News and Issues Management Lead and News and Media Lead

Go back Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency

The closing date is 16 February 2026

TO APPLY FOR THIS ROLE, PLEASE ENSURE YOU CLICK THE LINK TO APPLY BUTTON (UNDER SUPPORTING LINKS). This will redirect you to the MHRA Website to submit your application. APPLICATIONS SUBMITTED VIA NHS JOBS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.

We are currently looking for a News and Issues Management Lead and News and Media Lead to join our Communications and Engagement Function within the Enablement 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 note that there might also be a requirement to travel to South Mimms, Herts or other locations as appropriate.

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.

• Manage the agency’s profile and reputation on high‑profile, sensitive and day‑to‑day news and issues affecting the organisation and its remit confidently with the media and social media, responding to media enquiries as well as promoting, explaining and justifying its scientific expertise and wider contribution to public health and science nationally and globally.
• Implement and deliver effective news and issues management strategies at pace, developing and nurturing media and social media contacts, responding quickly and accurately to breaking or negative news stories to limit potentially damaging coverage and drive the agency’s reputation, evaluating outcomes and results.

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 MHRA Communications and Engagement Group is a multi‑award‑winning team with a consistent track‑record of achievement and providing value for money. Our focus is to support the agency to deliver its business outcomes by putting patients and the public at the centre of all our work. We are organised in the following teams:
News & Media, Communications, Patient and Public Stakeholder Engagement and Customer Experience. These roles are in our News and Media team.

The news and issues management team handles high‑profile, sensitive and day‑to‑day news and issues affecting the organisation and its remit. It also handles daily media enquiries.

Role Description

Job Title

News and Issues Management Lead

Pay Grade

Senior Executive Officer (SEO)

Location

10 South Colonnade, Canary Wharf, London, E14 4PU
. Please note that there might also be a requirement to travel to South Mimms, Herts or other locations as appropriate.

Hours

37 per week (excluding lunch break)

Reports to

Head of News and Issues Management

Role Purpose

• Manage the agency’s profile and reputation on high‑profile, sensitive and day‑to‑day news and issues affecting the organisation and its remit confidently with the media and social media, responding to media enquiries as well as promoting, explaining and justifying its scientific expertise and wider contribution to public health and science nationally and globally.
• Implement and deliver effective news and issues management strategies at pace, developing and nurturing media and social media contacts, responding quickly and accurately to breaking or negative news stories to limit potentially damaging coverage and drive the agency’s reputation, evaluating outcomes and results.

Key responsibilities and results areas

• Proactively and creatively initiate, lead, develop, implement and evaluate news and issues management strategies that…