Head of External Affairs in London

This is a full-time opportunity, on a permanent basis. The role will be based in 10 South Colonnade, Canary Wharf London, E14 4PU but may require occasional travel to South Mimms, Hertfordshire or other locations. 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.

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. Our Communications and Engagement Directorate is a high‑performing, award‑winning team with a strong reputation for impact and value for money. We help the Agency deliver its objectives by putting patients and the public at the heart of everything we do. The function comprises News and Media, Communications, Patient and Public Engagement, and Customer Experience. This role sits within the Communications team, which leads on external affairs, strategic communications, planning, insight and evaluation.

What’s the role? This is a senior leadership role with significant visibility and influence, both across the Agency and externally. As Head of External Affairs, you will provide strategic advice and leadership to ensure the MHRA’s external engagement supports delivery of our corporate priorities and strengthens our reputation. You will lead a newly established External Affairs team and be responsible for creating and delivering an integrated, insight‑led external affairs strategy. The role spans strategic stakeholder engagement, public affairs and external advocacy, with a strong focus on building confidence, nurturing critical relationships and enhancing MHRA’s influence across government, industry, academia and public interest groups. Success in this role will be measured through the quality and impact of stakeholder relationships, the use of insight to inform Agency activity, and the contribution external engagement makes to organisational outcomes and reputation.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the External Affairs team, setting a clear strategic direction and fostering collaboration, high performance and professional development.
• Develop and oversee the MHRA’s external affairs and stakeholder engagement plans, ensuring alignment with Agency priorities and effective coordination across the organisation.
• Build and maintain strong, trusted relationships with influential external stakeholders across government, the health and life sciences sectors, academia and patient groups.
• Plan and deliver high‑profile external engagement activity, including events, roundtables and consultations, working closely with internal colleagues.

Person Specification

• Proven senior leadership experience, including leading and developing multi‑disciplinary teams.
• Substantial experience delivering complex external affairs programmes and projects.
• A demonstrable ability to understand stakeholder needs and translate insight into effective organisational action.
• Excellent communication and influencing skills, with the confidence to engage, challenge and advise at the most senior levels.
• Strong planning, project management and problem‑solving skills, with an ability to operate at pace and manage competing priorities.