Head of Regulatory Affairs in London

Head of Regulatory Affairs in London

London Full-Time 80000 - 100000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Standout

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead regulatory affairs for innovative medical devices, ensuring compliance and quality management.
  • Company: Fast-growing medtech company revolutionising oncology care with novel technology.
  • Benefits: Direct access to CEO, opportunity to shape the function, and global reach.
  • Other info: Dynamic scale-up environment offering growth and the chance to build from the ground up.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in patient care by getting life-changing products to market.
  • Qualifications: Extensive experience in EU MDR and US FDA submissions, with strong leadership skills.

The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.

You've spent your career owning regulatory and quality for medical devices — and crucially, you've done it across both sides of the Atlantic. You know EU MDR and CE marking inside out, and you've personally driven US FDA submissions, 510(k)s included, recently enough that you'd be comfortable doing it again on day one. You're as happy hosting a Notified Body audit as you are sitting with engineers on electrical safety, EMC and software validation. You don't need a large team behind you to make things happen — you've been the person the business relies on to get the device certified and keep it certified.

A fast‑growing medical device company developing genuinely novel technology in the oncology space — the kind of innovation that changes how a major area of patient care is delivered. They've moved beyond the earliest stage: the product is real, the ambition is global, and the regulatory pathway is now front and centre. This is a company where regulatory leadership isn't a back‑office function — it's on the critical path to getting a life‑changing product to patients.

What You'll Actually Do

  • Own and lead the Quality Management System (ISO 13485) and all regulatory activity across the business.
  • Drive the EU MDR conformity assessment process through to CE mark, and lead US FDA submissions (510(k) and the wider approval pathway) — hands‑on, not just in oversight.
  • Act as the Person Responsible for Regulatory Compliance and the management representative for the QMS.
  • Lead engagement with global regulatory authorities and Notified Bodies — owning the relationships, not just supporting them.
  • Build regulatory and quality evidence across all device disciplines: mechanical, electrical, electronic and software.
  • Manage external design and contract manufacturing partners on quality agreements, auditing and supplier control.
  • Own post‑market surveillance, vigilance, CAPA, risk management and design review.

Who We're Looking For

  • You've managed an ISO 13485 QMS under MDD/MDR for device development and/or manufacturing in the UK/EU — this is essential.
  • You've taken devices through EU MDR conformity assessment to CE mark — essential.
  • You have genuine, reasonably recent hands‑on US FDA experience, including 510(k) — this is a real requirement, not a nice‑to‑have, and current familiarity with how submissions are actually filed today matters.
  • Your regulatory expertise spans all device types, not just one engineering discipline — you're comfortable across electrical, software and mechanical evidence.
  • You've held formally defined regulatory roles (PRRC, Responsible Person, management representative) and led authority and Notified Body interactions directly.
  • Experience of Class I and II devices, and of working with external contract design and manufacturing organisations — essential.
  • You've operated in a scale‑up or SME and you understand what that means: ambiguity, shifting priorities, and wearing more than one hat.
  • Demonstrable regulatory leadership in medical devices, with both EU MDR and US FDA experience.
  • Direct experience leading audits and authority engagement.
  • Excellent attention to detail and the judgement to know what matters most.
  • A self‑starter who's motivated by getting the product to market, not by the size of the team reporting to them.
  • Willingness to travel within the UK and to the US as the role requires, including occasional overnight and international travel.

What's Actually In It For You

  • The chance to own the regulatory and quality function for a product that genuinely matters — in a company at the point where your work is the difference between a great device and a great device patients can actually access.
  • A genuinely novel technology in a high‑profile area of medicine.
  • Direct access to the CEO — you'll report straight in, and regulatory will have a seat at the table.
  • The opportunity to build and shape the function, not inherit someone else's.
  • A growing, ambitious business with global reach.

The Honest Bit

This is a scale‑up, and that means the function is still being built. If you've spent your whole career in a large, mature medtech business where every process is documented, every resource is in place, and the regulatory pathway is already paved, this will be a bigger step than it looks on paper. If, on the other hand, you've thrived where you had to make the judgement calls yourself and build things properly from the ground up, you'll find this energising.

A note on FDA, because it matters: this role genuinely needs someone who has not only done ISO but also US submissions hands‑on and recently. If your FDA work is strong but a little while ago, it's still worth a conversation — but be ready to talk honestly about how current you are.

All applications are treated in the strictest confidence.

Head of Regulatory Affairs in London employer: Standout

Join a fast-growing medical device scale-up in London / West Sussex, where your expertise in regulatory affairs will directly impact the delivery of innovative oncology technology. With a culture that values hands-on leadership and direct access to the CEO, you'll have the opportunity to shape the regulatory function while working in a dynamic environment that prioritises patient care. Enjoy the benefits of a hybrid work model, a collaborative team atmosphere, and the chance to make a meaningful difference in the lives of patients worldwide.

Standout

Contact Details:

Standout Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of Regulatory Affairs in London

Join Compliance Communities

Get involved in compliance and risk communities — both online and offline. Look for forums, LinkedIn groups, or even local meetups where compliance pros hang out. You never know who might drop a job opportunity your way!

Attend Industry Conferences

Keep an eye out for compliance and risk management conferences and workshops in your area. These events are a goldmine for networking, and they often have job boards or recruiters on-site looking for new talent. Plus, it’s a chance to learn what's trending in the field.

Leverage Your University Career Services

If you’ve recently graduated or are still studying, head over to your university's career services. Many companies, including those in compliance, actively recruit fresh talent through these services, so make sure you tap into that resource.

Showcase Your Knowledge Online

Start writing articles or blog posts about compliance topics that interest you. Share them on platforms like LinkedIn to demonstrate your knowledge and passion. This not only builds your presence in the field but can also catch the attention of companies like Standout looking for candidates who are engaged and informed.

We think you need these skills to ace Head of Regulatory Affairs in London

Regulatory Affairs Expertise
Quality Management System (ISO 13485)
EU MDR and CE Marking
US FDA Submissions (510(k))
Notified Body Engagement
Post-Market Surveillance
Risk Management

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Understanding of Compliance:In the compliance-risk field, it's super important to showcase your understanding of regulations and risk management frameworks. Highlight any relevant coursework, certifications (like ICA or AML), or even projects that demonstrate your knowledge and commitment to this area. We want to see how you can navigate this complex landscape!

Quantify Your Achievements:When detailing your experience, try to quantify your achievements. For example, if you've previously worked on a project that improved compliance metrics or reduced risk exposure, give us the numbers! This data-driven approach really stands out to hiring managers in compliance-risk roles.

Tailor Your CV to Reflect Relevant Skills:Make sure your CV highlights skills that are particularly relevant to compliance, like attention to detail, analytical thinking, and report writing. Ensure these are easy to spot – consider using bullet points to break down your responsibilities and achievements for maximum impact!

Craft a Motivating Cover Letter:In your cover letter, let us know why you’re excited about the compliance-risk role at Standout. Share what motivates you about compliance, and how you believe you can contribute to our mission. This is your chance to showcase not only your skills but also your passion for this important field!

How to prepare for a job interview at Standout

Master the Regulations

Brush up on key compliance regulations relevant to the industry you're applying to. Familiarising yourself with specific laws and frameworks used in your field will give you an edge during technical questions. Show that you’re not just aware of them but can also apply them—think real-life scenarios!

Show Your Analytical Skills

Compliance roles really focus on analytical skills, so be prepared for case studies or situational questions during the interview. We've got to demonstrate how we approach risk assessments or compliance audits, possibly drawing on examples from past experiences or university projects. Bring some thoughtful case scenarios to discuss!

Know Your Tools

Get comfortable with commonly used compliance software and tools. Familiarity with platforms like RSA or MetricStream can really impress during your interview, as it shows you're ready to hit the ground running. If you’ve had any experience with them, make sure to highlight that!

Align with Company Culture

Since it's a full-time position, show your long-term commitment and interest in the company’s mission and values. Dive into how your ethics and professional philosophy align with Standout’s stance on compliance. A shared vision can really resonate with interviewers looking for fit as much as skill!