Area Manager - Full Time - Kent & Tandridge

Freedom Leisure; Ashford; On-site; GBP 49,500 - 60,500; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Staff discounts on leisure activities

Incremental holidays

Employee Assistance Programme

Company pension

Training and career progression opportunities

Job summary

A leading leisure services provider in Ashford is seeking a Senior Operational Manager to drive performance across multiple sites. The role requires previous experience in a senior leisure position, strong leadership skills, and a focus on community wellbeing. You will be responsible for managing business performance, overseeing leisure services, and building partnerships with local authorities. Competitive salary of up to £55,000 plus benefits including discounts and fully funded training.

Qualifications

• Previous experience in a senior operational leisure role.
• Proven track record of leading and managing cultural change.
• Experience of leading a multi-site operation with large-scale events.

Responsibilities

• Accountability for business and budgetary performance.
• Ensure high standards in day-to-day management of leisure services.
• Develop relationships with local authority partners.

Skills

Operational management

Change management

Multi-site leadership

Commercial awareness

IT skills

Problem solving

Project management

Customer service

Staff management

Job description

Join the Energy at Freedom Leisure - Do Good Feel Good!

If you feel driven to inspire people to be more active, improve their wellbeing and would like a job that will make a real difference to local people's lives then Freedom Leisure is the place for you! An outstanding opportunity has arisen to join our team at Freedom Leisure, one of the fastest growing and successful leisure and cultural trusts in the UK.

Responsibilities

• Business & Sales Management – accountability for the business, budgetary and cost‑centre performance across sites in your area. Ensuring sales are driven forward, developing the business plan and leading a staff team to achieve key performance targets.
• Operational Management – ensuring day‑to‑day management and running of leisure services and events is of the highest standard.
• People Management – ensuring work standards and performance are at the highest level through effective recruitment, leadership, management and development of all staff.
• Partnership Management – develop outstanding working relationships and liaise regularly with local authority Partners to ensure delivery of their objectives and contract compliance.

Hours: 37 hours a week – flexible to meet the demands of the business.

Requirements

• Previous experience in a senior operational leisure role.
• Proven track record of leading and managing a change in culture.
• Experience of leading a multi‑site operation that includes large‑scale events.
• Outstanding commercial awareness with experience of managing and delivering sales targets and income performance.
• Excellent IT skills to produce and interpret reports and data.
• Awareness of industry developments and trends.
• Problem solving, project management, customer service and staff management experience.

Benefits

• My Staff Shop benefit scheme – discounts on cinema tickets, travel bookings, e‑vouchers, gifts, days out, leisure activities.
• Discounted staff membership (including family members).
• Incremental holidays.
• Employee Assistance Programme – 24/7 confidential counselling.
• Company pension.
• Various insurance and saving schemes.
• Financial advice.
• Cycle‑to‑work and car leasing tax‑efficient schemes (salaried staff only, depending on earnings).
• Fully funded training and career progression opportunities.

Closing date: 31st October 2025

Salary: up to £55,000 per annum + car allowance