At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead health initiatives to improve lives and tackle health inequalities in South Yorkshire.
- Company: Join a dynamic team at South Yorkshire Combined Mayoral Authority.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with a commitment to equality.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on community health and shape future policies.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in health programmes and strong stakeholder engagement skills.
The predicted salary is between 94841 - 106612 £ per year.
Application Deadline: 15 August 2026
Department: Corporate Delivery
Employment Type: Permanent - Full Time
Location: Sheffield Head Office
Reporting To: Executive Director of Strategy and Mayoral Office
Compensation: £94,841 - £106,612 / year
Hours: 37 hours per week
Contract: Permanent - Full Time
Salary: Grade 17 £94,841 - £106,612
Location: Sheffield (This is a hybrid role with a minimum of 3 days per week in the office)
Shape the future of health in South Yorkshire. The Mayor of South Yorkshire, Oliver Coppard, has set a bold ambition: to make our region the healthiest in the country. We now have a unique opportunity to accelerate this through a new joint Health Commissioner and ICB Chair—strengthening leadership, aligning priorities, and driving system-wide change.
We’re looking for a highly experienced and collaborative leader to join SYMCA as our new Director of Health, to drive the Mayor’s ambition and support the new Commissioner. You will provide strategic leadership across the system, working closely with the Mayor and the new joint Health Commissioner / ICB Chair to tackle health inequalities and improve healthy life expectancy. You’ll bring partners together to deliver a shared unified, prevention-focused approach that addresses the wider social and economic drivers of health and supports thriving communities.
Applications must be accompanied by a cover letter to detail how you meet the criteria as detailed within the role profile (please see role profile attached). Please note, all applications should be made directly via our careers portal.
This role is politically restricted under the Local Government and Housing Act 1989. Postholders are prohibited from standing for elected office (except Town or Parish Councils) and from engaging in certain political activities, including canvassing or acting as an officer of a political party.
About the role
What you’ll do:
- Lead delivery of South Yorkshire’s health mission and priorities
- Embed health, prevention and equity into policies, investment and decision-making
- Build strong partnerships across the NHS, local authorities and wider sectors
- Shape innovative programmes and system-wide transformation
- Oversee a diverse portfolio including prevention, healthy places, employment and health, and innovation
- Drive evidence and insight to improve outcomes and reduce inequalities
About you
You’ll be a strategic, politically astute leader with:
- Significant experience delivering complex, multi-partner programmes
- A strong track record of influencing senior stakeholders and political leaders
- Expertise in population health, inequality reduction or related fields
- The ability to turn ambitious vision into measurable impact
Why join us?
This is a rare opportunity to lead health at a regional level, shaping policy and investment that will improve lives for years to come. You’ll be part of an ambitious, collaborative organisation committed to innovation, inclusion and making a real difference.
Benefits
- All colleagues have access to a Local Government Pension Scheme and the chance to be part of an organisation where you can really make a difference.
- Located in Sheffield City Centre, we are well-placed for transport links and encourage employees to take advantage of the active travel facilities.
- Work/life balance is extremely important to us here at SYMCA with our recognised family-friendly policies, genuine work flexibility, recognition, and shared success.
- Holiday Entitlement – From 28 to 36 days annual leave entitlement (depending on length of service) plus bank holidays. Pro-rata for part-time colleagues.
- Annual Leave Purchase Scheme – The ability to purchase up to a further 15 days per year in addition to your normal annual leave.
- Hybrid working – Our offices are a space where we come together and collaborate. Most of our roles are offered on a hybrid basis with the exception of some support roles being onsite full time.
- Flexible Hours Scheme – Most roles within SYMCA work under the Flexi-Scheme which allows office-based employees’ flexibility and discretion over their working hours.
- Rewarding You – Reducing everyday expenses through discounts, benefits, financial advice, wellbeing solutions and more with Reward Gateway and Cycle-to-Work schemes.
- Training on the job – Support with upskilling skills through on-the-job training and qualifications.
- Professional Membership Fees – Where membership to Professional bodies is applicable to your role, SYMCA will reimburse your membership fees where applicable and following approval by Line Management.
Diversity at South Yorkshire Combined Mayoral Authority
Our workforce is made up of a diverse community, where we all belong and feel part of something bigger. We are committed to equality of opportunity and welcome applications from individuals, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, socio-economic background, religion and/or belief.
All employees are eligible to request Flexible Working arrangements from day one of employment as such all requests will be considered subject to operation requirements. Where candidates share disabilities within the application process, if they demonstrate that they meet all essential criteria from the Role Profile within their application, they will automatically be invited to interview. If you require any reasonable adjustments throughout the process, please contact recruitment@southyorkshire-ca.gov.uk or include within your application form detailing the adjustment and how it will assist in managing any barriers.
Director of Health in Sheffield employer: SOUTH YORKSHIRE MAYORAL COMBINED AUTHORITY
At SYMCA, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that values work-life balance and employee well-being. Located in the heart of Sheffield, our hybrid working model allows for flexibility while fostering collaboration among teams. With generous annual leave entitlements, professional development opportunities, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion, we empower our employees to thrive and make a meaningful impact in their roles.
Contact Details:
SOUTH YORKSHIRE MAYORAL COMBINED AUTHORITY Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Health in Sheffield
✨Get Involved with Local Health Initiatives
Join local community health events or volunteer for organisations like public health agencies. This not only builds your experience but also helps you network with industry professionals who might know of openings at places like SOUTH YORKSHIRE MAYORAL COMBINED AUTHORITY.
✨Tap into Professional Associations
Check out associations like the Institute of Healthcare Management. They often have job boards, networking events, and conferences that are perfect for connecting with potential employers in health sciences administration.
✨Stay Updated with Industry Trends
Follow health policy news and trends—being knowledgeable about the current landscape will not only help you in interviews but also make you stand out as a candidate. You can discuss recent developments and their implications when chatting with folks at SOUTH YORKSHIRE MAYORAL COMBINED AUTHORITY.
✨Apply Through Our Website for Better Visibility
When you find roles that excite you, especially at places like SOUTH YORKSHIRE MAYORAL COMBINED AUTHORITY, don’t forget to apply through our website. This can sometimes give you an edge by showing the employer you’re savvy and committed to finding the right fit.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Health in Sheffield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Relevant Experience:When applying for a role in health sciences administration, it's super important to spotlight any relevant experience you have in healthcare settings. Whether you've worked in a hospital, a clinic, or any related environment, make sure to detail those roles in your CV – focusing on your responsibilities and achievements that align with the job at SOUTH YORKSHIRE MAYORAL COMBINED AUTHORITY.
Showcase Your Administrative Skills:Administrative skills are key in this field, so don’t hold back! Make sure your CV reflects your proficiency in things like scheduling, data management, and compliance with health regulations. Mention specific software you’ve used, such as patient management systems, as this will demonstrate your hands-on abilities and readiness for the role at SOUTH YORKSHIRE MAYORAL COMBINED AUTHORITY.
Craft a Meaningful Cover Letter:Your cover letter should reflect your passion for the health sciences field and your eagerness to contribute to SOUTH YORKSHIRE MAYORAL COMBINED AUTHORITY. Share a bit about why you’re drawn to this sector, any impactful situations or challenges you’ve encountered, and how they’ve shaped your desire to work in health sciences administration. This personal touch can really set you apart!
Tailor Your Documents to the Job:Don't use a one-size-fits-all approach! Make sure your CV and cover letter are specifically tailored for this role. Highlight any certifications you have relevant to health administration, and ensure you clearly connect your previous roles to the skills needed for the full-time position at SOUTH YORKSHIRE MAYORAL COMBINED AUTHORITY. This way, you're showing them you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in being a part of their team.
How to prepare for a job interview at SOUTH YORKSHIRE MAYORAL COMBINED AUTHORITY
✨Showcase Your Administrative Skills
In health sciences administration, being organised is key. Make sure you can demonstrate your skills in managing schedules, paperwork, and data accurately. Be ready to discuss specific tools you've used, like electronic health record systems or scheduling software, and how they improved efficiency in your past experiences.
✨Know Your Regulations
Familiarity with healthcare regulations and compliance is crucial. Brush up on HIPAA, GDPR, or other relevant policies before your interview. We recommend preparing examples of how you've ensured compliance or handled sensitive information in past roles—this will show you're not just knowledgeable but also responsible.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Interviews for administrative roles often involve scenario-based questions to assess your problem-solving skills. Practice responses to common situations you might face, such as dealing with a challenging patient or managing a sudden schedule change. This will not only demonstrate your ability to think on your feet but also highlight your interpersonal skills.
✨Align Your Goals with the Organisation
As a full-time candidate, employers will want to know how your long-term career goals align with their mission. Take some time to research SOUTH YORKSHIRE MAYORAL COMBINED AUTHORITY’s values and be ready to tie your passion for health sciences administration into their objectives. Demonstrating enthusiasm and career alignment can be a game-changer in this competitive field!
