Executive Director - Community Health, Wellbeing & Prevention (DASS)

Change lives in a city full of opportunity
  
Southampton is a bold, diverse and fast-changing city. Home to more than 260,000 residents, our population is vibrant and growing, but with increasing complexity and significant inequalities across health, housing and life chances. It is also a city rich in community strength – with nearly 160 languages spoken, strong neighbourhood identities and committed partners – offering huge potential for change and better outcomes.
  
As a council, we are on a journey of improvement and stabilisation. With a new City Plan and Corporate Plan and a refreshed Executive Management Team, we are leading change, resetting our culture and sharpening priorities.  Our direction of travel is ambitious and positive.
  
We are now seeking to appoint our new Executive Director for Community Health, Wellbeing & Prevention (DASS). This role will shape the future of adult social care, public health and community wellbeing in the city. We are looking for a leader who brings confidence, continuity and innovation, who understands the importance of nurturing and empowering our workforce and can make a difference for our residents.
  
Working with partners across the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Integrated Care System, you will drive improved outcomes for adults in Southampton. You will lead our integration agenda, strengthen prevention, and work with residents, carers and the voluntary and community sector to co-produce services that help people live independently and well. You will also play a key corporate role in shaping our organisational culture.
  
Key priorities include developing the service, strengthening relationships and integration with health, and embedding improvement following our recent CQC assessment. You will help shape the future operating model for adults and health as demand rises and prevention becomes central to our approach.
  
We are seeking an inspiring, grounded leader with strong adult social care experience. You’ll understand the importance of partnership, the connection between housing, health and social care, and the need to build trust and consistency. Above all, you’ll want to be part of building something lasting for Southampton.
  
You’ll be joining a strong corporate team with an ambitious vision for our services, in a role you can truly shape, and in a city bursting with opportunity.
  
If you have the ambition and values to help us deliver better outcomes for our residents, we would love to hear from you.
  
For an informal discussion, please contact our recruitment partners at Tile Hill: Chris Barrow (07437 839048) or Anita Denton (07725 554802).
  
To find out more and apply, please visit: www.leadingsouthampton.com
  
Closing date: Midnight on Sunday 4th January 2026

To apply:
To apply, please submit an up-to-date copy of your CV (three sides of A4 maximum), along with a supporting statement (three sides of A4 maximum) detailing your experience, and achievements and addressing the key criteria for the role set out on this site and using examples to demonstrate how you meet the requirements. Documents should be uploaded via our website, please include and upload the below information in two documents only. If you experience any issues whilst applying, please contact rebecca.keen@tile-hill.co.uk.
 
Applications should include:

• Full contact details;
• Names, positions, organisations and contact details for two referees (we will ask your permission before contacting referees);
• Details of your notice period
• Notification of any dates when you are not available for an interview.

At Tile Hill, we are committed to inclusion and accessibility. We champion and support all individuals to ensure everyone feels valued, listened to and motivated to get the very best out of each recruitment process and that processes are designed to meet the needs of individuals. If you have any specific requests and would like a confidential discussion with the Tile Hill team, then please email inclusion@tile-hill.co.uk.