Operations Manager

Freedom Leisure; Caterham Valley; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company pension

Cycle-to-work

Staff membership

Employee Assistance Programme

Financial advice

Incremental annual leave entitlement

My Staff Shop discounts

Training & development

Insurance schemes

Job summary

Freedom Leisure is recruiting an Operations Manager for de Stafford Sports Centre. You will join the Senior Management Team and lead health & safety, facility management, cleaning and quality control across the entire centre, while also directing poolside operations and staff.

You will join a shift-based duty manager schedule including weekends and evenings. You should be at Assistant Manager level or above in a medium to large operation, capable of multi-priority leadership and staff

Qualifications

• Experience at Assistant Manager level or higher within a medium to large operation.
• Strong people management skills.
• Experience in problem solving, organizational, customer service and staff management.
• Ability to identify staff training and development requirements and opportunities.
• Awareness of industry developments, trends and research.
• Commercial awareness contributing to a viable operation.
• Passion for the leisure and cultural services industry with ongoing professional development.
• Good computer skills (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Team oriented and able to work across organisation boundaries.

Responsibilities

• Lead on health & safety, facility management, cleaning and quality management for the whole centre.
• Lead on poolside operation and manage the pool staff team.
• Participate in Centre Management team and assist in overall centre direction.
• Work a rota including weekends and evenings and undertake Duty Manager shifts as required.

Skills

People management

Problem solving

Organizational skills

Customer service

Staff management

Training & development

Industry developments

Commercial awareness

Passion for leisure

MS Office

Teamwork

Time management

Communication skills

Autonomy & decision making

Pool Plant Cert

NPLQ

Level 2 Fitness

Tools

MS Office

Job description

An outstanding opportunity has arisen to form part of our Senior Management Team as the Operations Manager at the de Stafford Sports Centre working for Freedom Leisure, one of the fastest growing and successful leisure and cultural trusts in the UK. The Operations Manager will specifically take the lead on health & safety, facility management, cleaning and quality management of the whole centre as well as taking a lead on the management of the poolside operation including the staff team. The post holder will be part of the Centre Management team and contribute to the overall direction of the centre. All management roles will also be part of the shift rota and will be required to work Duty Manager shifts throughout the week including weekends and evenings. You should already be working at Assistant Manager level or higher within a medium to large operation. The people we are looking for will have the ability to manage a number of priorities at the same time; will be able to build, lead and motivate staff and have a passion for the leisure and cultural services and events. The ability to deliver on tight deadlines under pressure is absolutely essential. In the event that a high volume of suitable applications are received, the post may close prior to the specified closing date.

Hours: 37 hours a week, Monday to Sunday (rota basis)

• Strong people management skills
• Experience of problem solving, organizational, customer service and staff management
• An understanding of identifying staff training and development requirements and identifying development opportunities
• A high awareness of industry developments, new initiatives, trends and research
• Commercial awareness which translates into contributing to a successful and financially viable operation
• A passion for the industry demonstrated through continuous professional development
• Good computer skills and understanding including Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint & Outlook
• Team orientated approach, able to work across organisation boundaries and demonstrate interest and be supportive of the work of staff and colleagues
• Excellent time management skills - able to deal with a number of priorities at once
• Good communication skills
• To be able to work flexibly with a level of autonomy and decision making confidence
• Current Pool Plant Operators Certificate (desirable)
• NPLQ Qualification (desirable)
• Level 2 Fitness qualification (desirable)

Join the Energy at Freedom Leisure - Do Good Feel Good!

At Freedom Leisure, we're all about positive vibes, great people and making a real impact. Yes, we run leisure and cultural facilities, gyms, and swimming pools - but at the heart of it all, it's our people who make the difference. As one of the UK's leading charitable leisure trusts, we're proud of our mission of Improving Lives Through Leisure. We're here to help communities live healthier, happier lives by making our centres welcoming, inclusive, and accessible to everyone - because everyone deserves to feel good. We're all about delivering amazing customer service with a smile - every single day. We create spaces where people feel at home, supported, and inspired. If you're passionate about helping others and love creating great experiences, you'll feel right at home with us. You don't need to be an expert to get started - we'll give you all the training and support you need. With over 130 centres across England and Wales, there's loads of room to grow. Many of our team have built amazing careers doing what they love, helping customers day-to-day and making people feel good. We're proud to be a workplace where everyone is welcome, valued, and supported to thrive - because when our team reflects the communities we serve, we all grow stronger together.

At Freedom Leisure, we believe a diverse workforce strengthens our organisation and enhances the services we provide. We welcome applications from suitably qualified candidates regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.

We want you to love coming to work, feeling healthy, happy and valued. That's why we've developed a benefits package with you in mind, so what can we offer you?

• Company pension
• Cycle-to-work and car leasing tax-efficient schemes
• Discounted staff membership (including family members)
• Employee Assistance Programme: 24/7 confidential, independent and professional counselling
• Financial advice
• Incremental annual leave entitlement
• My Staff Shop employee benefits scheme, offering discounts on cinema tickets, travel, high street e-vouchers, gift cards, days out, leisure activities and everyday spending
• Fully funded training and development, with career progression opportunities
• Various insurance and savings schemes