Location
City of Westminster

Hours
37 hours (net) per week for full time staff, pro rata for part-time staff

Salary
£60,778 - £68,422 per annum plus benefits

About the Role
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) enhances and improves the health of millions every day through effective regulation of medicines and medical devices, underpinned by science and research. The MHRA Communications and Engagement Group builds and maintains trust with key audiences including patients, the public, healthcare professionals, industry, and partners across the health system. Using data, evidence and insight, the group develops and delivers integrated communications and engagement strategies that support the Agency’s strategic priorities, operational objectives, transparency, patient safety and public health.

This role is within the MHRA’s Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement (PPIE) team, which leads the delivery of the Agency’s strategic PPIE plans and acts as the centre of expertise for patient and public involvement and engagement. The team supports colleagues across the Agency to design and deliver high-quality, inclusive and proportionate involvement and engagement activities that enable patient and public perspectives to inform regulatory decision-making. It provides expert advice, develops organisational capability and directly delivers or commissions PPIE activity supporting major corporate priorities and strategic programmes.

The Patient Public Involvement and Engagement Manager will develop, lead and co-ordinate MHRA’s PPIE with diverse stakeholders including industry, patients, the public, healthcare professionals, academic and research communities. This includes identifying, building and maintaining relationships with patients, public contributors and key stakeholders to facilitate meaningful two-way engagement ensuring their insights influence MHRA work and strategic priorities. The role also proactively identifies and delivers partnership opportunities on engagement and campaigns.

Key responsibilities include acting as lead PPIE adviser for corporate priorities, providing strategic guidance and support to programme teams and senior leaders, leading the design, delivery and evaluation of involvement and engagement activities, advising on high-profile and sensitive engagement issues, and line managing a team of staff. The role requires excellent communication and interpersonal skills, the ability to influence and challenge at all levels, and the capacity to build strong working relationships internally and externally. The manager will also act as an ambassador for the MHRA with external stakeholders.

Experience
Senior level experience developing patient, public and stakeholder engagement strategies and delivering complex engagement programmes using a range of tools and techniques. Extensive experience managing stakeholder relationships, particularly with patients and the public, in research or policy environments. Strong project management skills with the ability to lead cross-organisational engagement projects, anticipate risks, resolve problems and deliver high standards of customer service. Proven ability to think strategically, understand long-term implications, anticipate challenges and align work with organisational priorities.

About you
Strategic thinker with excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Able to confidently influence and challenge staff and external contacts at all levels. Skilled at building and maintaining credibility and effective working relationships with diverse groups. Experienced in advising on complex and sensitive engagement issues. Demonstrates leadership qualities and the ability to manage and develop a team.

Qualifications
Degree educated with relevant experience in patient and public involvement and engagement or related fields. Experience and knowledge relevant to this senior role are essential.