General Manager - Full Time - Dorchester Sports Centre

Freedom Leisure; Dorchester; On-site; GBP 28,145 - 34,400; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Staff benefit scheme

Discounted staff membership

Incremental holidays

Employee Assistance Programme

Company pension

Financial advice

Cycle-to-work scheme

Fully funded training

Job summary

A local leisure trust in Dorchester is seeking a General Manager to lead their Sports Centre. Responsibilities include business management, operational standards, and team leadership to enhance community engagement and service delivery. The ideal candidate will have at least 3 years of experience in leisure facilities and a passion for improving lives through leisure. This full-time position offers a salary of up to £31,273 per annum, alongside benefits such as a staff discount scheme, pension, and training opportunities.

Responsibilities

• Accountability for business and budget performance.
• Leading the team for operational excellence.
• Managing and recruiting staff as necessary.

Skills

Experience in leisure facilities

Staff training and development

Passion for the industry

Job description

Do you want to make a difference within your local community by supporting people to improve their lives through leisure? If you feel driven to inspire others to become more active, improve their wellbeing, and would like a job that will make a real difference in local people’s lives, Freedom Leisure is the place for you.

We are a not‑for‑profit leisure trust with a strong purpose and commitment to support our local communities and hard‑to‑reach groups, encouraging them to become more active and contributing to improved lives. From swimming lessons to walking football and everything in between, we are driven to provide fun and welcoming sessions to support the whole community to be active, both within our leisure centres and in the local community.

Position

General Manager – Dorchester Sports Centre

Key Responsibilities

• Business & Sales Management – Accountability for the business, budgetary and cost centre performance across the whole centre, ensuring sales are driven forward, developing the business plan and leading colleagues to achieve key performance targets.
• Operational Management – Leading the team to ensure excellent operational standards and record keeping, working with the team to provide all activities in a safe and welcoming environment.
• People Management – Managing and recruiting a team where necessary, delivering an exciting leisure offering to the highest standards, ensuring the service delivers the financial performance in line with the bid proposal, and engaging the whole community.

Qualifications & Experience

• At least 3 years’ experience in leisure facilities.
• Experience of identifying staff training and development requirements and opportunities.
• A passion for the industry demonstrated through continuous professional development.

Additional Requirements

• Develop and grow membership, activity and attendance at the site.
• Manage and be responsible for the centre’s income and expenditure.
• Be the lead contact at site and report to the Area Manager.
• Ensure that Freedom Leisure Policies, Procedures and Processes are fully adhered to.
• Ensure that the relevant site audit processes are managed.
• Produce reports on various areas of the centre’s operation and KPIs.

Hours: 37 hours a week, Monday to Sunday

Salary: up to £31,273 per annum

Benefits

• Staff benefit scheme – access to discounts on cinema tickets, travel bookings, e‑vouchers, gift cards, days out, leisure activities and everyday spending.
• 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 in a team‑working environment supporting your local community to improve lives through leisure.

Closing date: 20th February 2026

In the event that a high volume of suitable applications are received, the post may close prior to the specified closing date. Please apply as soon as possible if interested.