Director of Public Health

Do you have the vision and determination to improve the health and wellbeing of residents and help reduce inequalities across communities?

We want to make our borough and communities thrive, in a place where people love to live and work. With a new Chief Executive, an amazing heritage, and high levels of ambition, Cheshire East Council is looking for an exceptional Director of Public Health, who as an inspirational leader, can deliver high quality public health services and grow a joined-up approach to addressing the wider determinants of health.

This is a pivotal role to lead a dynamic and enthusiastic public health team with a strong track record of innovation. As a highly credible public health professional, you will bring proven experience of delivering real impact at scale, and utilising your strategic insight, and an unwavering commitment to tackling the health inequalities challenges faced by our borough.

Cheshire East is the third largest unitary authority in the North West, and has beautiful countryside interspersed with picturesque market towns, along with excellent transport links to other parts of the UK, in particular Manchester, Liverpool, and London.

With areas of significant need, the health and wellbeing of our residents varies widely, and its these inequalities that we are determined to address. From tackling persistent health gaps between our communities, to supporting an ageing population, to improving outcomes for children, young people and families, this pivotal role you will have direct influence on the lives of more than 450,000 people.

Cheshire East is to become part of one of the newest Mayoral Combined Authorities, Cheshire and Warrington. You will join our organisation as the new authority is forming with the opportunity be part of the team establishing policies and ways of working to drive health improvement across the area. You will also be part of the well-established subregional working arrangements of the Cheshire and Merseyside Public Health Collaborative (Champs).

You should be able to demonstrate a robust understanding of public health principles, Local Government, NHS, and partnership working. Have experience working within a local authority public health directorate. Politically astute, and skilled at influencing, you will work effectively across complex systems, uniting partners and driving collaboration. You will manage the public health grant and be a proactive advocate for organisational improvement and wider system transformation.

If you have the drive, expertise, and passion to take on this challenge, please contact Prof. Rod Thomson, Interim Director of Population Health for more information rod.thomson@cheshireeast.gov.uk

Interviews to be carried out 15th December 2025

Cheshire East Council is the elected local authority governing the unitary authority area of Cheshire East in North West & IOM.