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- Tasks: Lead financial strategy and guide decision-making to improve public health.
- Company: Join the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency, making a difference every day.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, pension scheme, and strong learning opportunities.
- Why this job: Shape financial planning that impacts millions and work in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Professional accountancy qualification and extensive experience in financial planning required.
- Other info: Diversity and inclusion are at our core; we welcome all applicants.
The predicted salary is between 75585 - 84840 £ per year.
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 finance team are at the heart of decision-making to help the MHRA protect and improve public health.
We are looking for a motivated and driven Head of Strategic Finance – someone to lead the Agency’s medium-term financial strategy, own the planning and budget cycle, and deliver the modelling, forecasting and performance insight that guides our Executive Committee and Board. You’ll turn complex data into clear options, shape Spending Review inputs and ensure our plans are affordable, sustainable and grounded in robust evidence.
In this visible leadership role, you’ll design and maintain transparent financial models, set frameworks for budgets and forecasts and produce high-quality reporting for senior leaders: tracking KPIs, programmes and risks and highlighting issues, opportunities and mitigations. You’ll commission analytical products that explain cost drivers and scenarios, partner across science, regulation and corporate services to align plans with priorities and help strengthen systems, data and capabilities across the Finance function.
You’ll also contribute to governance and assurance, deputise for the Deputy Director when required and collaborate with Finance SMT to deliver an excellent service to the organisation.
The successful candidate must hold a professional accountancy qualification (CCAB/CIMA or equivalent) and bring extensive experience in financial planning, business partnering or decision support, ideally within central government, an ALB or a similarly complex, regulated environment. You will combine advanced Excel and modelling skills with strong judgement, the ability to interpret incomplete evidence and have the confidence to engage and challenge senior stakeholders. You will communicate complex issues clearly, welcome constructive challenge, and lead teams with inclusion, accountability and curiosity. Knowledge of Managing Public Money, HMT Green Book and value-for-money principles is essential.
If you’d like to join a professional, forward-looking Finance community within the Government Finance Function, with access to Civil Service learning, professional development and a mission that improves millions of lives every day, we want to hear from you.
The MHRA offer a competitive salary with access to the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension Scheme and a host of additional benefits, including strong learning and development opportunities. The MHRA embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities and as such, they run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.
The deadline to apply is 23:55 on Sunday 25th January 2026.
Head of Strategic Finance employer: Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency
Contact Detail:
Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Strategic Finance
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at the MHRA on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and might even lead to a referral, which is always a bonus.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by diving deep into the agency's mission and recent projects. Show us that you’re not just another candidate; you’re genuinely passionate about improving public health through finance.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your storytelling skills! Be ready to share specific examples of how you've tackled complex financial challenges in the past. We want to hear how you turned data into actionable insights.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Strategic Finance
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Strategic Finance role. Highlight your professional accountancy qualifications and relevant experience in financial planning and business partnering. We want to see how your skills align with the job description!
Craft a Strong Statement of Suitability: Your statement of suitability is your chance to shine! Address the essential criteria clearly and concisely, showcasing your ability to lead financial strategies and communicate complex issues. Keep it within two pages, as we appreciate brevity.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: In this visible leadership role, it's crucial to demonstrate your ability to lead teams with inclusion and accountability. Share examples of how you've engaged and challenged senior stakeholders in the past, as this will resonate with us.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a seamless application process. Make sure to submit your name-bind CV and statement of suitability before the deadline. We can't wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency
✨Know Your Numbers
As the Head of Strategic Finance, you'll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics and be ready to discuss how you've used data to drive decision-making in previous roles. Prepare examples that showcase your ability to turn complex data into actionable insights.
✨Understand the Regulatory Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency's role and its impact on public health. Be prepared to discuss how your experience aligns with their mission and how you can contribute to their financial strategy within a regulated environment.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
This role requires strong leadership skills. Think about your approach to leading teams and how you foster inclusion and accountability. Prepare to share specific examples of how you've successfully led teams through challenges and engaged senior stakeholders.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your judgement and decision-making skills. Practice responding to hypothetical scenarios related to financial planning and risk management. This will help you demonstrate your ability to interpret incomplete evidence and make sound recommendations under pressure.
