Public Health Principal

Job description

Job responsibilities

Public Health Principal Maternity Cover (Fixed Term/Secondment)

Location: Central Oxford (Hybrid working approx. 2 days/week in office)

Contract: Full-time, fixed term to cover maternity leave in the first instance

Oxfordshire County Council is seeking a proactive and experienced Public Health Principal to lead the Live Well Promote and Prevent portfolio. This role offers a unique opportunity to shape and deliver public health programmes that support healthier lifestyles and reduce health inequalities across the county.

About the Role

You'll lead a team focused on whole systems approaches to:

• Healthy weight and food
• Physical activity
• Smoking and tobacco control
• Workplace wellbeing

This senior role involves:

• Strategic leadership across the public health spectrum
• Line management of staff and delegated budget oversight
• Commissioning and contract management of related services
• Interpreting national policy and evidence base and applying evidence-based practice
• Assessing population needs ensuring programmes are designed and delivered to reach those most in need

About You

We're looking for a skilled public health professional with:

• A degree and postgraduate qualification (Masters level) in Public Health or a related field
• Registration or equivalent professional qualification (e.g. UKPHR)
• Minimum 3 years senior-level experience in public health with highly specialised knowledge over a range of programmes
• Strong understanding of public health principles, local government, and partnership working
• Proven ability to lead change, interpret data, and deliver outcomes
• Excellent communication, organisational and problem-solving skills.

About Us

Public Health in Oxfordshire is evolving, with a strong focus on prevention and tackling health inequalities. Our work aligns with the councils vision for a greener, fairer, and healthier county. You'll be part of a collaborative, forward-thinking and experienced team committed to making a real difference.

Rewards and Benefits

We offer:

• Flexible working arrangements, including agile and hybrid working
• Generous annual leave (up to 32 days) with the option to buy more
• Local Government Pension Scheme (up to 19.9% employer contribution)
• Extensive learning and development opportunities
• Retail discounts and enhanced family-friendly policies

Commitment to Inclusion and Support

We are proud of our diverse workforce and inclusive culture. We offer:

• Guaranteed interviews for disabled applicants and care leavers meeting essential criteria
• Support for veterans transitioning from HM Armed Forces
• Flexible working options including part-time, job share, and annualised hours

How to Apply

Closing date: Monday 3rd November 2025

Interview dates: 12th or 13th November (in person, Oxford)

If you meet the essential criteria for this post and would like an informal discussion please contact:

Derys Pragnell, Consultant in Public Health Derys.pragnell@oxfordshire.gov.uk

Person Specification

General Requirements

Essential

• Please refer to job description above

Desirable

• Please refer to job description above

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

Oxfordshire County Council

Address

Oxford

OX1 1ND

Employer's website

https://www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)