Head of Public Health Programmes

Job Introduction

Head of Public Health Programmes - Fixed term contract until January 2028. 

About the Role

We are seeking an exceptional strategic leader to join our Public Health Directorate as our Head of Public Health Programmes. This role provides strategic leadership across a diverse portfolio of public health programmes, helping to improve health outcomes and reduce inequalities across Oxfordshire.

Reporting to the Deputy Director of Public Health, you will lead the development and delivery of long-term strategies, oversee complex commissioning programmes, manage significant budgets of approximately £10 million and work collaboratively with a wide range of partners across local government, health, voluntary sector and community organisations. This role leads a portfolio of public health programmes, currently including Domestic Abuse, Public Mental Health, Suicide prevention and Gambling harms, although portfolio responsibilities will remain flexible to adapt to emerging priorities, national policy developments and organisational requirements.   

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced commissioner and system leader who can translate evidence and policy into practical, measurable improvements for residents.

About You

We are looking for a collaborative and influential leader with substantial experience of commissioning services within the public sector and a strong track record of delivering strategic change.

You will bring:

• A degree or equivalent professional qualification and relevant postgraduate qualification at Master's level. 
• Extensive experience of commissioning services in the public sector. 
• Experience of managing complex budgets, forecasting and delivering efficiencies. 
• Excellent knowledge of safeguarding frameworks for children and vulnerable adults. 
• Strong leadership skills and experience of developing high-performing teams. 
• Experience of developing and managing performance frameworks and service improvement programmes. 
• Outstanding communication, negotiation and influencing skills, with the ability to engage senior stakeholders across complex systems. 
• The ability to interpret evidence, shape strategy and deliver impactful public services. 

Experience within Public Health, NHS commissioning environments, joint commissioning arrangements or working with elected members would be advantageous. 

What You'll Be Doing

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading the development and implementation of public health strategies and programmes. 
• Managing complex commissioning cycles and ensuring high-quality service delivery. 
• Providing expert strategic advice to senior leaders, partners and decision-making bodies. 
• Leading multi-agency partnerships to improve health outcomes across Oxfordshire. 
• Managing substantial budgets and ensuring value for money. 
• Leading and developing teams to deliver innovation, excellence and continuous improvement. 
• Developing policies, business plans and governance arrangements that support sustainable service delivery. 

Your office base may be subject to change as we are currently transitioning between temporary and permanent office locations due to the closure of County Hall. If this is applicable to you, you will be notified, but no reimbursement will apply in respect of travel.

Our commitment to:
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

At Oxfordshire County Council we are proud of our diverse workforce. Everyone is accepted for who they are, regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marital status, race, faith or belief, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, or on maternity or family leave. We have a number of staff network groups which provide peer support, education and safe spaces for all.

Our commitment to:
Guaranteed Interview Schemes

As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee an interview for disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the job. We also guarantee interviews to care leavers who have completed further education and who meet the essential criteria for the job. For those leaving care without any further education, we guarantee an interview for our apprenticeships. We are also committed to helping and supporting those transitioning from HM Armed Forces to civilian life and guarantee an interview for those demonstrating the essential criteria for the role, within three years of leaving the service.

Our commitment to:
Safeguarding

Oxfordshire County Council are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We expect all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect these commitments.

Our commitment to:
Flexible Working

We are open to discussions about flexible working, which can include flexi-time, full time and part time working, job sharing, nine-day fortnights and annualised hours, depending on the requirements of the role and the service.

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