Service Manager - Children's Public Health

Wakefield Council; Wakefield; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A local council in the UK is seeking an experienced Service Manager to lead the 0–19 Children’s Public Health agenda. The role requires strategic leadership and collaboration with partners to improve the health outcomes for children and young people in Wakefield. The ideal candidate will possess substantial management experience, excellent communication skills, and a clear passion for children's wellbeing. The position offers a chance to influence vital health services across the district.

Qualifications

• Substantial senior management experience in public health services.
• Ability to communicate effectively with various stakeholders.
• Strong organisational and motivational skills.
• Clear passion for children's health and wellbeing priorities.
• Experience in co-production with stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead the 0–19 Children’s Public Health agenda in Wakefield.
• Influence the commissioning and delivery of public health services.
• Collaborate with partners to promote health equity for children.
• Provide visible and supportive leadership to develop high-performing teams.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Effective communication

Resilience

Organisational skills

Collaboration

Understanding co-production

Job description

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a skilled and experienced Service Manager to lead the 0–19 Children’s Public Health agenda across Wakefield.

We are seeking a passionate, strategic leader to influence the commissioning and delivery of services that support better outcomes for children, young people, and their families. As part of a district-widetransformation programme, you will play a vital role in working collaboratively with partners to promote early intervention, prevention, and health equity for all children in Wakefield—no matter where they are born or grow up.

We are looking for someone who:

• Brings substantial senior management experience and the strategic capability to lead, influence, and shape the direction, partnerships, commissioning, and delivery of 0–19 children’s public health services, driving improved outcomes for children and families across Wakefield.
• Is an effective and confident communicator, able to influence stakeholders at all levels, with a strong focus on early intervention, prevention, and the promotion of health and wellbeing.
• Demonstrates resilience, strong organisational skills, and self-motivation, with the ability to think both creatively and strategically. You will excel at building and sustaining collaborative relationships with a wide range of stakeholders and partner agencies to achieve shared goals.
• Has a clear passion for Wakefield’s priorities—particularly the early years agenda, integrated partnership working, and supporting the mental health and wellbeing of children and young people.
• Possesses a deep understanding and proven experience of co-production, working in partnership with children, young people, families, providers, and communities to design and deliver impactful services.
• Can provide visible, supportive, and inspirational leadership, foster high-performing teams and develop a culture of continuous improvement.

If you have the qualities, passion and enthusiasm needed for this role, we are very keen to hear from you. For further information, please contact:

Melanie Robinson, Public Health Service Manager – Children’s Team [e-mail]

or

Anna Brook, Public Health Consultant [e-mail]

Interviews will be heldweek beginning29th September 2025.

Want to Know More?

If you would like to know more about the role, the recruitment process or working for Wakefield Council feel free to contact Melanie Robinson.

Tel:[phone]

E-mail:[e-mail]

To apply please click theApply Nowlink below.