At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a £7m public health commissioning programme to transform wellbeing services.
- Company: Large public sector organisation focused on health improvement.
- Benefits: £600 per day, hybrid work, and impactful community engagement.
- Other info: Opportunity for strategic leadership in a complex, multi-stakeholder environment.
- Why this job: Shape major public health initiatives and make a real difference in people's lives.
- Qualifications: Significant experience in public health commissioning and stakeholder management.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
A large public sector organisation is seeking a highly experienced Specialist Public Health Commissioner to lead the transformation of its Integrated Healthy Lifestyles and Wellbeing services. This is a high-impact programme, focused on simplifying a complex commissioning landscape and delivering a more streamlined, outcomes-focused model across multiple providers, without compromising service quality or population impact.
The Opportunity
You will lead a £7m commissioning programme, reshaping how prevention and health improvement services are designed and delivered. The current provider landscape is complex and fragmented, so your role will be to rationalise, integrate and future-proof services through an innovative, locality-based commissioning approach. This is a strategic yet hands-on role where you will take the programme from early scoping and evidence review through to procurement and mobilisation. The programme covers a wide range of public health and prevention services, including: healthy lifestyles, behaviour change services, smoking cessation, physical activity, healthy weight and alcohol and wider wellbeing support. This is a rare opportunity to shape a major public health transformation programme at scale, delivering meaningful improvements to health outcomes and reducing inequalities.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the end-to-end commissioning cycle, from scoping through to tender and mobilisation
- Conduct an initial literature review and options appraisal, drawing on best-practice models nationally
- Develop a clear commissioning strategy and procurement timeline
- Design an integrated service specification that enables a locality-based delivery model
- Manage a complex provider landscape, consolidating services to improve efficiency and outcomes
- Deliver a robust tender process, including market engagement and development
- Build strong partnerships across: public sector services; NHS and primary care; the voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) sector.
- Operate confidently in a politically sensitive system, balancing stakeholder priorities and expectations
- Ensure value for money while maintaining impact across lifestyle and wellbeing services
About You
We are looking for someone who can operate at pace in a highly complex, multi-stakeholder environment. You will bring:
- Significant public health commissioning experience
- A strong track record of delivering complex commissioning and procurement programmes
- Experience managing multiple providers and service integration
- An understanding of primary care and wider health systems
- Expertise in market development and tender management
- Excellent partnership and stakeholder management skills
- Confidence working across local government, NHS and VCSE environments
- Strategic thinking combined with the ability to deliver hands-on outputs
What you need to do now
If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now. If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career.
Public Health Commissioner employer: Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited
As a leading public sector organisation, we pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative and inclusive work culture that empowers our employees to make a real difference in public health. With a focus on professional development and innovative service delivery, we offer unique opportunities for growth and impact, particularly in the vibrant setting of Birmingham City Centre. Join us to be part of a transformative programme that not only enhances your career but also contributes significantly to the wellbeing of our communities.
Contact Details:
Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Public Health Commissioner
✨Get Engaged in Local Politics
Dive into your local council meetings or community boards. These spaces are packed with people who are already in the public sector and might have insider tips on upcoming temporary roles. Plus, you can connect directly with key decision-makers.
✨Stay Alert for Seasonal Recruitment
Many public sector jobs ramp up during certain times of the year, especially around election seasons or local budget planning periods. Keep your eyes peeled for recruitment drives during these windows, as they're prime times for temporary positions.
✨Leverage Online Job Portals
Don’t forget to check government job boards or websites like the local council's site for temporary postings. This is where many roles first get advertised, and applying directly here can speed things up.
✨Tap Into Your University Resources
If you're at university, make the most of your career services to discover opportunities in the public sector. They often have connections with local government employers who are looking for temporary staff and can help you polish your approach.
We think you need these skills to ace Public Health Commissioner
Some tips for your application 🫡
Emphasise your understanding of public policy:In your application, make sure to highlight any knowledge or experience you have related to public policy, governance or community engagement. Show us how you can contribute to the public sector’s mission, especially if you've worked on relevant projects or initiatives before!
Tailor your CV to the sector's expectations:When crafting your CV, focus on including experiences that showcase your ability to work within government structures or similar environments. Use clear, concise language and consider adding any volunteer work or internships that reflect your commitment to public service.
Show flexibility and willingness to learn:Since this is a temporary role, it’s crucial to convey your adaptability and eagerness to pick up new skills quickly. In your cover letter, let us know how you plan to make the most of this short-term experience and what you hope to learn from it.
Include relevant certificates and training:If you've completed any training or have certifications that are relevant to the role (like public administration, project management, or data analysis), don't forget to mention them. These can really make you stand out in the application process!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited
✨Demonstrate Your Commitment to Public Service
In the government and public sector, showing that you're genuinely passionate about serving the community is key. Get ready to share examples where you've contributed to social good or tackled community issues, as this will resonate with interviewers from Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited.
✨Prepare for Policy and Regulatory Questions
Expect questions about policies, regulations, or recently implemented government initiatives. Brush up on the latest news relating to public sector developments—being informed will help you demonstrate that you're ready to hit the ground running, especially in a temporary role.
✨Flexibility is Your Best Friend
Since this is a temporary role, emphasise your ability to adapt quickly. Share examples where you've successfully taken on new challenges or adjusted to different team dynamics, that'll show Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited that you’re reliable and can effectively support various projects without a long onboarding process.
✨Prepare to Showcase Teamwork Skills
In the public sector, collaboration is vital. Be ready to discuss past experiences working in teams, especially in diverse environments. Highlight how you've contributed positively to group settings—this could really set you apart from other candidates in this temporary role.
