General Manager - Full Time - Littlehampton Wave

TN United Kingdom; Littlehampton; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a passionate General Manager to lead a vibrant leisure centre in Littlehampton. This role is pivotal in driving community engagement and promoting active lifestyles. The ideal candidate will possess strong business acumen, a commitment to high standards, and the ability to motivate a team. You will be responsible for managing budgets, enhancing membership, and ensuring operational excellence. If you have a passion for leisure services and a desire to make a positive impact in the community, this opportunity is perfect for you. Join a dedicated team and help shape a healthier future for your local area!

Benefits

Discounted staff membership

Incremental holidays

Employee Assistance Programme

Company pension

Cycle-to-work scheme

Fully funded training opportunities

Qualifications

• Proven experience in managing leisure facilities with a focus on community engagement.
• Strong financial management skills with a track record of driving sales.

Responsibilities

• Oversee business and sales management for the leisure centre.
• Lead the team to maintain operational standards and ensure safety.

Skills

Business Management

Sales Management

Financial Acumen

People Management

Operational Standards

Community Engagement

Education

3+ years in leisure facilities

Job description

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Job Reference:

f15ad26ad984

Job Views:

6

Posted:

05.05.2025

Expiry Date:

19.06.2025

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Job Description:

Do you want to make a difference within your local community, supporting people to improve their lives through leisure?

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!

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 dedicated to providing fun and welcoming sessions to support the whole community to be active, both within our leisure centres and in the local community.

We are looking for a General Manager to oversee Littlehampton Wave in Arun.

We seek a Manager with proven entrepreneurial ability, financial acumen, and a passion for high standards, who can demonstrate a history of taking ownership and delivering results. Excellent commercial awareness, which can be translated into the successful running of popular leisure centres, is essential. The ability to drive sales/income and manage expenditure are key qualities. Other important qualities include the ability to lead, motivate, and support the centre team, and to work effectively with internal and external customers, stakeholders, and the local community.

Your responsibilities will include:

1. Business & Sales Management: Accountability for the centre’s business, budget, and cost performance. Ensuring sales are driven forward, developing the business plan, and leading colleagues to achieve key performance targets.
2. Operational Management: Leading the team to ensure excellent operational standards and record keeping, providing all activities in a safe and welcoming environment.
3. People Management: Managing and recruiting staff as needed to deliver an engaging leisure offering of the highest standards, ensuring the service meets financial targets and engages the community. Providing support and leadership for ongoing staff development.

The ideal candidate will have the skills and experience to lead the centre and engage the local community. They should be capable of managing multiple priorities simultaneously, building, leading, and motivating teams, and have a passion for leisure and cultural services and events. The ability to deliver under tight deadlines is essential.

We want our employees and customers to have the best experience possible. If this sounds like you, we want to hear from you.

Note: In the event of high application volume, the position may close early. Please apply promptly if interested.

Hours: 37 hours per week, Monday to Sunday

Minimum Requirements:

• Develop and grow membership, activity, and attendance at the site
• Manage the centre’s income and expenditure
• Be the lead contact at the site and report to the Area Manager
• Ensure adherence to Freedom Leisure Policies, Procedures, and Processes
• Manage site audits and processes
• Produce operational reports and KPIs
• At least 3 years’ experience in leisure facilities
• Experience in staff training, development, and identifying opportunities
• A demonstrated passion for the industry through continuous professional development

Benefits:

• Access to My Staff Shop benefits, including discounts on cinema tickets, travel, vouchers, and leisure activities
• Discounted staff membership (including family)
• Incremental holidays
• Employee Assistance Programme (confidential counselling)
• Company pension
• Insurance and savings schemes
• Cycle-to-work and car leasing schemes (depending on earnings)
• Fully funded training and career progression opportunities