for Medical Devices, including implementation and operation of specific services.

What’s the role?

This role will strategically lead the team that is responsible for the implementation of regulatory processes, systems and data governance and establish and oversee strategic programmes of work, translating regulations into operational processes, systems and data across the MHRA and with targeted stakeholders across the UK.

The role operationalises medical device regulations by publishing guidance, implementing systems and data governance, establishing and adapting internal processes and leading complex change enabling data driven regulatory decisions. The position holder must have expert knowledge of UK medical devices regulations and their implementation.

Key responsibilities:

• Fully responsible for providing strategic leadership for the design and implementation of systems, processes and data governance to support medical device regulations.

• Develop and lead the implementation of a strategy to ensure that the MHRA acquires and optimally integrates and processes the data necessary to operate a successful UK and GB medical device regulatory system, as it is developed and established.

• Lead and develop a multidisciplinary team, fostering a culture of innovation, accountability and continuous improvement.

• Lead frequent engagement with key stakeholders, internally and externally, on all issues affecting policy implementation and delivery.

Who are we looking for?

Our successful candidate will demonstrate the following:

• Experience with leading the design and implementation of regulatory processes, digital tools or data governance in a complex organisation.

• Proven track record of delivering programmes involving process improvement and governance

• Experience of working in regulated, policy-driven, or public sector environments

• Experience engaging and influencing senior stakeholders across organisational boundaries

• Prior experience with developing service based implementation strategies and taking them into an operation context.

Person Specification:

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

Behaviour Criteria:

• Leadership (A,I)

• Communicating & Influencing (A,I)

• Working Together (A,I)

Experience Criteria:

• Experience with leading the design and implementation of regulatory processes, digital tools or data governance in a complex organisation. (A)

• Proven track record of delivering programmes involving process improvement and governance. (A)

• Experience of working in regulated, policy-driven, or public sector environments. (A)

• Experience engaging and influencing senior stakeholders across organisational boundaries (A)

• Prior experience with developing service based implementation strategies and taking them into an operation context. (A)

• Have experience with communicating a vision, direction, plan and key performance measures to senior stakeholders. (A)

• Have led a leadership team of at least 5 direct reports with a team to deliver against objectives and strategy. (A)

Technical Criteria:

• Minimum of bachelor’s degree in a medicine, science, engineering fields of study or equivalent experience developed through previous roles. (A)

• Advanced technical understanding of the medical devices regulations in the EU and UK. (A)

• Project management professional (PMP) certification or Six Sigma (minimum Green Belt) capability desired. (A)

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

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The selection process:

We use the Civil Service Success Profiles to assess our candidates, find out more here.

• 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. Our applications are CV blind, and our Hiring Managers will not be able to access your CV when reviewing your application.

• Interview, which can include questions based on the Behaviour, 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: Working Together

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 allow sufficient time. 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 [email protected] as soon as possible.

Closing date: 11th September 2026

Shortlisting date: from 16th September 2026

Interview date: week commencing 21st September 2026

If you need assistance applying for this role or have any other questions, please contact [email protected]

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 here.

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 [email protected].

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, you should firstly contact [email protected]

If you are not satisfied with the response you receive, you can contact the Civil Service Commission at:

[email protected]

Civil Service Commission

Room G/8

1 Horse Guards Road

London

SW1A 2HQ