Deputy Director, Commercial

We are currently looking for a Deputy Director Commercial to join our CommercialFunction within the Corporate group.

This is a full-timeopportunity 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. 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.

The Commercial team reports to the Chief Finance Officer and is charged with improving commercial outcomes driving value for money embedding a stronger commercial focus reducing risk and improving commercial capability across the MHRA.

The Commercial team is responsible for the purchase of goods in services in the categories of Digital and Technology Facilities Management Science and Corporate; with a combined portfolio of circa400 contracts with an addressable spend circa 120m per annum.

Whats the role

This roleprovides strategic leadership and management for commercial activities within the agency providing expert advice and support to the business at a time of significant organisational change as the agency continues its mission of Keeping patients safe and enabling access to high quality safe and effective medical products.

You will play a key role in developing the professional expertise of the commercial function as well as wider organisational commercial capability. You will be expected to use your knowledge of the public sector procurement and experience to lead a team building their confidence and commercial prowess to deliver strategic initiatives drive performance and mitigate risk; across all categories of spend. You will also drive benefits (cashable and non-cashable) creation through commercial endeavours.

The Deputy Director will be a key member of the Senior Leaders Forum within MHRA drive MHRA interest as a member of the Health Family Commercial Shared Services Board and ensure MHRA maintains close and effective senior relationships with Crown Commercial Services and Department of Health and Social Care.

Key responsibilities:

• Designing developing and implementing MHRAs overarching commercial strategy developing the associated policies and procedures and promulgating them effectively. Within this to work proactively with Chief Executive Executive Team and Senior Leaders within the organization in developing specific strategies for the procurement of MHRAs critical goods and services for major programmes and projects.

• Providing leadership and day-to-day management of a geographically dispersed commercial team as they deliver category and commercial strategies a pipeline of procurement and contract management activity across the commercial lifecycle.

• Hold board member positions across MHRAs portfolio of key programmes ensuring commercial oversight to include holding the SRO and programme teams accountable for delivering tangible and non-tangible benefits. Providing a critical eye and act as trusted advisor for the success of projects and programmes.

• Contribute to the strategic visioning of the businesses and functions and bringing innovation thinking to how commercial may participate in the delivery of their key obligations and statutory functions. Operating as a highly valued business partner to the operational and corporate services of MHRA and leading coaching and mentoring the Commercial Team to do likewise.

Who are we looking for

Oursuccessful candidatewill have:

Commercial Focus:

• Experience of the full public sector commercial lifecycle from strategy and planning procurement contract management and supplier relationship management

Team Leadership:

• Experience of managing a team understanding their commercial capability & development gaps and building confidence following setbacks

• Experience of building commercial capability across a range of stakeholders from Awareness to Expert levels

Strategy and Policy Development:

• Practical experience in implementing government and department commercial policies across a range of different commercial delivery models

Qualifications and Experience

• A relevant commercial-related qualification that aligns to the profession. e.g. CIPS GCO ADC: required

• Substantial experience of working in a senior role within the public sector commercial profession: required

If you would like to find out more about this fantastic opportunity please readour Job Description and Person Specification!

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The selection process:

We use the Civil Service Success Profiles to assess our candidatesfind out more here.

• Online application form including a statement of suitability of no more than 1500words demonstrating how you meet the person specification.Please ensure all application questions are completed in full; your application may not be considered if any responses are left blank. Our applications are CV blind and our Hiring Managers will not be able to access your CV when reviewing your application.Please ensure not to include any personal identifying information on your supporting information.

• Interview which can include questions based on theBehaviour Experience Technical and Strengths Success Profiles.

Applicants are assessed on whether they meet any mandatory requirements as well as the necessaryskills and experience for the role. Applications are scored based on the statement of suitability provided. You can view the criteria for this role in the job description.

Use of AI in Job Applications

Applicants must ensure that anything submitted is factually accurate and truthful. Plagiarism can include presenting the ideas and experience of others or generated by artificial intelligence as your own.

If you require any disability related adjustments at any point during the process please contact as soon as possible.

Closing date:12 November 2025

Shortlisting date: 13 November 2025

Interview date:20 November 2025

Candidates will be contacted within a week of the sift and the interviews completed to inform them of the outcome.

If you need assistance applying for this role or have any other questionsplease contact

Candidates will be subject to UK immigration requirements as well as Civil Service nationality information on whether you are able to apply is availablehere.

Successful candidates must pass a disclosure and barring security check as well as animal rights and pro-life activism checks. People working with government assets must completebasic personnel security standard checks.

Certain roles within the MHRA will require post holders to have vaccinations and in some circumstances routine health surveillance. These roles include:

• Laboratory-based roles working directly with known pathogens

• Maintenance roles particularly those required to work in laboratory settings

• Roles that involve visiting other establishments where vaccination is required

• Roles required to travel overseas where specific vaccination may be required.

Applicants who are successful at interview will be as part of pre-employment screening subject to a check on the Internal Fraud Database (IFD). This check will provide information about employees who have been dismissed for fraud or dishonesty offences. This check also applies to employees who resign or otherwise leave before being dismissed for fraud or dishonesty had their employment continued. Any applicants details held on the IFD will be refused employment. A candidate is not eligible to apply for a role within the Civil Service if the application is made within a 5 year period following a dismissal for carrying out internal fraud against government.

Any move to the MHRA from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes including Tax-Free Childcare. Determine your eligibilityhere.

Successful candidates may be subject to annual Occupational Health reviews dependent on role requirements. If you have any queries please contact.

In accordance with the Civil Service Commissioners Recruitment Principles our recruitment and selection processes are underpinned by the requirement of selection for appointmenton the basis ofmerit by a fair and open competition. If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with the Recruitment Principles and you wish to make a complaint you should firstly contact Florentina Oyelami Head of Talent Acquisition.

If you are not satisfied with the response you receive you can contact the Civil Service Commission at:

Civil Service Commission

Room G/8

1Horse Guards Road

London

SW1A 2HQ