Leisure Contract Lead

Ards and North Down Borough Council; Newtownards; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in Newtownards is seeking a Leisure Contract Lead to develop and manage a new outsourced leisure contract. The ideal candidate will have significant experience in contract development, operational leisure advice, and project teamwork, along with a relevant degree. This temporary role offers a competitive salary between £50,269 - £53,460 per annum and requires 36 hours of work per week. Applications are primarily through the Council's GETGOT system.

Qualifications

• Degree or equivalent in a leisure business or contract development.
• 2 years’ experience in leisure contract development or management.
• 5 years’ managerial experience in a leisure environment.

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage the leisure elements of the outsourced leisure contract.
• Work closely with the project team and external consultants.
• Provide specialist input on service design, performance management, and financial modelling.

Skills

Contract development experience

Operational leisure advice

Project teamwork

Managerial experience in leisure

Education

Degree in leisure business or equivalent

Job description

The Leisure Contract Lead will be responsible for developing and managing the leisure elements of the Council’s new outsourced leisure contract, ensuring a robust, fit‑for‑purpose, and future‑proof arrangement is in place for implementation from 1 April 2028.

Responsibilities

• The Leisure Contract Lead will be responsible for developing and managing the leisure elements of the Council’s new outsourced leisure contract, ensuring a robust, fit‑for‑purpose, and future‑proof arrangement is in place for implementation.
• The postholder will work closely with the Project Senior Responsible Officer (SRO), Project Manager, external consultants, and internal project team to develop all aspects of the new leisure contract.
• They will provide specialist input across service design, performance management, partnership development, and financial modelling, acting as the Council’s lead advisor on leisure contract content and implementation.

Skills and Qualifications

• Degree or equivalent in a leisure business or contract development or management based discipline.
• 2 years’ experience conducting contract development of a leisure contract or contract management of a leisure contract.
• 2 years’ experience providing operational leisure advice and guidance to senior management within a leisure environment.
• 2 years’ experience successfully working as a key part of a project team to deliver a project or contract.
• Five years’ managerial experience in a leisure environment.
• A valid driving licence with access to a form of transport that will allow fulfilment of the duties of the post or have access to a suitable form of transport which will enable the post holder to meet the requirements of the post.

Further Information

Salary: PO5, SCP 39-42, £50,269 - £53,460 per annum. This is a temporary contract for up to two years, that may be extended. Applications for this post will be channelled exclusively through Council's GETGOT system. However, council will consider requests for applications in hard copy and will provide alternative arrangements if possible. Local Government is committed to fair and equal treatment to all those seeking employment and in employment.

Vacancy ID 1743617 Job ref. ST 12883 Job Sector Business, Policy and Projects, General Management Area Co Down Location Newtownards Salary See further information No. vacancies 1 Contract Type Temporary Weekly hours 36 Published date 06/11/2025 Closing date 20/11/2025 Worktime Monday to Thursday 9.00am to 5.00pm and Friday 9.00 am to 4.30pm

Area: Republic of Ireland
Closing date: 17 Nov 2025