Head of Leisure (Public Sector)

VANRATH; Bangor; Hybrid; GBP 68,000 - 73,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in Newtownards is hiring a Head of Leisure to oversee and develop Leisure Services and Sports Development strategies. The role requires at least 3 years of senior management experience, alongside expertise in financial and project management. The ideal candidate will ensure high-quality, accessible services aligned with corporate goals, fostering innovation and effective community partnerships.

Benefits

Work From Home

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years' senior management experience in Leisure Services or Sports Development.
• Experience managing budgets and service delivery efficiently.
• Strong track record in financial and project management.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the delivery and development of Leisure Services.
• Lead on service strategies, business plans, and policies.
• Build partnerships with community groups and sports bodies.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Project management

Financial management

Change management

ICT competence

Education

Degree in relevant subject area

Job description

Overview

Location: Newtownards / Bangor / Agile working
Salary: £68,637 - £72,260
Contract: Permanent
Closing date: 10 October 2025

About the Role

VANRATH are delighted to be assisting Ards and North Down Borough Council in the appointment of a Head of Leisure. This senior leadership role, within the Active and Healthy Communities Directorate, will oversee the delivery and development of Leisure Services, the Council's Leisure Strategy, and Sports Development. The postholder will be responsible for ensuring services are high-quality, accessible, and strategically aligned with the Council's Corporate Plan, while also leading on innovation and continuous improvement across the service area.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership across Leisure Services, the Council's Leisure Strategy, and Sports Development.
• Develop and implement service strategies, business plans, and policies in line with corporate goals.
• Oversee the effective management of budgets, facilities, and staff to ensure efficient and sustainable service delivery.
• Build and maintain strong partnerships with community groups, sports bodies, and external agencies.
• Advise senior management on policy, leisure, and sports development issues.
• Represent the Council at committees, meetings, and external forums.
• Drive innovation, customer focus, and continuous improvement across all leisure-related services.
• Contribute to Community Planning and the Local Area Plan to ensure leisure provision supports borough-wide priorities.

Candidate Criteria

Essential

• Degree (or equivalent) in a relevant subject area.
• At least 3 years' senior management experience within a major, complex organisation in one or more of the following areas: Leisure Services; Leisure Strategy; Sports Development.
• Direct responsibility for developing and implementing strategies and business plans; providing advice and guidance to senior management; successfully leading and managing teams.
• Strong track record in financial, project, and change management.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement, partnership building, and influencing skills.
• ICT competence with the ability to adopt and exploit new technologies.
• Access to transport to fulfil the requirements of the post.

Desirable

• Additional relevant professional qualifications.
• Chartered membership of a relevant professional body.

Additional information

For more information, please contact Ethan Boylan at VANRATH.

Skills

Skills: Head of Leisure, Public Sector, Head of Service

Benefits

Benefits: Work From Home