Head of Public Health; Healthy Living

Job title

Head of Public Health (Healthy Living and Public Mental Health)

DIR 45%, £60,480 - £66,318 (pro rata)

14.5 hrs per week (job share)

Temporary job share

Merrion House (hybrid working)

An exciting opportunity has arisen at Leeds Public Health. Leeds Public Health plays a major part in delivering the city’s ambition to be the best city in the UK, a compassionate and caring city with a strong economy, tackling poverty and reducing inequalities. The role is integral to the highly collaborative ‘Team Leeds’ approach and is based within the Healthy Living and Public Mental Health Team.

• An undergraduate degree.
• A Masters in Public Health or Health Promotion.
• Considerable experience at PO6 level or equivalent.
• Highly effective leadership providing strategic direction, public health advocacy, and policy development.
• Ability to analyse, synthesise and present evidence.
• Strong commitment to addressing health inequalities.

• Provide high‑level strategic advice across the system with a focus on Healthy Living, Healthy Places, and Healthy Weight.
• Lead and oversee public health policies and programmes, ensuring they are evidence‑based and reach the most deprived areas.
• Develop and deliver robust business cases, track performance, and report on progress to stakeholders.
• Lead health needs assessments, equity audits, and research projects, and undertake surveillance and assessment of health and wellbeing.
• Analyse epidemiological and statistical data to inform policy and strategic planning.
• Lead commissioning work, including service specifications and contracts, and ensure value for money.
• Manage and develop a multidisciplinary public health workforce.
• Serve as an authorised signatory and budget holder for the department.
• Represent Leeds City Council at events, workshops, and when deputising for the Consultant in Public Health.
• Collaborate with local, regional, and national partners, including NHS trusts, universities, and government agencies.

• Undergraduate degree and a Masters in Public Health or Health Promotion.
• Substantial senior leadership and management experience in public health or a related field.
• Experience of health needs assessments, equity audits, and public health research.
• Demonstrated ability to lead evidence‑based decision making and to influence policy across multiple agencies.
• Strong project and programme management skills.
• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation communication skills.
• Ability to lead multi‑agency teams, manage budgets, and set clear strategic direction.
• Proven record of working in politically charged environments and fostering inclusive, anti‑discriminatory practices.
• Knowledge of public policy, health inequality, and the current strategic landscape of public health.

• Experience sharing best practice and supporting others in publishing and presenting.

• Competitive salary and annual leave entitlement plus statutory holidays.
• Membership of the West Yorkshire Pension Fund with generous employer contributions.
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements.
• Clear career pathway and continuing professional development opportunities.
• Range of staff benefits to promote wellbeing and financial wellbeing.

We welcome applications from everyone and actively seek a diverse range of applicants from all backgrounds and cultures. We particularly encourage applications from, but not limited to, women, carers, veterans, LGBT+, ethnically diverse, disabled, and care‑experienced people.

Please complete the online application form. Read our guidance for further advice and ensure you complete all sections before submitting. For queries or an informal chat, contact Anna Frearson (Chief Officer / Consultant in Public Health) at 07712 214816 or email

Applicants must evidence their right to work in the UK before commencing employment, whether they are UK or Irish citizens, under the EU Settlement Scheme, or have a relevant work visa. If you do not have the right to work in the UK, please consider your eligibility for sponsorship through the Skilled Worker route before applying.