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Job overview
Public Health Wales is seeking an exceptional, visionary public health leader to become our next Director of Health Improvement. This is a rare opportunity to shape national strategy, drive system-wide transformation, and lead large-scale change that improves health and reduces inequalities across Wales.
You will lead our innovative, systems-based approach to health improvement—working across government, NHS Wales, local authorities, industry, academia, and the voluntary sector to create the conditions for long-term, sustainable population health gains.
As a senior leader within the Health and Wellbeing Directorate, you will set national direction, influence policy, and ensure that evidence, evaluation, and innovation drive our work. You will also lead and develop a high-performing division, ensuring strong governance, accountability, and a culture that reflects our values: Working Together, with Trust and Respect, to Make a Difference.
The ability to speak Welsh is desirable for this post; Welsh and/or English speakers are equally welcome to apply.
Main duties of the job
As Director of Health Improvement, you will:
Provide national leadership for Public Health Wales’ systems/settings-based approach to health improvement.
Shape long-term strategy to reduce health inequalities and improve population health outcomes.
Act as a senior system leader, influencing the Welsh Government, NHS Wales, local authorities, and cross-sector partners.
Deputise for the National Director of Health and Wellbeing when required.
Lead the development, implementation, and evaluation of multi-agency health improvement programmes.
Drive transformational change and quality improvement across the health improvement workforce.
Act as Senior Responsible Officer for major national programmes.
Lead the Health Improvement Division, including senior consultants and multidisciplinary teams.
Oversee budgets, workforce planning, recruitment, performance, and professional development.
Support training for Specialty Registrars, practitioners, and primary care professionals.
Build capacity across sectors to deliver integrated health improvement strategies.
Promote systems thinking and foster strong, effective partnerships.
Provide expert advice to national stakeholders including the Chief Medical Officer and Welsh Government.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Applications are welcomed from experienced public health specialists who are passionate about improving population health and driving system-wide change.
You will be able to find a full Job description and Person Specification attached within the supporting documents or please click "Apply now" to view on Trac.
Applicant requirements
You must have appropriate UK professional registration.
Welsh language skills are desirable
Person specification
Skills
Essential
- Outstanding leadership, strategic thinking, and political acumen.
- Strong analytical capability using qualitative and quantitative data.
Experience
Essential
- Senior national-level public health leadership.
- Experience as SRO or equivalent for major programmes.
- Influencing without authority across diverse sectors.
Qualifications
Essential
- Inclusion on the UK Public Health(UKPHR)/GMC/GDC Specialist Register.
- Strong understanding of epidemiology, statistics, health economics, health promotion, and evaluation.
- Postgraduate qualification or equivalent experience in business or management.
- Member of or willingness to become a member of the Faculty of Public Health
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Applying for this NHS job
This advert is for Director of Health Improvement with Public Health Wales NHS Trust in Capital Quarter 2. It is listed as a Band 9 Manager and corporate role. The advertised salary is Medical £110,240-£160,951 / Band 9 £110,818-£127,523 per annum. The contract type is Permanent. The application deadline is 25 Sep 2026.
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