Interim Director of Public Health

Job Opportunity: Interim Director of Public Health

Contract: Interim - Start date ASAP
Location: South England - Hybrid working available
Salary: Competitive (Public Sector Senior Leadership Grade)
Duration: 12 months (with potential for extension)

We are seeking an exceptional public health leader to step into the role of Interim Director of Public Health. This is a unique opportunity to shape and drive strategic initiatives that promote the health and wellbeing of communities, reduce health inequalities, and ensure effective protection from public health threats.

As the statutory chief officer for public health, you will act as the principal advisor on all health matters to elected members, senior officers, and key partners. You’ll bring strategic leadership across the full breadth of public health: health improvement, health protection, and healthcare public health.

• Lead the development and implementation of strategies that improve population health and reduce inequalities.

• Provide assurance that public health protection systems are robust and fit for purpose.

• Act as a trusted adviser and strategic partner across the local authority, health systems, and wider stakeholders.

• Deliver expert public health advice to integrated care boards, supporting evidence-based commissioning and service planning.

• Produce an independent annual report on the health of local communities.

• Collaborate across sectors to ensure effective emergency preparedness, resilience, and response.

• Ensure responsible management of a substantial public health budget

• Included in the GMC/GDC Specialist Register or UK Public Health Register (or eligible within 6 months).

• Experienced senior leader in public health, with a strong track record of improving health outcomes in complex systems.

• Skilled in health data analysis, strategy development, and stakeholder engagement.

• Politically astute, with strong communication and influencing skills.

• Demonstrated ability to lead transformation and deliver measurable impact across systems.