Cluster Manager - Sheffield, South Yorkshire

Leisure United; Sheffield; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

A community-focused leisure provider in Sheffield is seeking a Cluster Manager to lead multiple hubs, delivering high-quality community experiences. The role emphasizes financial management, team leadership, and operational excellence. Applicants should have significant experience in leisure or similar sectors, with a strong commitment to community engagement and inclusivity. The position provides a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits including free gym membership.

Benefits

33 days leave (including Bank Holidays)

Company pension scheme

Performance related pay scheme

Free gym membership for employees and family members

Free car parking at all sites

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years’ experience in leisure or service-led environments.
• Proven multi-site management experience.
• Track record of delivering exceptional customer experience.

Responsibilities

• Inspire and lead teams in delivering high-quality facilities.
• Manage budgets and drive operational efficiency.
• Lead a multidisciplinary team and foster an inclusive culture.

Skills

Leadership and people management skills

Commercial acumen

Interpersonal and communication skills

Problem-solving and decision-making skills

Ability to prioritize

Education

Degree level or equivalent management qualification

Health & Safety certifications

Job description

Cluster Manager - Sheffield, South Yorkshire

Salary: £45-47k dependent on experience

Hours of work: Full time

Location of work: On site

Leisure United Westfield, Isobel Bowler Sports Ground, Moss Way, Westfield, Sheffield S20 8FA

Job Summary

As a Cluster Manager based in Sheffield, you will inspire and lead a dynamic team of General Managers to deliver high-quality facilities across your designated hubs.

Facilities can include football, gym, and food & beverage operations, varying by city.

Your mission is to deliver exceptional customer experiences, promote community health and wellbeing, and build a strong local reputation for Leisure United hubs.

You will be responsible for the organisation, operations, and delivery of services within your cluster as well as having management responsibility of our hub at Westfield.

You will oversee staff performance, customer service, financial management, facility standards, football programming and line management of the other General Managers based in the city.

Key Responsibilities

1. Deliver High-Quality Facilities & Customer Experience

   • Ensure all hubs provide a safe, inclusive, and premium experience for users.
   • Maintain operational excellence, facility standards, and compliance with legislation.
   • Act as a role model and develop your hubs as training centres for leaders within the cluster.
   • Deliver high‑quality customer service, resolve complaints, and manage internal communication.

2. Financial & Commercial Management

   • Manage budgets, P&L, and income forecasting in collaboration with the Senior Operations Manager.
   • Drive operational efficiency, commercial success, and revenue opportunities.
   • Monitor stock, cash handling, and financial compliance across sites.
   • Implement environmentally sustainable practices across operations.

3. Staff Leadership & Development

   • Lead, coach, and empower a multidisciplinary team, fostering a collaborative, inclusive, and accountable culture.
   • Ensure staff are trained, qualified, and supported, including managing the training matrix and DBS compliance.
   • Provide clear direction, regular feedback, and professional development opportunities.

4. Football Development & Community Engagement

   • Oversee inclusive football and leisure programmes aligned with social inclusion objectives.
   • Build partnerships with grassroots clubs, schools, and community organisations.
   • Target underrepresented groups and champion access for women and girls in sport.
   • Reinforce community impact by reinvesting surplus funds and supporting local initiatives.

5. Operations, Health & Safety, and Facility Management

   • Take lead responsibility for health and safety, including audits, risk assessments, and emergency response.
   • Ensure all equipment and activities operate safely in line with best practice and manufacturers’ guidelines.
   • Maintain accurate records and compliance with Health and Safety Management Systems.

6. Stakeholder Engagement

   • Develop and maintain relationships with local delivery partners, funders, advisory groups, and public sector bodies.
   • Attend and contribute to Local Advisory Group meetings to align hubs with Leisure United’s strategic objectives.

General Duties

• Adhere to organisational policies including safeguarding, equality, and health & safety.
• Maintain professionalism and a community‑focused approach.
• Support the wider charity, attending meetings, events, or training as required.
• Work flexibly, including evenings, weekends, and public holidays.
• Undertake other duties as reasonably requested by senior management.
• Collaborate with support services to ensure effective hub management.

Our Commitment

We are an equal opportunities employer and are committed to creating a workplace that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve.

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, particularly those currently underrepresented in the sport and leisure sector.

Experience

• Minimum 5 years’ experience in leisure, hospitality, or service‑led environments.
• Proven multi‑site management experience with strong results in operational and commercial performance.
• Demonstrated success in leading, coaching, and developing large, diverse teams.
• Track record of delivering exceptional customer experience in a fast‑paced, high‑volume environment.
• Experience managing P&L, budgeting, and financial forecasting.
• Experience working with local authorities, sports governing bodies, or franchised operations.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong leadership and people management skills.
• Commercially astute with the ability to identify and exploit revenue opportunities.
• Highly organised with the ability to prioritise competing demands across multiple sites.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Proficient in interpreting data and KPIs to drive business improvement.
• Capable of developing local marketing and community engagement strategies.
• Strong problem‑solving and decision‑making skills.

Attributes

• Energetic, passionate about health, wellness, and active lifestyles.
• Flexible and adaptable with a hands‑on, can‑do approach.
• Resilient under pressure with a focus on solutions and results.
• Strong values around inclusivity, safety, and community involvement.
• Willingness to travel between sites and work non‑standard hours as required.

Desirable Criteria

• Educated to degree level or a recognised management qualification (e.g., ILM, NVQ Level 5, or similar)
• Health & Safety, or other industry‑relevant certifications such as IOSH level 3
• First Aid at Work Qualification
• Understanding of leisure management systems.
• Local market knowledge within the designated cluster area.

Core Benefits for All Colleagues

33 days leave (including Bank Holidays)

Company pension scheme

Performance related pay scheme recognising both individual contribution and overall company performance

Lifestyle savings via our online benefits portal

Free gym membership at LU sites for you and family member

Free car parking at all LU sites

Additional Benefits for Site General Managers and Central Support Colleagues

Comprehensive private medical healthcare

Death in service cover – (3 × salary)