Senior Public Health Programme Manager
The role
About the Service
At Southwark Council, we are committed to tackling health inequalities and improving the wellbeing of our diverse and growing population. As one of the most vibrant and dynamic boroughs in London, Southwark is home to thriving communities, iconic institutions, and a commitment to social justice.Our Public Health Team plays a key role in shaping innovative, evidence-based interventions that address complex health challenges, working in collaboration with local partners across the NHS, voluntary sector, and wider Council services.
We take pride in our Southwark Stands Together initiative, ensuring equity and inclusion are embedded in everything we do. If you are passionate about improving health outcomes and making a tangible difference in people’s lives, we invite you to join our dedicated team.
About the Role
We are seeking an exceptional Senior Public Health Programme Manager to lead and manage large-scale public health programmes, with a strong focus on health inclusion. This role presents an exciting opportunity to drive forward innovative strategies that improve health outcomes for vulnerable communities, including people experiencing homelessness and those at risk of substance misuse.
Key responsibilities include:
- Leading the design, commissioning, and evaluation of public health programmes that tackle health inequalities and promote better health across Southwark.
- Managing targeted interventions to prevent drug and alcohol-related harms and improving access to healthcare for marginalised groups.
- Overseeing Public Health’s work on mental health and suicide prevention, embedding a preventative approach across programmes.
- Collaborating with senior officers, NHS partners, voluntary organisations, and community stakeholders to develop and implement evidence-based policies.
- Managing a team, providing strategic leadership and fostering a culture of excellence in public health practice.
- Using data intelligence, health evidence, and performance evaluation to drive decision-making and continuous improvement.
This is a high-impact leadership role, requiring you to work in a fast-paced environment, influence policy at senior levels, and ensure the delivery of effective and sustainable public health solutions.
About You
We are looking for a dynamic and experienced public health leader with a strong commitment to tackling health inequalities and a track record of delivering complex public health programmes.
To be successful in this role, you will need:
- A Master’s degree in Public Health (or equivalent experience at a senior level).
- Substantial experience in public health strategy, commissioning, and service improvement within a local authority or NHS setting.
- Expertise in health inclusion, with a deep understanding of the health challenges faced by vulnerable populations.
- Strong data analysis and evaluation skills, using evidence to inform policy and programme design.
- Exceptional leadership and partnership-working abilities, with experience influencing senior stakeholders across health and social care sectors.
- Excellent project management skills, with the ability to drive change, manage risks, and deliver results within budget and timescales.
This role is ideal for a strategic thinker and proactive leader who thrives on delivering impactful public health interventions.
Why Join Us?- Be part of a high-performing, forward-thinking Public Health Team driving innovative change in one of London’s most diverse boroughs.
- Work on exciting and high-profile projects that make a real difference to communities facing the greatest health challenges.
- Enjoy a competitive salary and generous benefits package, including a JNC allowance, pension scheme, and professional development opportunities.
- Join a workplace committed to equality, inclusion, and social justice, where your work contributes to a fairer and healthier Southwark.
How to Apply
If you are ready to take on this exciting challenge, apply now!
This post requires a satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) DBS check at Enhanced level.
Benefits and more information:
In your role, we want you to feel supported, challenged and rewarded. You will benefit from our family-friendly policies including flexible working, home working, and a local government pension scheme, plus many other staff benefits. You will join a motivated, driven and supportive team that strives for excellence and values its members.You will also be part of a successful and high-achieving development team that is making a real difference to the lives of residents in the borough. For more information about the wide variety of benefits you can take advantage of please visit our Staff Benefits page.
Recruitment timetable
Closing date: 2 MarchOnline Assessments: 10th - 16th March
Interviews: Week commencing 17th March
Guaranteed Interview Scheme:
As part of our commitment to inclusion, we offer guaranteed interviews for specific groups of people. To qualify, you'll need to meet the minimum requirements for the role, and identify with one of the below criteria:
- Members of the Armed Forces and veterans
- Are currently in care, or have previously been in care
- If you consider yourself to be disabled or if you have a long-term health condition
We particularly welcome applications from members of the Black, Asian and ethnic minority communities to increase representation at senior management level in the Council.
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