General Manager

McBride Sport; Cardiff; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a leading sports organisation as General Manager where you will guide BowlsWales through a critical transition. This role offers the chance to shape the sport at all levels in Wales, promote inclusivity, and develop the BowlsWales strategy while managing key stakeholder relationships.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a multi-tasking leadership role.
• Experience working with a board.
• Management experience with a strong track record.

Responsibilities

• Lead the BowlsWales team and coordinate with various stakeholders.
• Monitor and respond to relevant legislation and policy changes.
• Ensure robust risk management and governance processes.

Skills

Leadership

Relationship Management

Communication

Problem Solving

Education

Recognised leadership qualification

Finance or management qualifications

Job description

McBride Sport are delighted to be working with BowsWales to support their recruitment process to appointment a General Manager.

BowlsWales is a company limited by guarantee, with a diverse Board comprising individuals with expertise from within and outside of the bowls community. As a member focused organisation, BowlsWales works with National Governing Bodies (NGBs) across the different codes of bowls Outdoor, Indoor, Short Mat, and Crown Green and the various service associations, including Umpires and Coaching. The organisation is committed to broadening the accessibility and appeal of bowls, forging commercial partnerships, and collaborating with stakeholders to unlock new opportunities for growth, inclusivity, and performance excellence.

Bowls Wales is the co-ordinating body for the sport of bowls in Wales. Working closely with the governing bodies of each code, our mission is to promote and develop the sport at all levels and across all disciplines, fostering a thriving, inclusive bowls community. We are seeking an outstanding General Manager to play a vital role in guiding the organisation through this critical phase. This role offers a unique opportunity to work at the heart of Welsh sport governance and contribute directly to the development and delivery of BowlsWales and the sport. This is an exciting time to join BowlsWales as we enter a period of transition with a newly appointed Chair and new members of the Board. Together, we are shaping a fresh strategic vision for the future of the game in Wales.

As General Manager, you will lead the BowlsWales team and be the central point of coordination for the organisation, supporting the Board, managing relationships with key stakeholders including volunteers, and ensuring strong governance and operational delivery. The successful candidate will ensure that strong, robust governance procedures are in place as well as providing support to the Board.Key responsibilities include:

• Support the development of the new BowlsWales strategy and thereafter leading its delivery.
• Lead the development of a positive, inclusive, and values-driven organisational culture aligned with Sport Wales principles.
• Provide effective management of the BowlsWales team and other resource.
• Monitor and respond to sector-relevant legislation and policy changes.
• Manage the day to day delivery of BowlsWales workplans.
• Ensure compliance with Sport Wales Capability and Governance and Leadership frameworks
• Provide the BowlsWales team and Board with guidance and leadership on key areas such as around key policy and code developments, changes to the strategic or partnership context.
• Ensure robust risk management processes are in place and manage the organisation s assurance and reporting framework.
• Manage and strengthen existing relationships with key stakeholders.
• Serve as the primary contact for Board, members, staff, volunteers, and external partners.
• Offer administrative and secretariat support to the Board and its committees, including servicing meetings and contributing to governance processes.
• Carry out any other duties as may be required from time to time by the BowlsWales Board

We are looking for a highly resilient and collaborative leader who thrives in fast-paced environments. You should have a track record of working across multiple priorities and building strong stakeholder relationships and ideally experience working in a sports organisation in a senior management role. Essential experience & skills:

• Proven experience in a multi-tasking leadership role.
• Experience working with a board.
• Strong relationship management and communication skills. Management experience and a track record of leading, managing and empowering teams.
• Ability to work independently, prioritise workload, and manage time effectively. Experience managing budgets and governance procedures.
• Experience working to a performance management structure at a senior level.
• A proactive approach to problem-solving and strategic delivery.

Desirable experience & skills:

• Recognised leadership qualification.
• Understanding of sports structures in Wales and the UK.
• Organisational change or leadership during transition.
• Welsh speaker (desirable but not essential).
• Experience working with funders (e.g., Sport Wales, Lottery, etc.).
• Finance or management qualifications

If you are driven by the opportunity to make real change and passionate about growing a sport with deep community roots, we want to hear from you. We are excited to speak with candidates who are ready to bring their leadership, vision, and expertise to BowlsWales.