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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead public health initiatives to improve community health and reduce inequalities.
- Company: Portsmouth City Council, dedicated to making a positive impact in the community.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in public health while collaborating with passionate professionals.
- Qualifications: Postgraduate qualification in Public Health or equivalent experience required.
- Other info: Flexible working arrangements and strong commitment to inclusivity and diversity.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
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.
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 your 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
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.
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 at Equality, diversity and inclusion - Careers portal. Should you require any support in completing the application form please contact recruit@portsmouthcc.gov.uk or 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 careers portal homepage: Careers Portal - Find jobs with Portsmouth City Council.
Interview date 24 February 2026
Public Health Principal employer: Portsmouth City Council
Contact Detail:
Portsmouth City Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Public Health Principal
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in public health or related fields. Attend local events or webinars where you can meet potential colleagues and stakeholders. Remember, it’s all about who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research Portsmouth City Council's values and think about how your experience aligns with their mission. Be ready to share specific examples that showcase your skills in strategic planning and project management.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for public health! During interviews, express why you’re excited about the role and how you can contribute to reducing health inequalities. Your enthusiasm can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, you can easily tailor your application to highlight your relevant experience and skills.
We think you need these skills to ace Public Health Principal
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Profile Thoroughly: Before you start your application, make sure to read the job profile carefully. It’s crucial to understand what Portsmouth City Council is looking for in a Public Health Principal so you can tailor your application accordingly.
Craft a Detailed Personal Statement: Your personal statement is your chance to shine! Make sure to address each point in the 'Who is the Person' section with specific examples from your experience. This is where you can show us why you're the perfect fit for the role.
Highlight Relevant Experience: When detailing your experience, focus on your public health qualifications and any project management skills you have. We want to see how your background aligns with the responsibilities of the role, so be clear and concise!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our careers portal! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, it’s super easy to navigate, so you can focus on making your application stand out.
How to prepare for a job interview at Portsmouth City Council
✨Know Your Values
Before the interview, take some time to familiarise yourself with Portsmouth City Council's core values: respect, integrity, collaboration, inclusivity, and being people-focused. Think of examples from your past experiences that demonstrate how you embody these values, as they will be key in showing you're a good fit for the team.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Make sure to prepare specific examples that highlight your public health qualifications and experience. Whether it's strategic planning, project management, or budget handling, be ready to discuss how you've successfully navigated similar challenges in your previous roles.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Since the role involves working with various stakeholders, think about how you've built relationships in the past. Be prepared to share stories about how you’ve collaborated with others to achieve common goals, as this will demonstrate your ability to work effectively within a team.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions to ask during the interview. This could be about the council's current public health initiatives or how they measure success in their programmes. Asking insightful questions shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it’s the right fit for you.
