We are currently looking for a Head of Application Management to join our Technology & Service Operations Function within the Digital & Technology group.
This is a full-time opportunity, on a fixed term contract basis until 31 st March 2027 . The role will be based in 7/8 Wellington Place, Leeds, LS1 4AP or 10 South Colonnade, Canary Wharf London, E14 4PU.
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. Please discuss this with the recruiting manager before accepting an appointment.
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 Digital and Technology Group (DTG) lies at the heart of the Agency and is responsible for delivering an optimised IT infrastructure and maximising the secure use of data to enable our scientists, inspectors, and the rest of the organisation to deliver world class services which can improve outcomes for patients and the general public. The Group was essential in the race to approve COVID-19 vaccines in 2020 and in supporting the UK to set up its own medicines and devices approvals systems following our exit from the EU. The work we do matters!
What’s the role?
The Head of Applications Management is accountable for managing all of the Agency Applications in live operation. This role aligns to the Government Digital Service DDaT Principal Applications Operations Engineer role, who owns the Agency wide application strategy and leads on the resourcing and learning and development for their team. The postholder will play a leadership role in the software engineering and management DDaT practice. At this level, you will have expert technical understanding and will be accountable for vendor and supplier management of applications management performance.
Key responsibilities:
Drive strategic system and process improvements, interventions and upgrades where relevant
Support DevOps-focused engineers in improving the overall quality of product build, deployments, monitoring and alerting
Lead problem solving initiatives, prioritise technical debt and value delivery keeping both tactical and strategic challenges in mind
Lead the Applications Maintenance Programme taking accountability for backlogs, outcomes and reporting on progress
Lead the Applications Management practice with staff and suppliers
Develop strategic plans with regard to the technical development of sites/software in use across the Agency
Management and accountability for Operational Budgets
Person Specification:
Method of assessment: A=Application, T=Test, I=Interview, P=Presentation
Behaviour Criteria:
Changing and Improving (A, I)
Making Effective Decisions (A, I)
Communicating and Influencing (A, I)
Delivering at Pace (A, I)
Experience Criteria:
Communicating between the technical and the non-technical (A, I)
Data analysis and synthesis (A, I)
Leading Applications Management practice (A, I, P)
Leading Applications Maintenance Programme (A, I, P)
Management and accountability for Operational Budgets (A, I, P)
Strategic plans with regard to the technical development of sites/software (A, I, P)
Drive strategic system and process improvements, interventions and upgrades where relevant (A, I, P)
Technical Criteria:
Experience using automated tests to continuously validate your work (A)
Experience of modern development and deployment techniques, including continuous integration and continuous delivery (A)
Experience working in agile environments (A)
Enthusiasm for sharing knowledge and working in a multi-disciplinary team (A)
Experience of managing applications in a controlled scientific and laboratory environment (A)
If you would like to find out more about this fantastic opportunity, please read our Job Description and Person Specification !
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The selection process:
We use the Civil Service Success Profiles to assess our candidates, find out more here .
Online application form, including questions based on the Behaviour, Experience and Technical Success Profiles. 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.
Presentation, to be prepared as part of your interview, with further information being supplied when you reach this stage.
Interview, which can include questions based on the Behaviour, Experience, Technical and Strengths Success Profiles.
In the instance that we receive a high number of applications, we will hold an initial sift based on the lead criteria of Experience of managing applications in a controlled scientific and laboratory environment.
Applicants are assessed on whether they meet any mandatory requirements as well as the necessary skills and experience for the role. Applications are scored based on the competency-based answers provided- ensure you have read these thoroughly and allow sufficient time. You can view the competencies for this role in the job description.
Use of AI in Job Applications
Artificial Intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.
If you require any disability related adjustments at any point during the process, please contact [email protected] as soon as possible.
Closing date: 18 th June 2026
Shortlisting date: from 22 nd June 2026
Interview date: from 29 th June 2026
If you need assistance applying for this role or have any other questions, please contact [email protected]
Candidates will be subject to UK immigration requirements as well as Civil Service nationality rules. Further information on whether you are able to apply is available here .
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 complete basic 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 applicant’s 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 eligibility here .
Individuals appointed on level transfer will retain their existing salary and are responsible for ensuring they fully understand the financial implications of any potential move and the impact (if any) on their terms. If an individual is in any doubt, they should seek clarification before accepting a job offer.
Staff joining on promotion will receive up to a 10% increase of their current basic salary, or the pay band minimum, whichever is the greater.
The individual will not retain any allowances paid by the former department/Agency, unless there are special circumstances, such as a reserved right to those allowances on transfer.
Successful candidates may be subject to annual Occupational Health reviews dependent on role requirements. If you have any queries, please contact [email protected] .
In accordance with the Civil Service Commissioners’ Recruitment Principles our recruitment and selection processes are underpinned by the requirement of selection for appointment on the basis of merit 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, in the first instance, you should contact the MHRA Recruitment Team at [email protected] .
If you are not satisfied with the response you receive, you can contact the Civil Service Commission at: civilservicecommission.independent.gov.uk
[email protected]
Civil Service Commission
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