Head of Public Health Programmes

Overview

In this role you will provide strategic leadership for a portfolio of public health programmes, aiming to improve health outcomes and reduce inequalities across Oxfordshire. You will work with local government, NHS, and voluntary sectors to translate evidence into practical, measurable improvements. Your focus includes developing long-term strategies, managing complex commissioning, and leading cross-partner teams to deliver high-quality services. This is an influential system-wide role with a clear impact on residents’ health and wellbeing. You will drive transformation through collaboration and robust governance.

Pay / Benefits

• Salary 75116 – 78721
• Flexible working
• Guaranteed interview schemes for disabled applicants, care leavers, and certain transitions
• Commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion

Responsibilities

• Lead development and implementation of public health strategies and programmes.
• Manage complex commissioning cycles and ensure high-quality service delivery.
• Provide strategic advice to senior leaders, partners and decision-making bodies.
• Lead multi-agency partnerships to improve health outcomes across Oxfordshire.
• Manage substantial budgets and ensure value for money.
• Develop and nurture teams to deliver innovation and continuous improvement.
• Develop policies, business plans and governance for sustainable service delivery.

Key requirements

• Extensive experience in commissioning services in the public sector.
• Experience managing complex budgets, forecasting and delivering efficiencies.
• Excellent safeguarding knowledge for children and vulnerable adults.
• Strong leadership and track record in building high-performing teams.
• Experience in performance management and service improvement programmes.
• Outstanding communication, negotiation and influencing skills with senior stakeholders.
• Ability to interpret evidence, shape strategy and deliver public services.
• Experience in Public Health, NHS commissioning environments, joint commissioning or working with elected members (advantageous).

• collaborative
• influencing
• negotiation
• public health commissioning
• budget forecasting and financial management
• performance frameworks

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