At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative healthcare projects and guide a team of experts in regulatory science.
- Company: Join the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency, enhancing public health through innovation.
- Benefits: Flexible hybrid working, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of healthcare innovation and make a real difference in people's lives.
- Qualifications: Degree in Medicine, leadership skills, and experience in regulatory or scientific fields.
- Other info: Dynamic role with significant impact on the future of healthcare products.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
We are currently looking for a Head of Innovative Products to join our Innovation Accelerator and Regulatory Science Function within the Science, Research and Innovation 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. Please be aware that this role can only be worked in the UK and not overseas. 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.
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 Scientific Research and Innovation Group delivers public health impact, world-leading research and innovation. It is divided into 6 sub-Groups, Innovation Accelerator, Clinical Investigations and Trials, Research and Development, Standards Lifecycle, Control Testing and Quality Assurance and Health & Safety.
The Innovation Accelerator helps provide innovators access to MHRA scientific expertise and regulatory guidance, helping developers of innovative products (medicines, medical devices (including software) and blood components for transfusion) connect more dynamically with an enhanced advice and signposting service. It brings together the MHRA Innovation Office, the Regulatory Advice Service for Regenerative Medicines (RASRM), Regulatory Science and horizon scanning. It also leads for MHRA on the delivery of the Innovative Licensing and Access Pathway (ILAP) and Innovative Devices Access Pathway (IDAP).
The Innovation Accelerator is evolving with increased focus on driving MHRA policy development to support novel and potentially transformative healthcare products, so they benefit from the regulatory support to optimise their route to market. It will act to ensure MHRA can play its role as an enabler for delivering growth and supporting the Government priorities supporting UK Life Sciences agenda and how to harness the critical technologies outlined in the UK Science and Technology Framework.
What’s the role? The role offers an exciting opportunity to be at the forefront of healthcare innovation in the UK. The successful candidate will lead a team of technical experts, to ensure subject matter expertise / advice is effectively deployed to support the function of Innovation Accelerator and Regulatory Science and wider Agency, including practical interpretation of horizon scanning signals, strategic oversight of regulatory science deliverables, and supporting the delivery of expedited patient access pathways such as the ILAP and IDAP.
Key responsibilities:
- Provide strategic leadership to drive forward the development of cross-cutting strategy, policy and guidance, working with other MHRA technical experts, as part of MHRA’s wider innovation mission.
- Making decisions on the case for change through use of evidence, providing advice and briefings to senior leaders on a variety of matters relating to the regulation of innovative healthcare products.
- Provide strategic leadership to enable the development and delivery of a new enhanced function within the IA that works Agency-wide to respond to emerging trends in healthcare product innovation.
- Develop and grow knowledge base to develop the Innovation Accelerator's ability to provide advice and guidance to support developers of novel innovations navigate the regulatory system.
- Provide, and ensure the team can provide, expert advice to external stakeholders / requesters.
Who are we looking for? Our successful candidate will demonstrate the following:
- Degree in Medicine with relevant postgraduate qualification(s) within specialist area(s).
- Registered with the General Medical Council.
- Broad and expert scientific and regulatory experience that can be applied to support the ambitions of the Innovation Accelerator.
- Excellent interpersonal skills with demonstrable experience of facilitating team-working/team-leading.
- Previous experience in a regulatory, academic or industry setting with demonstrable contribution to the innovation agenda or healthcare product(s) development activities.
Person Specification:
- Making Effective Decisions
- Seeing the Big Picture
- Changing and Improving
- Leadership
Method of assessment: A=Application, T=Test, I=Interview, P=Presentation
Closing date: 14th December 2025
Shortlisting date: from 15th December 2025
Interview date: from 5th January 2026
Head of Innovative Products employer: Mhra
Contact Detail:
Mhra Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Innovative Products
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their mission and values, especially how they relate to innovative healthcare products. This will help you tailor your responses and show you're genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience aligns with the role of Head of Innovative Products. Highlight your leadership skills and any relevant projects you've worked on that demonstrate your ability to drive innovation.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and contributing to the exciting work we do in healthcare innovation.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Innovative Products
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Thoroughly: Before you start writing, give the job description a good read. It’s packed with clues about what we’re looking for, so make sure you understand the key responsibilities and qualifications. This will help you tailor your application to show how you fit the bill.
Craft a Strong Statement of Suitability: Your statement of suitability is your chance to shine! Use it to highlight your relevant experience and skills. Keep it concise but impactful, and remember to link your past achievements to the role's requirements. We want to see how you can contribute to our mission!
Be Clear and Concise: When filling out the application form, clarity is key. Avoid jargon and keep your language straightforward. We appreciate well-structured responses that get straight to the point. Remember, less is often more!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us without any hiccups. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Mhra
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you have a solid understanding of the regulatory landscape and innovative healthcare products. Brush up on recent developments in the field, especially those related to the MHRA's Innovation Accelerator. This will help you demonstrate your expertise and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head of Innovative Products, you'll need to lead a team effectively. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past, focusing on your ability to inspire and engage others. Think about times when you’ve influenced strategy or driven change, as these will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Understand the Bigger Picture
Familiarise yourself with the broader objectives of the MHRA and how the Innovation Accelerator fits into these goals. Be ready to discuss how your vision aligns with their mission and how you can contribute to their strategic priorities. This shows that you’re not just focused on your role but also on the organisation’s success.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your decision-making and problem-solving skills. Think through potential scenarios you might face in the role and how you would approach them. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses, ensuring you highlight your thought process and outcomes.