Public Health Principal

About Portsmouth City Council

Portsmouth City Council is a unique organisation, committed to making a difference, and is guided by core values that set who we are as people, what we stand for, and how we act.

We are committed to our values of respect, integrity, collaboration, inclusivity and being people-focussed. These values set out how we can contribute to the success of the council and our own success as individuals. Learn more about our values and behaviours.

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 and working arrangements can be discussed at interview), based at the Civic Offices, Portsmouth, with some hybrid working depending on business needs. Please indicate on your application the hours you are applying for.

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.

Who is the person summary:

With a good understanding of the key principles and current issues in Public Health you will have a public health related post graduate qualification (or working towards such) or equivalent experience. You should be a UKPHR Registered Public Health Practitioner or actively working towards registration. A Project manager qualification would be advantageous although is not essential. With significant programme and/or project management experience, you will have a high knowledge of strategic planning and commissioning acquired through training and experience. You will need experience of working within formal procurement and tender exercises as well as of managing a budget. With a practical approach to problem solving and the ability to prioritise your workload, you will be able to think strategically and manage complex projects of work with multiple stakeholders.

For full details, please review 'who is the person' on the job profile below attached.

Our recruitment process

Full information about our recruitment process can be found on our support for applicants' page:Support for applicants - Careers portal

Please ensure that you read the job profile for full details on the post. We offer hybrid working with the expectation to attend the office minimum 2 days a week.

You must demonstrate why you are suitable against each of the points described in the 'Who is the Person'points on the Job Profile using examples from your experience or transferable skills. This might be through qualifications or descriptive examples from your work / personal experience, which clearly illustrates what you did and the effect it had.If you apply without a detailed personal statement, it is unlikely that you will be successful.

We are a disability confident employer and Armed Forces Covenant gold standard. More information can be found atEquality, diversity and inclusion - Careers portal

Should you require any support in completing the application form please contactrecruit@portsmouthcc.gov.ukor call the recruitment team on 023 92 616 800.

You will need to demonstrate that you have the Right to Work in the UK. No post will be offered without it.

Read more about working at Portsmouth City Council and our benefits on our career's portal homepage:Careers Portal - Find jobs with Portsmouth City Council

Interview date: 24 February 2026