Consultant in Public Health in England

Warrington Borough Council is seeking an exceptional public health leader to join our high‑performing and ambitious Public Health team. This is a senior strategic role at the heart of a forward‑thinking local authority committed to improving health outcomes, reducing inequalities, and delivering meaningful system‑wide change.

As a Consultant in Public Health, you will work closely with the Director of Public Health (DPH) to fulfil the Council’s statutory public health duties and provide visible, expert leadership across the local system. You will lead a defined portfolio — likely to include public health intelligence, research, neighbourhood and place‑based working, and mental health and wellbeing— while contributing flexibly across the wider service.

The role

This is a senior, influential post requiring strong professional credibility, strategic insight and the ability to work across complex systems. You will:

• Provide strategic public health leadership to Council directorates, NHS partners, voluntary sector organisations and wider stakeholders.
• Lead and assure the delivery of high‑quality, evidence‑based public health programmes that improve population health and reduce inequalities.
• Oversee designated staff and resources, ensuring effective governance, performance, and use of public health intelligence.
• Influence policy, commissioning and system‑wide prevention work across the health and care system.
• Contribute to health protection arrangements and support preparedness for major incidents.
• Deputise for the Director of Public Health, including at senior corporate forums.

About Warrington

Warrington is a forward‑looking town with a clear sense of purpose and a strong track record of getting things done. As one of the fastest‑growing economies in the North West, it combines the advantages of a major urban centre with the feel of a connected, close‑knit place where partnership working genuinely thrives. The town’s rich mix of communities creates both challenge and opportunity — making Warrington an ideal environment for public health leadership that can shape meaningful, population‑level change.

The Council is ambitious, outward‑facing and committed to prevention, wellbeing and system‑wide improvement. Partnerships across the Cheshire and Merseyside footprint are mature and collaborative, with strong relationships across the NHS, the voluntary and community sector, and local neighbourhoods. This creates the conditions for innovative, integrated public health action with real impact.

About You

We’re looking for a dynamic, motivated and politically astute public health professional who can operate confidently at senior levels. You will bring:

• Specialist registration (GMC/GDC/UKPHR) or, if in UK training, be within six months of registration at the date of interview.
• Broad public health expertise across the Faculty of Public Health curriculum.
• Significant experience working across organisational boundaries to deliver change.
• Proven ability to analyse complex data, influence decision‑makers and communicate effectively with diverse audiences.
• Strong leadership, strategic thinking and the ability to thrive in fast‑moving and uncertain environments.

Why Warrington?

• A supportive, collaborative and well‑regarded Public Health team.
• Mature partnerships across the health and care system.
• Opportunities to shape a high‑impact portfolio and drive system‑wide improvements.
• A clear commitment to CPD, education, research and professional development — including opportunities to supervise Public Health Specialty Registrars.
• Flexible working, strong wellbeing support and a comprehensive benefits package.
• Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme or continuation of NHS pension (where applicable).
• Generous annual leave (26 days + bank holidays, rising to 31 days after 5 years).
• Flexible working and work‑life balance policies.
• Cycle to Work scheme, green travel benefits, and local retail discounts.
• Car allowance and access to lease car scheme.

If you are passionate about improving health, reducing inequalities and leading meaningful change, we would love to hear from you.

If you are applying for the job internally, please ensure that you apply via the Careers Page on SAP. In accordance with Home Office guidance, successful candidates must evidence their right to work in the UK before commencement of employment. Sponsorship is not available for this role; therefore, you must have the right to work in the UK to be eligible for appointment.

Warrington Borough Council is a Disability Confident employer.