Public Health Principal

Overview

Portsmouth City Council is a unique organisation, committed to making a difference, and guided by core values that set who we are as people, what we stand for, and how we act. The council values respect, integrity, collaboration, inclusivity and being people-focused.

Job introduction. We are looking for a Public Health Principal to join our Public Health team. This is a full time role (although part time, minimum 29.6 hours would be considered), based at the Civic Offices, Portsmouth, with some hybrid working depending on business needs.

Your new role. As a Public Health Principal, you will support the Assistant Director of Public Health/Public Health Consultant to assist Portsmouth City Council in meeting its public health obligations to protect, promote and improve the health of citizens and to reduce health inequalities.

You will be responsible for the strategic planning and future development of a range of programme areas and services taking into account the direction of Portsmouth City Council, Partnerships and national guidance, whilst ensuring value for money.

You will be part of a team and working on a flexible matrix basis. You will lead on a range of topic areas but you will be expected to work across other topic areas as needed. Working with key stakeholders, you will be expected to develop excellent working relationships with peers and colleagues as required.

In addition, you will manage the public health grant/budget(s) relating to their areas of responsibility and the commissioning responsibilities that go with this, ensuring they meet the statutory duties required in line with the procurement, commissioning and grant conditions set.

• Support strategic planning and development of public health programmes and services
• Engage with Partnerships and align with national guidance while ensuring value for money
• Lead on topic areas and collaborate across related areas as needed
• Develop strong working relationships with stakeholders and colleagues
• Manage public health grants/budgets and related commissioning activities to meet statutory duties

• Public Health post-graduate qualification (or working towards) or equivalent experience
• UKPHR Registered Public Health Practitioner or actively working towards registration
• Project management qualification is advantageous but not essential
• Significant programme and/or project management experience with strong strategic planning and commissioning knowledge
• Experience in formal procurement and tender exercises and budget management
• Ability to prioritise workload, think strategically, and manage complex projects with multiple stakeholders

• Full Time
• Permanent
• Location:
  
  Portsmouth
• Salary: 52000 - 56000 £ / Year
• Closing: 2 February 2026