Director of Health Improvement

Public Health Wales is seeking an exceptional, visionary public health leader to become our next Director of Health Improvement
. This is a rare opportunity to shape national strategy, drive system-wide transformation, and lead large-scale change that improves health and reduces inequalities across Wales.

You will lead our innovative, systems-based approach to health improvement–working across government, NHS Wales, local authorities, industry, academia, and the voluntary sector to create the conditions for long-term, sustainable population health gains.

As a senior leader within the Health and Wellbeing Directorate, you will set national direction, influence policy, and ensure that evidence, evaluation, and innovation drive our work. You will also lead and develop a high-performing division, ensuring strong governance, accountability, and a culture that reflects our values:
Working Together, with Trust and Respect, to Make a Difference
.

The ability to speak Welsh is desirable for this post;
Welsh and/or English speakers are equally welcome to apply.

As Director of Health Improvement, you will:

Provide national leadership for Public Health Wales' systems/settings-based approach to health improvement.

Shape long-term strategy to reduce health inequalities and improve population health outcomes.

Act as a senior system leader, influencing the Welsh Government, NHS Wales, local authorities, and cross-sector partners.

Deputise for the National Director of Health and Wellbeing when required.

Lead the development, implementation, and evaluation of multi-agency health improvement programmes.

Drive transformational change and quality improvement across the health improvement workforce.

Act as Senior Responsible Officer for major national programmes.

Lead the Health Improvement Division, including senior consultants and multidisciplinary teams.

Oversee budgets, workforce planning, recruitment, performance, and professional development.

Support training for Specialty Registrars, practitioners, and primary care professionals.

Build capacity across sectors to deliver integrated health improvement strategies.

Promote systems thinking and foster strong, effective partnerships.

Provide expert advice to national stakeholders including the Chief Medical Officer and Welsh Government.

We are Public Health Wales - the national public health agency in Wales. Our purpose is 'Working together for a healthier Wales'. We exist to help everyone in Wales live longer, healthier, happier lives. Together with our partners, we work to increase healthy life expectancy, improve health and well-being, and reduce inequalities for everyone in Wales, now and for future generations.

Our teams work to prevent disease, protect health, and provide leadership, specialist services and public health expertise. We are the leading source of public health information, research and innovation in Wales. In a world facing complex health challenges, our work has never been so important.

We are guided by our Values, 'Working together, with trust and respect, to make a difference'. We are committed to building an inclusive workplace that values equality and diversity. We welcome applications which represent the rich diversity of the communities we serve and are supportive of flexible working arrangements, including part time roles and job sharing.

To find out more about working for us and the benefits we offer please visit (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)./

For guidance on the application process, please visithttps://phw.nhs.wales/working-for-us/applicant-information-and-guidance/

Applications are welcomed from experienced public health specialists who are passionate about improving population health and driving system-wide change.

You will be able to find a full Job description and Person Specification attached within the supporting documents or please click "Apply now" to view on Trac.

• Inclusion on the UK Public Health(UKPHR)/GMC/GDC Specialist Register.
• Strong understanding of epidemiology, statistics, health economics, health promotion, and evaluation.
• Postgraduate qualification or equivalent experience in business or management.

• Senior national-level public health leadership.
• Experience as SRO or equivalent for major programmes.
• Influencing without authority across diverse sectors.

• Outstanding leadership, strategic thinking, and political acumen.
• Strong analytical capability using qualitative and quantitative data.

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.