General Manager

Boulder Shack; Southampton; On-site; GBP 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A community-focused climbing centre in Southampton is seeking a General Manager to lead day-to-day operations and manage the senior leadership team. This role offers autonomy and responsibility for overseeing financial and operational performance within a not-for-profit organization. The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership skills, a commitment to community values, and experience in leisure, sport, or hospitality management. Applications close on February 1st, and interviews are scheduled for February 17th and 18th.

Qualifications

• Experienced leisure, sport, or hospitality manager.
• Confident working independently and with accountability.
• Motivated to lead and deliver results.

Responsibilities

• Take ownership of day-to-day operations.
• Lead the senior leadership team.
• Oversee financial and operational performance.

Skills

Leadership

Operational management

Financial performance oversight

Community engagement

Independent decision-making

Job description

We are recruiting for a General Manager to take full ownership of the day-to-day running of Boulder Shack.

This is a senior leadership role with real responsibility and autonomy. The General Manager will lead the centre, manage the senior leadership team, oversee financial and operational performance, and ensure the business continues to thrive as a values-led, not-for-profit organisation.

Boulder Shack is an independent bouldering centre in Southampton, built around community, inclusivity, and a genuine love of climbing. While we are community focused, we operate with the discipline and ambition of a well‑run leisure business. Commercial success matters, as it allows us to reinvest in our facilities, our people, and the wider community we serve.

We are looking for an experienced leisure, sport, or hospitality manager who is confident working independently, comfortable with accountability, and motivated by leading a business rather than being managed day to day.

This role reports to the CEO, who sets strategic direction and agrees objectives, but does not manage the business on a day-to-day basis. The successful candidate will be trusted to lead, make decisions, and deliver results.

Download the full job description (PDF) .

The full role profile includes detailed information about responsibilities, scope of authority, working hours, salary, and what success looks like in the role.

Recruitment Timeline

Applications close: 23 : 59 on Sunday 1st February

Interview invitations issued by: Friday 6th February

Interviews : 17th and 18th February

Start date: As soon as possible, with flexibility to accommodate notice periods.

Applications are invited from candidates who feel aligned with both the responsibility of the role and the values of Boulder Shack.

To apply click the "Apply Now" button below and follow the online instructions.