Leisure Operations Manager - Kingston Leisure Centre

Places for People; Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Real Living Wage

Pension 7%

Bonus scheme 2%

Buy/sell annual leave

Healthcare cashback

Wellbeing support

Wellbeing hub access

Employee discounts

Training & progression

Recognition programs

Inclusion & wellbeing

Free gym membership

Life Assurance

Job summary

Places Leisure at Kingston Leisure Centre, part of Places for People, invites an Operations Manager to lead daily operations and a multi-faceted team. You will supervise Duty Managers, ensure safety, drive service quality, and support recruitment and staff development in a dynamic seven-days-a-week leisure facility.

You will report to the General Manager, deputise when needed, and balance customer experience with efficient operations while maintaining high standards across the centre.

Qualifications

• Experience managing or supervising operational teams in leisure, hospitality or customer-facing environments.
• Pool Plant Operators Certificate is required or preferred.
• Experience supporting recruitment or people management activities is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Support the General Manager in day-to-day operations of the leisure centre.
• Lead and develop the Operations Team, including Duty Managers.
• Ensure high operational standards and a safe, welcoming environment for customers and colleagues.

Skills

Operational leadership

Customer-facing experience

Staff scheduling

Education

Pool Plant Operators Certificate

Job description

Places Leisure is part of the Places for People Group, we're changing lives by creating active places and healthier people for communities to thrive. As one of the UK's leading Social Enterprises, Places for People believes it's people who make a community, which is why we build homes, deliver services and create opportunities that help communities flourish.
At Places for People, we hire People, not numbers. We're looking for individuals who share our values, do the right thing, support their communities and are motivated to grow. We apply the same philosophy to our colleagues as we do to our communities, ensuring everyone feels valued, supported and empowered to succeed. Here, you're more than just a colleague, you're part of our cause. Join a community that cares about you.

More about your role

Join us at Places Leisure's brand-new £50 million flagship leisure centre, right in the heart of Kingston.

This state-of-the-art facility represents an exciting new chapter for Places Leisure, offering a fantastic opportunity to be part of a landmark development from day one. Help us build an exceptional team, shape the culture of this incredible new venue and deliver an outstanding experience for our customers and community.

As an Operations Manager at Kingston Leisure Centre, you'll support the General Manager in delivering the successful day-to-day operation of the leisure centre while leading and developing the Operations Team, including Duty Managers. You'll ensure high operational standards are maintained, provide visible leadership across the centre and create a positive experience for both customers and colleagues.
You'll oversee staffing levels, support recruitment and people management activities, ensure compliance with operational and safety procedures, and respond effectively to customer and colleague concerns. You'll also work closely with client representatives, support key projects and deputise for the General Manager when required, helping to ensure the centre operates safely, efficiently and to an exceptional standard.

As a leisure facility operating seven days a week, the centre requires flexibility to work across a range of days and shifts, including evenings and weekends, to support our customers and the needs of the business. You may also be required to undertake keyholder responsibilities, including opening and closing the facility, ensuring the security of the building and following all relevant opening and closing procedures.

Essential Criteria

• Experience managing or supervising operational teams within a leisure, hospitality or customer-facing environment
• Pool Plant Operators Certificate
• Experience supporting recruitment, performance management or people management activities
• Competent using Microsoft Office applications, including Word and Excel

Desirable Criteria section:

• H&S IOSH Qualification.
• Qualified Trainer Assessor.
• Qualified First Aid at Work Trainer.
• Financial Skills (Forecasting, Budgets and management of P&L).

More about you

You're a proactive and customer-focused leader who enjoys supporting colleagues to deliver excellent service. You'll be confident making decisions, managing operational priorities and maintaining high standards across a busy environment.
You'll thrive on building positive relationships with customers, colleagues and stakeholders while creating a supportive and productive team culture. Organised and hands-on in your approach, you'll be committed to ensuring a safe, efficient and welcoming environment for everyone who visits the centre. This role does not require a criminal records check.

Benefits (casual roles will vary)

We are a large diverse and ambitious business, which will give you all the challenge you could wish for.
We know that there's always more we can do to make you smile, that's why we offer a comprehensive benefits package with each role, yours will include:

• We pay the Real Living Wage as a minimum
• Pension with matched contributions up to 7%
• Bonus scheme for colleagues up to 2%
• Option to buy or sell annual leave days
• Healthcare cashback plan for everyday medical costs, with private GP and health support services available
• Comprehensive wellbeing support including counselling, flu jabs, our Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) and access to our Wellbeing Hub, supporting your mental, physical and financial wellbeing
• Access to Our Place Rewards, offering discounts and savings on groceries, travel, shopping, home products and other lifestyle purchases
• Ongoing training, professional qualifications, internal development programmes and career progression opportunities
• Recognition programmes including Star Awards and Colleague Awards, celebrating achievements and recognising great work
• Strong focus on inclusion, wellbeing and colleague engagement
• Free membership to Places Gyms
• Life Assurance to provide financial security for your loved ones, alongside access to will writing services to help you plan for the future with confidence