Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency
Policy and Operations Manager
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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 Policy and Operations Manager to join our Policy and Operations Function within the Enablement group.
This is a full-time opportunity, on a fixed term contract until 30th September 2028, internal move, temporary promotion, loans will be considered. The role will be based in 10 South Colonnade, Canary Wharf London, E14 4PU. Office attendance may occasionally be required in other locations set by the Commissioner.
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 Office of the Patient Safety Commissioner (OPSC) is an independent Statutory Office, hosted by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). The Patient Safety Commissioner is accountable to Parliament and appointed by the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care.
What’s the role?
The Office of the Patient Safety Commissioner is looking for a motivated and highly organised Business and Policy Manager to take up this exciting role supporting the independent Patient Safety Commissioner.
This role acts as a strategic bridge between policy development and organisational delivery, providing strategic advice, operational oversight and stakeholder engagement.
The postholder will be responsible for working with all members of the team to ensure that the office’s business operations, governance and planning processes are aligned to strategic objectives and reporting standards, and take the lead on some of the Commissioner’s policy priorities.
Key responsibilities:
- Drive the delivery of key workstreams and identify systemic risks and opportunities to influence improvement across the healthcare system, and provide high-quality, evidence-based advice.
- Lead the secretariat function for the Commissioner’s Advisory Group, comprising senior leaders and experts from across the health and patient safety landscape., and ensure robust governance through accurate records and action tracking.
- Design and oversee governance and reporting mechanisms within the office, including leading senior-level sponsorship meetings and supporting financial planning and monitoring with finance colleagues.
- Oversee the management of complex and high-profile correspondence, FOIs, and public enquiries, received from a broad range of stakeholders including senior leaders across the health system.
- Develop and maintain strategic relationships with stakeholders across MHRA, DHSC, the wider health system, and external organisations including patient groups.
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Who are we looking for?
Our successful candidate will be able to demonstrate the following:
- Making Effective Decisions - Ability to support a senior manager using tact and discretion, particularly in respect of sensitive issues and work.
- Delivering at Pace – Ability to work quickly and collaboratively to progress work, resolve any potential issues that may arise, and keep work on track.
- Communicating and Influencing – Ability to communicate clearly, professionally and effectively with a range of stakeholders, including those at a senior level.
- Working together – Ability to work collaboratively with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders to meaningfully progress work.
- Managing a busy workload - Experience of organising a busy and varied workload, and responding at pace and with agility to new priorities and demands.
Person Specification:
Method of assessment: A=Application, T=Test, I=Interview, P=Presentation
Behaviour Criteria:
- Making Effective Decisions - Ability to support a senior manager using tact and discretion, particularly in respect of sensitive issues and work. (A, I)
- Delivering at Pace – Ability to work quickly and collaboratively to progress work and resolve any potential issues that may arise. (A, I)
- Communicating and Influencing – Ability to communicate clearly, professionally and effectively with a range of stakeholders, including those at a senior level. (A, I)
- Working together – Ability to work collaboratively with a wide range of stakeholders to meaningfully progress work. (A, I)
Experience Criteria:
- Managing a busy workload - Experience of organising a busy and varied workload, and responding at pace and with agility to new priorities and demands. (A, I)
Technical Criteria:
- Level 6 qualifications (Undergraduate degree), or equivalent professional experience in policy, operations, health or business related subject. (A)
- Desirable: a project management qualification would be beneficial but not essential. (A)
If you would like to find out more about this fantastic opportunity, please read our Job Description and Person Specification! https://mhra-gov.filecamp.com/s/d/raIAHLWzvq8oGeyI
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The selection process:
We use the Civil Service Success Profiles to assess our candidates, find out more here https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/success-profiles.
- 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: Making Effective Decisions.
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.
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