Senior Contracts Manager

This vacancy is open to all Civil Service employees and employees of accredited non-departmental public bodies (NDPBs) who were appointed on merit following a fair and open competition; or were appointed to a permanent post through an exception in the Civil Service Commissioners' rules.

We are currently looking for a Senior Contracts Manager to join our Standards Lifecycle Function within the Science and Research group.

This is a full-time opportunity, on a permanent basis. The role will be based in South Mimms, Hertfordshire.  

Government departments and agencies are working towards implementing a minimum 60% attendance in office sites.

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 Science and Research group delivers public health impact, world‑leading research and a distinctive regulatory offer for patients and service users. This is underpinned by an ambitious Science Strategy that supports the effective balance between innovation, sustainability and affordability. 

The group is structured into four functions: Research and Development; Standards Lifecycle; Control Testing and Quality Assurance; and Health & Safety. 

What’s the role? 

The Senior Contracts Manager is a Grade 7 role providing senior leadership, line management and expert oversight across commercial contracts, business development and grants‑related activity within the MHRA Science and Research function. The role is central to enabling and shaping international partnerships and commercial opportunities that support MHRA’s scientific and regulatory objectives, while safeguarding public health and government interests. 

The post holder will lead on the review, negotiation and assurance of a broad portfolio of complex legal and commercial agreements supporting the MHRA Science Campus, a nationally significant life sciences asset. This includes agreements with industry, academia and international partners, where robust contractual arrangements are essential to protect MHRA’s intellectual property, ensure compliance with statutory and regulatory obligations, and enable the sustainable delivery of MHRA’s scientific services at a global scale. 

Key responsibilities: 

• Contract leadership and negotiation 

• Team Leadership & Capability Building 

• Exploring commercialisation opportunities 

• Working collaboratively to initial business improvements 

Who are we looking for? 

Our successful candidate will demonstrate: 

• Significant experience of reviewing, negotiating or managing complex legal, grant related contracts and commercial contracts 

• Prior experience in a life sciences sector 

• Professional business, legal or paralegal qualification 

• Communicate with others in a clear, honest and enthusiastic way to build trust 

• Provides clarity, direction and confidence to the team and wider stakeholders5 civil service success profiles here excl. ability and strengths

Person Specification: 

Method of assessment: A=Application, T=Test, I=Interview, P=Presentation 

Behaviour Criteria:

• Communicating and Influencing (A, I)

• Leadership (A, I)

• Seeing the Big Picture (A, I)

Experience Criteria:

• Significant experience of reviewing, negotiating or managing complex legal, grant related contracts and commercial contracts, ideally in: Life sciences, healthcare, or R&D environments, Government, ALBs or highly regulated sectors (A, I)

• Demonstrable involvement in supporting commercialisation, innovation partnerships or income-generating activity (A, I)

Technical Criteria:

• Professional business, legal or paralegal qualification/degree and/or relevant experience, preferably gained in a research environment in academia or industry (A, I)

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. 

• 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 Professional business, legal or paralegal qualification/degree and/or relevant experience, preferably gained in a research environment in academia or industry. 

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: 27^th July 2026

Shortlisting date: from 31^st July 2026

Interview date: from 11^th August 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 

Room G/8 

1 Horse Guards Road 

London 

SW1A 2HQ