Ards and North Down Borough Council | Operations Officer

Job Description Job Title: Operations Officer Directorate: Community & Wellbeing Department: Leisure Location: Ards Blair Mayne Wellness & Leisure Centre,Comber Leisure Centre & Portaferry Sports Centre (and will be required to work at other Council facilities throughout the borough) Reports to: Assistant Manager / Duty Manager Salary Scale: SO1, SCP 24 – 26 PURPOSE AND FUNCTION OF THE POST The post holder will be required to assist with the management of Ards Blair Mayne Wellbeing and Leisure Complex, Comber Leisure Centre, Portaferry Sports Centre, Whitespots and Londonderry Park within the Leisure remit, to ensure maximum utilisation. The post holder will be called on to deputise for the Assistant Manager and/ or Duty Manager as and when required. The post holder will also be expected to keep the lines of communication flowing between the centres and Leisure Services Manager and Head of Service in the absence of the Assistant Manager/ Duty Manager. PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Deputise for the Assistant Manager / Duty Manager as and when required. Assist with all aspects of the management of all facilities and booking processes within the Leisure group ensuring its development and maximum utilisation including assisting with budgets. Keep abreast with changes in the leisure industry and assist with the development of the Centres programme of activities ensuring that it is in line with current trends and meets the needs the local community. Assist in the marketing and promotion of the centre in liaison with the Leisure Marketing Officer and the Operations Manager and Corporate Communications Section. Assist with issues related to the day-to-day management of centre staff including the development of schedules of work for staff, selection and recruitment, monitoring absence levels, control and allocation of annual leave, disciplinary/grievance matters, ensuring adequate and safe staffing levels are in place. Assist with the operation and management of plant and associated checks. Assist in the development and implementation of staff training programmes and ensuring that training records are kept up to date. Assist the Assistant Manager / Duty Manager with financial matters including working within agreed revenue budgets, assisting with debt collection and transport of monies. Carry out reception duties as required and deal with customer comments and complaints as required. Assist with the development, implementation and maintenance of agreed quality awards and initiatives and ensure that industry best practice systems are put in place, implemented, maintained, kept current and operate smoothly. Assist with the preparation of staff publications and other similar initiatives. Assist with the management of outdoor recreation grounds under the remit of Leisure as required. Be prepared to undertake duties of all staff under his/her control. Act as key holder and respond to alarm call outs. To comply with and promote equality, health and safety in accordance with Council Policies and legal requirements ensuring that the Councils Health and Safety policies are adhered to by all employees at the Centre and by members of the public using the facilities. To undertake any other appropriate duties as may be allocated from time to time in accordance with the general nature of the post including interchange of duties to cover for leave, sickness, employee vacancies etc. and working within other sections of Leisure and the Leisure Services section of Community and Wellbeing Directorate. PERSON SPECIFICATION The person specification provides information on the qualifications, experience, knowledge, and skills required to carry out the duties of the post. The essential criteria will be used for shortlisting and as part of the selection process. CATEGORY ESSENTIAL DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS NVQ Level III in Business, Sports or Leisure related discipline or equivalent National Pool Lifeguard Qualification or equivalent * Pool Plant Operators or Spa Operators Certificate * *If the above certification is not held, candidates must agree to complete this within 6 months if required. This certification is only required at ABMWLC. A relevant industry coaching / instructing qualification EXPERIENCE 3 years experience in the Leisure Industry Experience of using Leisure Management Software e.g., XN or other similar software Previous supervisory experience Experience of processing memberships Working knowledge of QUEST KEY SKILLS & ABILITIES Proven IT skills Excellent written and verbal communication skills Good people management and motivational skills Good customer focus skills Understanding and appreciation of the needs of the public Knowledge of local leisure issues OTHER REQUIREMENTS Flexible approach to working hours Must be able to work on a shift rota, which includes evenings, weekends, and public holidays Must consent to a pre-employment Enhanced Access NI check. The selection panel reserves the right to enhance the shortlisting criteria to facilitate the process when necessary.