Leisure Centre Operations Manager

Placements24; Queenstown (MD); On-site; USD 36,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Community impact

Professional development

Career growth

Job summary

Placements24 partners with a popular leisure and community centre in Queenstown, Eastern Cape, to recruit an experienced Leisure Centre Operations Manager. You will oversee day-to-day operations, staff, facilities, and safety to ensure a welcoming, high-quality environment for members and visitors.

The role demands strong leadership, budgeting skills, and a hands-on approach to developing community programming and maintaining compliance with health and safety standards.

Qualifications

• A qualification in Leisure Management, Sports Management, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of 4 years of experience in operations management.
• Proven experience in staff management and team leadership.
• Strong understanding of health, safety, and risk management principles.
• Excellent financial management skills, including budgeting and cost control.
• Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in relevant software for operations, scheduling, and membership management.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily centre operations and service delivery.
• Lead and train staff including receptionists, instructors, and maintenance personnel.
• Manage budgets and control costs.
• Ensure health and safety compliance across the facility.
• Develop and implement diverse leisure programs for the community.

Skills

Leisure management

Staff leadership

Health and safety

Budgeting

Communication

Scheduling software

Membership software

Education

Leisure/Sports/Business admin degree

Tools

Operations software

Scheduling software

Membership management software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a popular leisure and community centre in Queenstown, Eastern Cape, is seeking an experienced and dedicated Leisure Centre Operations Manager. This vital role oversees the day-to-day running of the centre, ensuring a safe, enjoyable, and efficient environment for all members and visitors. You will be responsible for managing staff, overseeing facility maintenance, developing programming, and ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in leisure or facility management, excellent leadership skills, and a passion for community engagement and promoting healthy lifestyles. This is a hands‑on position requiring a proactive approach to problem‑solving and a commitment to delivering high‑quality services. We are looking for an individual who can drive operational excellence, foster a positive atmosphere, and contribute to the growth and success of the centre in Queenstown. Your role will be central to maintaining the centre as a vibrant hub for the local community, ensuring all services are delivered efficiently and to the highest standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage all aspects of daily centre operations, ensuring a high standard of service delivery.
• Supervise, train, and motivate a team of centre staff, including receptionists, fitness instructors, and maintenance personnel.
• Oversee facility maintenance, cleaning, and health and safety procedures to ensure a secure environment.
• Develop and implement diverse leisure programs and activities to meet community needs and interests.
• Manage budgets, control expenses, and explore revenue generation opportunities.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant legislation, licensing, and safety regulations.
• Handle customer inquiries, feedback, and complaints promptly and professionally.
• Manage membership systems, bookings, and access control.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with community stakeholders and local organizations.
• Conduct regular inspections and audits of the facility and services.

Requirements

• A qualification in Leisure Management, Sports Management, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of 4 years of experience in operations management, preferably within the leisure or sports facility sector.
• Proven experience in staff management and team leadership.
• Strong understanding of health, safety, and risk management principles.
• Excellent financial management skills, including budgeting and cost control.
• Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and public holidays.
• Proficiency in relevant software for operations, scheduling, and membership management.
• A commitment to community well-being and promoting active lifestyles.
• Residency within or close proximity to Queenstown, Eastern Cape, as this is an on‑site role.

Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience and qualifications.
• Opportunity to lead operations at a key community facility.
• Be part of a dedicated team focused on community well‑being.
• Professional development opportunities and training programs.
• Potential for career growth within the organization.
• Contribute positively to the Eastern Cape community.