Overview
Public Health Principal – OX1 1ND
Number of Positions: 1
Contract Type: Fixed Term
Salary: £63576 – £67003
Working Hours: 37
Location: Oxfordshire
Business Unit: Public Health & Communities
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 council’s 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 2026
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
IMPORTANT: Before applying for this role, please make sure you have the right to work in the country where the role is based. Unless it clearly stipulates within in the job advert above that the hiring company is looking to or able to sponsor applicants it is deemed that the hiring employer will only consider applications from those able to comply with and work in the country where the role is based.
