Sports & Events Manager

WMJobs; Wolverhampton; On-site; GBP 36,363 - 40,777; Full time

Job summary

A local government organization is seeking a passionate Sports & Events Manager to join their team in Wolverhampton. This role focuses on developing events and fitness programs to enhance community well-being. Ideal candidates will have a degree or equivalent, First Aid certification, and strong leadership and communication skills. This full-time position offers an opportunity to significantly impact local health and fitness initiatives.

Qualifications

• Degree level or equivalent qualification in a relevant subject area.
• Ability to manage team performance.
• Must achieve RLSS National Pool Lifeguard qualification before employment.

Responsibilities

• Develop and grow the events and aquatics program.
• Ensure customer satisfaction and adherence to safety standards.
• Lead on event management and attract events to facilities.

Skills

Effective communication

Leadership

Organizational skills

Understanding of health & safety legislation

Education

Degree level or equivalent qualification

First Aid at Work Certificate

Swim England Level 2

Fitness Level 2 or above qualification

Job description

Sports & Events Manager

Join the City of Wolverhampton Council's WV Active team! We are dedicated to delivering high‑quality services to our community and promoting active lifestyles. Our WV Active centres provide a welcoming environment for all, and we are looking for a passionate and self‑motivated Sports & Events Manager to help us grow the business and deliver an excellent customer experience.

Job Details

• Salary: £36,363 – £40,777 (Grade 6)
• Hours: 37 per week
• Contract type: Full time, permanent
• Location: City of Wolverhampton Council, WV Active

Role Overview

As a Sports & Events Manager, you will play a lead role in developing and growing the events programme, aquatics programme and fitness programme. You will ensure that we deliver a high level of service and lead on the promotion of our venues across the region. As part of your role you will ensure customer satisfaction, safety, cleanliness, and adherence to health and safety standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Identify, develop and implement new initiatives for generating income streams across the health and fitness programme, swim school and events programme.
• Increase class participation and swim school attendance, ensuring a minimum of 80% occupancy in both programmes.
• Increase courts and sport participation and grow a programme of sporting and non‑sporting events to drive income.
• Regularly review the core programme and conduct competitor analysis to maintain and review the WV Active offer.
• Monitor staff performances via occupancy, customer feedback and programme KPIs.
• Program all health and fitness, swim school, school sports and events activities in conjunction with the General Manager and Sports & Events Support Manager.
• Lead on event management, linking in with the city events team to attract regional and national events to WV Active facilities.
• Complete daily Duty Manager shifts, supervising operational shifts and carrying out any other duties as required.
• Manage the financial, human and material resources across the teams, ensuring service delivery and strategic objectives.
• Manage the budget for health and fitness, swim school, and events to achieve agreed targets and take remedial action when needed.
• Ensure all necessary communication processes are in place to enable teams to perform at the highest standards.
• Supervise the Sports & Events Support Manager, Fitness Instructors and Swimming Instructors in line with council procedures.

Essential Qualifications and Experience

• Degree level or equivalent qualification in a relevant subject area or relevant professional experience.
• First Aid at Work Certificate.
• Swim England Level 2 or equivalent STA (or ability to achieve within 6 months from employment).
• Fitness Level 2 or above qualification.
• RLSS National Pool Lifeguard qualification (or ability to achieve before employment).
• Pool Plant Operators qualification (or ability to achieve before employment).

Skills and Personal Qualities

• Effective communication with colleagues, senior managers, employees and community users.
• Ability to identify and address development needs and manage team performance.
• Ability to work to deadlines and contribute to relevant reports.
• Contribution to strategic planning of service delivery improvements.
• Knowledge of current Health & Safety legislation.
• Understanding of leisure industry issues affecting income and usage streams.
• Familiarity with HR, audit and financial procedures and policies.
• Strong leadership with credibility and flair.
• Excellent interpersonal, customer communication and organisational skills.
• Methodical, thorough and organised approach.
• Discretion in handling personal information.
• Integrity, respect for others and leading by example.

Why Join Us

By becoming part of the City of Wolverhampton Council, you will contribute to the health and well‑being of our community while enjoying a supportive work environment that values professional development.

How to Apply

If you are enthusiastic about promoting active lifestyles and ensuring excellent service for our community, submit your application, including your CV and a cover letter outlining your relevant experience.

Interview Date

Interviews will take place on 10th December 2025.

Diversity & Equality

We are committed to building a workforce that reflects the diverse community we serve. We recognise the importance of equality and inclusivity, and we offer a guaranteed interview for applications that meet the essential criteria for the post. We are a Disability Confident Employer, a Gold Award Armed Forces Employer, and we support care leavers. We hold various equality awards and are actively engaging with racial equality initiatives.