Assistant Director for Public Health Insight and Strategic Planning

Overview

Hackney is one of the most dynamic and progressive local authorities in the UK. We are a resilient, vibrant, and creative borough in the heart of London, with strong, diverse communities and a powerful set of shared values.

Over the past twenty years, the Council has built up first-class services, outstanding public infrastructure, and a reputation for excellence, innovation, and ambition. We are leading the way on essential work such as our fight for equity in Hackney with a particular focus on becoming an actively anti-racist borough. But the work doesn't stop there, we are proactive in our approach to bringing fairness to all aspects of life including gender, neurodiversity and across the poverty divide.

Our Public Health Service is passionate about improving the health and wellbeing of our communities in both Hackney and the City of London. We work collaboratively and creatively to address health inequalities and create a healthier future for all.

The City of London Corporation shares this commitment to community and sustainability. As the governing body of the Square Mile, they play a crucial role in supporting a thriving London and contributing to a flourishing society.

If you would like to find out more information about public health in the City and Hackney, please visit the Hackney and City of London Health and Wellbeing Profiles website at and the services recruitment page at

Responsibilities

• Strategic leadership and planning. Providing vision and direction for a multi-million-pound public health commissioning portfolio, ensuring it delivers measurable population health impact. You will also lead on the development and implementation of the public health strategy and business plan objectives.
• Public Health Intelligence. Leading our Public Health Intelligence team, overseeing the creation of Joint Strategic Needs Assessments (JSNAs) and using data to address health inequalities.
• Commissioning and service transformation. Overseeing a high-value commissioning portfolio (£28-£30m), driving the design and transformation of services to ensure they are high-impact, cost-effective, and co-produced with communities.
• Influence and partnership. Acting as a senior advisor to elected members, senior council officers, and NHS partners to influence public health policy and funding.
• Financial and governance oversight: Ensuring robust financial management and governance across the intelligence and commissioning functions, guaranteeing compliance with public health grant conditions.

Qualifications and requirements

To be successful in this role, you will need a strong background in public health, data analysis, and strategic commissioning. You should have a Master's level qualification, or equivalent experience, in Public Health, Epidemiology, or a related field, and possess a deep understanding of public health intelligence, commissioning principles, and the wider determinants of health.

You will have significant senior-level experience leading multi-disciplinary teams and overseeing public health intelligence functions, including Joint Strategic Needs Assessments (JSNAs). You will have a proven track record of using data and evidence to influence strategic decisions and manage a large commissioning budget. Crucially, you will possess exceptional leadership, communication, and analytical skills, with the ability to work strategically, manage complexity, and influence senior stakeholders at pace. You must be a collaborative and values-driven leader with a strong commitment to equity and anti-racism.

Application process and timelines

As a Council, our most outstanding asset is our staff, who are highly dedicated to serving our residents and committed to our goals as an organisation.

If you want to work in a place where you can represent our values so we achieve the best for our residents, please click on the apply button below.

We operate a fair and open anonymous selection process. Therefore, we do not accept supporting statements or CVs.

To proceed with your application, you will need to create an account and submit your application.

As part of the application process, you will need to complete a number of competency based questions. These questions allow you to demonstrate your suitability for the role and provide examples of your skills, knowledge and experience outlined in the job description.

We understand the benefits of using AI in the workplace. However, if you are thinking of using this tool to submit your application, we ask you to think about what value it will add. AI tools tend to lack the personal touch and authenticity we value in candidates. We encourage you to showcase your unique knowledge and skills using your own voice.

This application process replaces a supporting statement.

Closing date for applications: 12October 2025 (22:59)

Interview date: 04-07 November 2025

We are also working towards our vision, which is to be a place for everyone; where residents and staff can be proud; a place that celebrates diversity and where everyone can feel valued, included and involved. In order to achieve this, we look for people who are: Proud; Ambitious; Pioneering; Open; Proactive; Inclusive.

Hackney Council works to eradicate discrimination on the basis of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation.We also recognise that people can be disadvantaged by their social and economic circumstances, so we will also work to eliminate discrimination and disadvantage caused by social class. We also welcome those interested in flexible working. We particularly welcome applications from disabled people, as this group is currently under represented in our workforce.

The Council has a dedicated employment support service (Hackney Works), which offers Hackney residents guidance in relation to applying for jobs. If you are thinking about applying for a job, please contact the Hackney Works team to find out what support is available: