Health Improvement Lead

NHS Highland; Scotland; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 86,000; Full time

Job summary

NHS Highland is recruiting a Health Improvement Lead to drive strategic health improvement initiatives across Argyll and Bute and NHS Highland. You will provide operational and professional leadership to a multidisciplinary team, shaping programmes and evaluating impact to reduce health inequalities.

The role requires experience in public health practice and a strong track record in partnership working, programme leadership and service development.

Qualifications

• Experience leading health improvement or public health programmes.
• Strong partnership working across organisations and sectors.
• Strategic planning and programme development experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic and operational health improvement programmes.
• Provide leadership to a multidisciplinary team.
• Collaborate with NHS Highland, local authorities, and partners to deliver programmes.
• Influence policy and create business cases for senior leaders.
• Manage staff, budgets and resources for effective delivery.
• Analyze population health data to inform decisions.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Partnership working

Communication and influencing

Project and programme management

Education

Degree-level qualification

Postgraduate qualification in public health/health improvement/health promotion or equivalent experience

Job description

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join the Public Health Team within NHS Highland as a Health Improvement Lead. This senior leadership role offers the chance to influence strategic priorities, shape innovative programmes and work collaboratively across organisations to improve health and wellbeing outcomes for people across Argyll and Bute and NHS Highland.

As a Health Improvement Lead, you will provide operational management and professional leadership to a team of Health Improvement staff, leading a diverse portfolio of health improvement and health inequalities work. You will work across the Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership and NHS Highland to develop, implement and evaluate evidence-based programmes that improve health outcomes and reduce inequalities.

The Postholder Will

• Lead strategic and operational health improvement programmes.
• Provide leadership and support to a multidisciplinary team.
• Work collaboratively with NHS colleagues, local authority partners, community planning partners, third sector organisations and local communities.
• Influence policy development and implementation to improve population health and wellbeing.
• Manage staff, budgets and resources to ensure effective delivery of programmes and services.
• Analyse and interpret population health data to inform planning and decision making.
• Develop reports, recommendations and business cases for senior leaders and partnership structures.
• Secure and manage funding opportunities that support health improvement priorities.
• Represent Public Health and NHS Highland at local and national forums.

You will be an experienced public health or health improvement professional with a strong track record of partnership working, programme leadership and service development.

You Will Have

• Degree-level qualification.
• Relevant postgraduate qualification in public health, health improvement, health promotion or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• Significant experience in health improvement or public health practice.

Experience of strategic planning and partnership working.

• Experience of managing staff and resources.
• Strong communication, influencing and relationship-building skills.
• Experience of project and programme management.
• Knowledge of health inequalities, public health policy and evidence-based practice

This is an opportunity to play a key role in delivering public health priorities across urban, rural and island communities, working within a supportive and ambitious team committed to prevention, reducing inequalities and improving health outcomes for all.

A thorough knowledge of Argyll and Bute is an advantage. Regular in-person working throughout Argyll and Bute approximately two times per month.

A full driving licence is essential as the post covers a large geographical area and requires travel throughout Argyll and Bute and NHS Highland. The base is negotiable within Argyll and Bute.

Informal enquiries

For An Informal Discussion About The Post, Please Contact

Samantha Campbell

Health Improvement Principal

Email: [e-mail]

Tel: [phone]

Job Ref: 264571

Closing date: Midnight Wednesday 25th November 2026

NHS Scotland is committed to encouraging equality and diversity among our workforce and eliminating unlawful discrimination. The aim is for our workforce to be truly representative and for each employee to feel respected and able to give their best. To this end, NHS Scotland welcomes applications from all sections of society.

Additional Information For Candidates

Flexible Working

• Flexible working options may be available, depending on the role and service needs. If this is important to you, please discuss it at interview.

Keeping in Touch

• We will contact you by email
• Please check your email (including junk folders) and your Jobtrain account regularly

Support and Accessibility

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Internal candidates

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• If you work for NHS Highland, make sure your Jobtrain profile shows this

What is it like to work for NHS Highland?

• Visit to find out more about living and working in our area
• Applications are welcome from Gaelic speakers

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