Senior Public Health Lead

Job description

Job summary

Surrey County Council is seeking an experienced and inspirational Senior Public Health Lead to join our Public Health service. Initially based in Reigate within the Healthcare Team within our Public Health service, this role will transfer to East Surrey from 1st April 2027 as part of Local Government Reform.
Main duties of the job

Use evidence and population health intelligence to assess need, strengthen prevention, and improve the quality, effectiveness , equity and value for money of public health services and pathways. Your work will contribute to better population health outcomes, reduced health inequalities and the cost-effective use of resources.Leading the end-to-end management of public health projects, using analytical and project management methodologies to identify root causes, assess risks, develop evidence-informed responses and drive effective implementation of interventions.Be responsible for the development, commissioning, performance management and continuous improvement of evidence-based public health services. You will ensure that programmes deliver, measurable outcomes, maximise value for money and respond effectively to the needs of Surrey residents.Work across organisational and professional boundaries to shape strategic priorities, build effective relationships with stakeholders and champion collaborative approaches that help residents live longer, healthier lives.
About us

We are a forward-thinking, friendly and highly collaborative Public Health team, committed to delivering evidence-based programmes that make a real difference to the lives of Surrey residents. As part of the Adults, Wellbeing and Health Partnerships Directorate, we work closely with colleagues across Surrey County Council, the NHS, district and borough councils, voluntary and community organisations, and a wide range of system partners to develop innovative approaches to prevention and improve health outcomes across the county. We are proud to offer a supportive and stimulating environment where colleagues are encouraged to develop professionally, build their expertise and progress their careers.

Job description

Job responsibilities

This permanent role has a starting salary of £63,823 per annum, working 36 hours per week. Surrey County Council is seeking an experienced and inspirational Senior Public Health Lead to join our Public Health service. Initially based in Reigate within the Healthcare Team within our Public Health service, this role will transfer to East Surrey from 1st April 2027 as part of Local Government Reform. As Surrey prepares for the reorganisation of local government into new East and West authorities, this is an exciting opportunity to provide healthcare public health leadership, influence emerging priorities and service models, and improve population health while reducing health inequalities. Our Offer to You

26 days' holiday, rising to 28 days after 2 years' service and 31 days after 5 years' service (pro-rated for part-time opportunities)

Option to buy up to 10 days of additional annual leave

A generous local government salary related pension

Up to 5 days of carer's leave and 2 paid volunteering days per year

Paternity, adoption and dependents leave

An Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support health and wellbeing

Learning and development hub where you can access a wealth of resources

Wellbeing and lifestyle discounts including gym, travel, and shopping

A chance to make a real difference to the lives of our residents

About the Role We are a forward-thinking, friendly and highly collaborative Public Health team, committed to delivering evidence-based programmes that make a real difference to the lives of Surrey residents. As part of the Adults, Wellbeing and Health Partnerships Directorate, we work closely with colleagues across Surrey County Council, the NHS, district and borough councils, voluntary and community organisations, and a wide range of system partners to develop innovative approaches to prevention and improve health outcomes across the county. We are proud to offer a supportive and stimulating environment where colleagues are encouraged to develop professionally, build their expertise and progress their careers. As a Senior Public Health Lead, you will use your skills and experience to provide strategic leadership for the healthcare public health function. In particular you will:

Use evidence and population health intelligence to assess need, strengthen prevention, and improve the quality, effectiveness , equity and value for money of public health services and pathways. Your work will contribute to better population health outcomes, reduced health inequalities and the cost-effective use of resources.

Leading the end-to-end management of public health projects, using analytical and project management methodologies to identify root causes, assess risks, develop evidence-informed responses and drive effective implementation of interventions.

Be responsible for the development, commissioning, performance management and continuous improvement of evidence-based public health services. You will ensure that programmes deliver, measurable outcomes, maximise value for money and respond effectively to the needs of Surrey residents.

Work across organisational and professional boundaries to shape strategic priorities, build effective relationships with stakeholders and champion collaborative approaches that help residents live longer, healthier lives.

This position provides an exciting opportunity to lead meaningful programmes that have a lasting impact on communities across Surrey. Your application In order to be considered for shortlisting, your application will clearly evidence the following skills and align with our expected behaviours:

Significant experience of leading public health programmes and projects, using effective project management methodologies to deliver specific public health outcomes.

Strong analytical thinking as well as skills in programme management and strategic planning.

Expertise in accessing, critically appraising and translating evidence and intelligence into effective practice and policy.

Experience of commissioning, contract management and budget oversight

Experience of leading, managing and developing staff.

Experience of building effective relationships with partners and stakeholders across health, local authority, voluntary and community sectors.

To apply, please submit your CV and in no more than 500 words provide responses to the following three questions:

1. Describe a situation where you have used public health evidence and analysis to improve or redesign a service or pathway to improve health outcomes, reduce inequalities and/or deliver value for money.
2. Describe a situation where you have worked across organisational or professional boundaries to influence stakeholders, build effective partnerships and deliver change in a complex system.
3. Provide an example of where you have demonstrated strategic leadership to address a public health problem.

The job advert closes at 23:59 on 01/11/2026 with interviews planned to follow on 04/11/2026. Local Government Organisation (LGR) Surrey County Council is undergoing Local Government Reorganisation and will move to new authorities in April 2027. This role is currently employed by Surrey County Council and will remain so until then. If you are employed by Surrey County Council on 1 April 2027, your employment will transfer under TUPE arrangements to one of the new councils, with your current terms and conditions protected. The provisional allocation for this post is East Surrey Council, subject to final confirmation through the wider transition process later this year. Our Commitment We are a disability confident employer which means if you have shared a disability on your application form and have evidenced you meet the minimum criteria, we guarantee you an interview. Your skills and experience truly matter to us. From application to your first day, we're committed to supporting you with any adjustments you need, we value inclusion and warmly welcome you to join and help build a workplace where everyone belongs.

Job description
Job responsibilities

This permanent role has a starting salary of £63,823 per annum, working 36 hours per week. Surrey County Council is seeking an experienced and inspirational Senior Public Health Lead to join our Public Health service. Initially based in Reigate within the Healthcare Team within our Public Health service, this role will transfer to East Surrey from 1st April 2027 as part of Local Government Reform. As Surrey prepares for the reorganisation of local government into new East and West authorities, this is an exciting opportunity to provide healthcare public health leadership, influence emerging priorities and service models, and improve population health while reducing health inequalities. Our Offer to You

26 days' holiday, rising to 28 days after 2 years' service and 31 days after 5 years' service (pro-rated for part-time opportunities)

Option to buy up to 10 days of additional annual leave

A generous local government salary related pension

Up to 5 days of carer's leave and 2 paid volunteering days per year

Paternity, adoption and dependents leave

An Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support health and wellbeing

Learning and development hub where you can access a wealth of resources

Wellbeing and lifestyle discounts including gym, travel, and shopping

A chance to make a real difference to the lives of our residents

About the Role We are a forward-thinking, friendly and highly collaborative Public Health team, committed to delivering evidence-based programmes that make a real difference to the lives of Surrey residents. As part of the Adults, Wellbeing and Health Partnerships Directorate, we work closely with colleagues across Surrey County Council, the NHS, district and borough councils, voluntary and community organisations, and a wide range of system partners to develop innovative approaches to prevention and improve health outcomes across the county. We are proud to offer a supportive and stimulating environment where colleagues are encouraged to develop professionally, build their expertise and progress their careers. As a Senior Public Health Lead, you will use your skills and experience to provide strategic leadership for the healthcare public health function. In particular you will:

Use evidence and population health intelligence to assess need, strengthen prevention, and improve the quality, effectiveness , equity and value for money of public health services and pathways. Your work will contribute to better population health outcomes, reduced health inequalities and the cost-effective use of resources.

Leading the end-to-end management of public health projects, using analytical and project management methodologies to identify root causes, assess risks, develop evidence-informed responses and drive effective implementation of interventions.

Be responsible for the development, commissioning, performance management and continuous improvement of evidence-based public health services. You will ensure that programmes deliver, measurable outcomes, maximise value for money and respond effectively to the needs of Surrey residents.

Work across organisational and professional boundaries to shape strategic priorities, build effective relationships with stakeholders and champion collaborative approaches that help residents live longer, healthier lives.

This position provides an exciting opportunity to lead meaningful programmes that have a lasting impact on communities across Surrey. Your application In order to be considered for shortlisting, your application will clearly evidence the following skills and align with our expected behaviours:

Significant experience of leading public health programmes and projects, using effective project management methodologies to deliver specific public health outcomes.

Strong analytical thinking as well as skills in programme management and strategic planning.

Expertise in accessing, critically appraising and translating evidence and intelligence into effective practice and policy.

Experience of commissioning, contract management and budget oversight

Experience of leading, managing and developing staff.

Experience of building effective relationships with partners and stakeholders across health, local authority, voluntary and community sectors.

To apply, please submit your CV and in no more than 500 words provide responses to the following three questions:

1. Describe a situation where you have used public health evidence and analysis to improve or redesign a service or pathway to improve health outcomes, reduce inequalities and/or deliver value for money.
2. Describe a situation where you have worked across organisational or professional boundaries to influence stakeholders, build effective partnerships and deliver change in a complex system.
3. Provide an example of where you have demonstrated strategic leadership to address a public health problem.

The job advert closes at 23:59 on 01/11/2026 with interviews planned to follow on 04/11/2026. Local Government Organisation (LGR) Surrey County Council is undergoing Local Government Reorganisation and will move to new authorities in April 2027. This role is currently employed by Surrey County Council and will remain so until then. If you are employed by Surrey County Council on 1 April 2027, your employment will transfer under TUPE arrangements to one of the new councils, with your current terms and conditions protected. The provisional allocation for this post is East Surrey Council, subject to final confirmation through the wider transition process later this year. Our Commitment We are a disability confident employer which means if you have shared a disability on your application form and have evidenced you meet the minimum criteria, we guarantee you an interview. Your skills and experience truly matter to us. From application to your first day, we're committed to supporting you with any adjustments you need, we value inclusion and warmly welcome you to join and help build a workplace where everyone belongs.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

• A degree or equivalent qualification in Public Health or a related subject

Experience

Essential

• Significant experience of leading public health programmes and projects, using effective project management methodologies to deliver specific public health outcomes.
• Experience of commissioning, contract management and budget oversight
• Experience of leading, managing and developing staff.
• Experience of building effective relationships with partners and stakeholders across health, local authority, voluntary and community sectors.

Person Specification
Qualifications

Essential

• A degree or equivalent qualification in Public Health or a related subject

Experience

Essential

• Significant experience of leading public health programmes and projects, using effective project management methodologies to deliver specific public health outcomes.
• Experience of commissioning, contract management and budget oversight
• Experience of leading, managing and developing staff.
• Experience of building effective relationships with partners and stakeholders across health, local authority, voluntary and community sectors.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Employer details

Employer name

Surrey County Council
Address

Woodhatch Place, 11 Cockshot Hill, Reigate, RH2 8EF

Reigate

RH2 8EF

United Kingdom

Employer's website