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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead high-profile news management and engage with media on health and safety topics.
- Company: Join the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) for impactful work.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a difference in public health communication and enhance the agency's reputation.
- Qualifications: Experience in media relations and excellent communication skills required.
- Other info: Dynamic role with a focus on innovative news strategies and media engagement.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Overview
News and Issues Management Lead at Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). Join our Communications and Engagement function within the Enablement Group to lead and coordinate high-profile news and issues handling, with focus on medicines and medical devices regulation, science and public health communication.
Responsibilities
- Manage the agency’s profile and reputation on high-profile, sensitive and day-to-day news and issues, engaging with media and on social media; respond to media enquiries and promote the agency’s scientific expertise and public health contributions.
- Implement and deliver effective news and issues management strategies at pace; develop and nurture media and social media contacts; respond quickly to breaking or negative stories; evaluate outcomes and drive the agency’s reputation.
- Proactively initiate, lead and develop news and issues management plans aligned with the agency’s business and corporate priorities; anticipate emerging news agendas and manage high-profile issues to protect the organisation’s reputation.
- Write, edit and publish content to style for MHRA websites using the content management system; create reactive lines to take, press releases, risk assessments, core scripts, briefings and Q&As; consider shareable social media content that aligns with strategic communications.
- Develop, build and maintain professional relationships with journalists and social media influencers; stay up to date on media trends; advise on media handling with senior managers; act as an agency spokesperson; participate in a 24-hour media on-call rota.
What we are looking for
- Extensive knowledge and experience in a busy press office or media relations role within a large, complex, expert organisation.
- Experience leading responses to fast-breaking, high-profile news stories to deliver business objectives and enhance reputation.
- Experience evaluating traditional media and social media performance to inform business decisions.
- Excellent written, editorial, social media engagement and oral communication skills with the ability to craft compelling news content.
- Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to influence journalists, social media influencers and senior managers; capable of handling conflict calmly and effectively.
Role details
- Location: 10 South Colonnade, Canary Wharf, London, E14 4PU (UK only).
- Employment type: 12-month fixed-term contract, internal move or temporary promotion basis.
- Hybrid working: minimum 8 days per month on site, up to 12 days depending on business needs; remaining time can be remote or in the office.
- Work scope includes engagement with various health and safety and regulatory topics related to medicines and medical devices.
Closing date: 23/09/2025. Shortlisting date: from 24/09/2025. Interview date: 06/10/2025. Applicants will be notified of outcomes within a week after interviews.
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News and Issues Management Lead 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 News and Issues Management Lead
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, especially those who work at MHRA or similar organisations. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insider info that could help you stand out.
✨Tip Number 2
Stay on top of current events related to medicines and public health. Being well-informed will not only help you in interviews but also show your passion for the role. Plus, it gives you great talking points!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your interview skills with a mate or in front of the mirror. Focus on articulating your experience in media relations and how you've handled high-pressure situations. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace News and Issues Management Lead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience in media relations and news management. We want to see how your skills align with the responsibilities outlined in the job description, so don’t hold back!
Showcase Your Writing Skills: Since this role involves a lot of writing, be sure to include examples of your best work. Whether it’s press releases or social media content, we’re keen to see how you craft compelling narratives that engage audiences.
Be Concise and Clear: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your key achievements and experiences shine through without unnecessary fluff. Remember, less is often more!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application via our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest news and issues related to medicines and medical devices. Familiarise yourself with the MHRA's recent activities and any high-profile stories that have made headlines. This will show your genuine interest and help you engage in meaningful conversations during the interview.
✨Craft Your Stories
Prepare specific examples from your past experiences where you've successfully managed media relations or handled crises. Think about how you can demonstrate your ability to respond to fast-breaking news and enhance an organisation's reputation. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.
✨Showcase Your Writing Skills
Since the role involves writing and editing content, be ready to discuss your writing style and provide samples if asked. You might even want to prepare a short piece of content relevant to the MHRA’s work to showcase your skills. This will highlight your ability to communicate effectively and align with their strategic communications.
✨Build Rapport
During the interview, focus on building a connection with your interviewers. Show your interpersonal skills by engaging them in conversation and asking insightful questions about the agency's communication strategies. This will demonstrate your ability to influence and collaborate with others, which is crucial for the role.
