Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency

Contents

• Location
• About the job
• Benefits
• Things you need to know
• Apply and further information

London

About the job

Job summary

We are currently looking for a Lead Security Architect to join our Strategy and Architecture Function within the Digital and Technology 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/South Mimms, Hertfordshire. Please be aware that this role can only be worked in the UK and not overseas.

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

Currently implementing a flexible 8 (minimum) 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 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!

Its centre of excellence is also responsible for delivering a broad portfolio of change initiatives, both to transform the Agency’s legacy technologies and to deliver innovative new solutions, designed around our customers’ needs. D&T works in a holistic way to combine digital and technology change, data and information management, project delivery, business process, product management and cultural change to maximise out impact and ensure sustainability.

We plan to be at the heart of one of the most digitally advanced medical regulators in the world and we need people who can help us deliver that ambition. D&T is a great place to build your career and we are committed to enabling our people to do the best work of their lives.

Job description

As an IT Security Architect, you will play a critical role in safeguarding the department’s IT infrastructure and sensitive data responsible for designing, building, and maintaining robust security architectures that protect the department's systems from threats and vulnerabilities.

Your primary goal is to ensure that all IT services and solutions are secure by design and compliant with government security policies and standards.

This role requires a strategic thinker with deep technical knowledge, an understanding of emerging threats, and the ability to work collaboratively with various stakeholders to embed security principles throughout the IT landscape.

Key responsibilities: 

• As a Lead Security Architect you will develop and maintain a comprehensive Security Architecture framework that aligns with the IT strategy, government policies, and best practices.
• You will develop, implement, and maintain security policies, standards, and procedures in line with government regulations, industry standards, and departmental needs, ensuring that all IT systems and solutions comply with relevant legal, regulatory, and governmental standards, such as GDPR, Cyber Essentials, Secure By Design
• You will collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure security is integrated into all aspects of the Agency’s digital transformation initiatives.
• You will stay abreast of industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices in Technical Architecture, bringing forward recommendations for improvement.

Person specification

• A proven Security Architect with a track record of delivering digital change that adds value to customers.
• Proven ability to anticipate the full impact of implementing a Secure by Design approach into a complex estate.
• Extensive and proven ability to work with discretion and capability in own area. Works effectively as part of a multi-disciplinary team, working across boundaries and delegating where appropriate, adding value through strategic thinking.
• Evidence of the ability to make decisions confidently and demonstrate understanding of the complexity of a legacy heavy IT estate and how to transition to a modern architecture.
• Experience of working successfully with a wide network of colleagues and contacts to achieve progress on shared objectives.

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

Please note: The job description may not open in some internet browsers. Please use Chrome or Microsoft Edge. If you have any issue viewing the job description, please contact careers@mhra.gov.uk 

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £73,324, Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency contributes £21,241 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.

• Annual Leave: 25 days annual leave on entry, rising by one day for each completed year of service to a maximum of 30 days and pro-rata for part-time staff. PLUS 8 bank holidays 
• Privilege Leave: 1 day 
• Hours of Work: 37 hours (net) per week for full time staff in all geographical locations, including London and pro rata for part-time staff 
• Occupational Sick Pay (OSP): One month full pay/one month half pay on entry, rising by one month for each completed year of service to a maximum of five months full pay/five months half pay 
• Mobility: Mobility clause in contracts allowing staff to be mobile across the Civil Service
• Civil Service Pension Scheme. Please see the link for further information http://www.civilservicepensionscheme.org.uk/ For enquiries relating to the Civil Service Pension Schemes please contact MyCSP's Pension Service Centre directly on 0300 123 6666 
• Flexible working to ensure staff maintain a healthy work-life balance 
• Interest free season ticket loan or bike loan 
• Employee Assistance Services and access to the Civil Service Benevolent Fund 
• Eligibility to join the Civil Service Motoring Association (CSMA)
• Variety of staff and Civil Service clubs 
• On-going learning and development 

Contact point for applicants

Job contact :

• Name : The Resourcing Team
• Email : careers@mhra.gov.uk

Recruitment team

• Email : Careers@mhra.gov.uk

Further information

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, you should contact the Resourcing Team at Careers@mhra.gov.uk, in the first instance. If you are not satisfied with the response you receive you can contact the Civil Service Commission at: civilservicecommission.independent.gov.uk - info@csc.gov.uk - Civil Service Commission Room G/8 1 Horse Guards Road London SW1A 2HQ