Operations Director

LeisureSK; Grantham; On-site; GBP 59,000 - 72,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

26 days holiday

5% employers' pension

Life assurance

Job summary

LeisureSK Ltd is seeking an Operations Director to lead its leisure and physical activity services across three centres in South Kesteven. You will oversee strategic planning, operational delivery and financial performance, reporting to the Board and working closely with South Kesteven District Council to grow participation.

The role combines strategic oversight with hands-on leadership of the management team, driving improvements in customer experience and service delivery across all sites.

Qualifications

• Experience in senior leisure industry leadership across multiple sites.
• Strong budget management and financial interpretation skills.
• Proven ability to work with elected members and/or a Board of Directors.
• Excellent communication and reporting abilities.

Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver the business plan with clear priorities and measurable outcomes.
• Lead the management team and support workforce development.
• Oversee centre operations, service quality and customer experience.
• Manage income, expenditure, cash flow and budgets with the Council and Board.
• Identify opportunities to increase participation and income, improving sustainability.
• Lead service improvements and organisational change.
• Collaborate with the Council on facility investment programmes and governance.

Skills

Leisure management

Multi-site operations

Budget management

Stakeholder relations

Education

Leisure management qualification

Job description

Operations Director – LeisureSK Ltd

Salary: Up to £65,000 per year
Location: South Kesteven, Lincolnshire, with travel between three leisure centres
Hours and contract: 39 hours per week - 7-day operation requiring variable days and hours of work

About the role

LeisureSK Ltd is recruiting an Operations Director to lead its leisure and physical activity services across three centres in South Kesteven.

Reporting to the Board of Directors, you will be responsible for business planning, operational delivery, financial performance and the leadership of our management team. You will work closely with South Kesteven District Council to develop services, support facility investment and increase participation in physical activity.

The role combines strategic responsibility with practical oversight of centre performance; customer experience and the support managers need to deliver improvements.

Your responsibilities

• Develop and deliver the business plan, with clear priorities and measurable outcomes.
• Lead the management team and support the development of the wider workforce.
• Oversee centre operations, service quality and customer experience.
• Manage income, expenditure, cash flow and budgets, working with the Council's finance team and the Board.
• Identify opportunities to increase participation, grow income and improve financial sustainability.
• Lead service improvements and organisational change.
• Work with the Council on facility investment programmes and associated operational changes.
• Build relationships with elected members, community organisations and other partners.
• Prepare performance reports and recommendations for the Board.
• Oversee governance, risk management, health and safety, safeguarding and compliance.

What you will bring

• A leisure management qualification.
• At least three years' experience in a senior leisure industry role, including management of operations across multiple sites.
• Experience of leading and developing diverse teams.
• Strong budget management skills and the ability to interpret financial and performance information.
• Experience of working constructively with elected members and/or a Board of Directors.
• Strong communication skills, including preparing reports and presenting complex information.
• The ability to manage competing priorities and build effective stakeholder relationships.

You will combine commercial judgement with a clear understanding of the role leisure services play in improving community health and wellbeing.

About LeisureSK

LeisureSK Ltd was formed by South Kesteven District Council to manage its leisure and physical activity facilities and services. Our purpose is to promote healthy lifestyles, support wellbeing and inspire more people to live active lives.

Benefits:

• 26 days holiday (Plus 8 bank holidays), 5% employers' pension (based upon full salary), life assurance

Closing date:

Monday 9 November 2026, 12 noon

Interview Dates:

Monday 16 November 2026 and Friday 20 November 2026