Job Description

This permanent role has a starting salary of 63,823 per annum, working 36 hours per week.

Surrey County Council is seeking an experienced and inspirational Senior Public Health Lead to join our Public Health Team. Initially based within the Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) and Cancer Prevention Team in Reigate, this role will transfer to West Surrey from 1 April 2027 as part of Local Government Reform.

This is an exciting opportunity to take a leading role in improving population health, reducing health inequalities and shaping the future of prevention services across Surrey.

Our Offer to You

• 26 days' holiday, rising to 28 days after 2 years' service and 31 days after 5 years' service (pro-rated for part time opportunities)
• Option to buy up to 10 days of additional annual leave
• A generous local government salary related pension
• Up to 5 days of carer's leave and 2 paid volunteering days per year
• Paternity, adoption and dependents leave
• An Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support health and wellbeing
• Learning and development hub where you can access a wealth of resources
• Wellbeing and lifestyle discounts including gym, travel, and shopping
• A chance to make a real difference to the lives of our residents

About the Role

We are a forward-thinking, friendly and highly collaborative Public Health team, committed to delivering evidence-based programmes that make a real difference to the lives of Surrey residents. As part of the Adults, Wellbeing and Health Partnerships Directorate, we work closely with colleagues across Surrey County Council, the NHS, district and borough councils, voluntary and community organisations, and a wide range of system partners to develop innovative approaches to prevention and improve health outcomes across the county. We are proud to offer a supportive and stimulating environment where colleagues are encouraged to develop professionally, build their expertise and progress their careers.

As our Senior Public Health Lead, you will provide strategic leadership across key areas of Surrey's cardiovascular disease and cancer prevention agenda, leading work focused on tobacco control, smoking cessation, healthy lifestyle interventions, prevention and early intervention programmes, and reducing health inequalities. You will be responsible for the development, commissioning, performance management and continuous improvement of evidence-based public health services, ensuring programmes deliver measurable outcomes, maximise value for money and contribute to improved population health.

This is a highly influential role that requires strong partnership working and system leadership. You will work across organisational and professional boundaries to shape strategic priorities, build effective relationships with stakeholders and champion collaborative approaches that help residents live longer, healthier lives. This is an exciting opportunity to lead meaningful programmes that have a lasting impact on communities across Surrey.

Your application

In order to be considered for shortlisting, your application will clearly evidence the following skills and align with our behaviours:

• Significant experience of leading and delivering public health programmes and projects.
• Expertise in translating evidence and intelligence into effective practice and policy.
• Experience of commissioning, contract management and budget oversight.
• Strong analytical, programme management and strategic planning skills.
• A proven ability to influence senior stakeholders and drive change across complex systems.
• Experience of working collaboratively with health, local authority, voluntary and community sector partners.
• A strong commitment to improving health outcomes and reducing inequalities.
• Experience of leading, managing and developing staff, creating a positive and inclusive team culture.
• You will be an innovative and collaborative leader who is passionate about prevention, partnership working and delivering lasting improvements for Surrey residents.

To apply, please submit your CV and provide responses to the following three questions:

1. What has motivated you to apply for this role, and what knowledge, skills and experience would you bring to the position?
2. Describe a time when you provided strategic leadership for a health improvement project. What approach did you take, and what impact did it achieve?
3. Please describe your experience of commissioning public health services, including how you have managed contracts to ensure quality, value for money and compliance with service specifications.

Before submitting your application, we recommend you read the job description & Our Life at Surrey handbook to get an insight into working at Surrey.

The job advert closes at 23:59 on 04/10/2026 with interviews planned for 27/10/2026.

Local Government Reorganisation (LGR)

Surrey County Council is undergoing Local Government Reorganisation and will move to new authorities in April 2027. This role is currently employed by Surrey County Council and will remain so until then. If you are employed by Surrey County Council on 1 April 2027, your employment will transfer under TUPE arrangements to one of the new councils, with your current terms and conditions protected. The provisional allocation for this post is West Surrey Council subject to final confirmation through the wider transition process later this year.

Our Commitment

We are a disability confident employer which means if you have shared a disability on your application form and have evidenced you meet the minimum shortlisting criteria, as displayed on the advert, we guarantee you an interview.

Your skills and experience truly matter to us. From application to your first day, we're committed to supporting you with any adjustments you need, we value inclusion and warmly welcome you to join and help build a workplace where everyone belongs.