Sport & Physical Activity Service Manager - 18 Months Fixed Term Contract

The Service Manager: Sport and Physical Activity is required to work collaboratively across a multi‑agency environment with a range of partners to develop practical responses to key strategic challenges facing the Authority, promoting innovation and creativity in service provision to achieve improved outcomes for residents of Barnet.

The post holder will be responsible for leading in delivery of the Council’s approach to Physical Activity and Events working with contracted providers, partners (internal and external), sports organisations and national governing bodies, public services and third sector voluntary and charity organisations. This will include leading a complex programme of work including:

• Policy development and implementation
• Contract management
• Financial and risk management
• Procurement
• Project management of capital schemes, events and interventions that seek to raise participation and engagement levels within greenspaces, physical activity and sports development
• Effective communication and promotion of opportunities and health outcomes

About you:

• Educated to degree level or equivalent professional qualification
• Minimum of 2 years’ experience in a relevant area of work such as sport, leisure and/or event management
• Proven track record of successful project and contract management, partnership working and developing funding bids
• Extensive knowledge of policy in sports, leisure and physical activity development and implementation with the ability to articulate complex policy direction to a variety of audiences inside and outside of the council
• Knowledge of specific government policies and legislation affecting sports, leisure, physical activity and events, and commissioning of local services
• Ability to work effectively in a political environment and establish positive relationships with senior managers, staff, external partners and interest groups in a way that establishes confidence, credibility and trust
• Experience of working both formally and informally with elected and/or board members
• Experience of producing and delivering reports, presentations and briefings to a variety of audiences: from formal Council Cabinet to informal discussions with service users
• Full UK driving licence and access to own transport for work purposes

What we offer:

• 31 days annual leave, plus public and bank holidays
• Work‑life balance options may include hybrid working, flexitime, job share, home working, part‑time
• A vast range of lifestyle discounts from major retailers, supermarkets, energy suppliers and more
• Broad range of payroll benefits including cycle to work, eye care vouchers, travel and gym membership
• Excellent training and development opportunities
• Employee well‑being training programmes including confidential employee assistance

To deliver Barnet Council’s commitment to equality of opportunity in the provision of services, all staff are expected to promote equality in the workplace and in the services the Council delivers. As such we value diversity and welcome applications from all backgrounds. Barnet Council is a Disability Confident Committed Employer. We welcome and encourage job applications of all abilities. If you require any reasonable adjustments in the application or interview, please contact the lead contact on this advert. We will make reasonable adjustments to make sure our disabled applicants and those with health conditions are supported throughout our recruitment process. We support the access to work scheme. Further details are available at www.gov.uk/access-to-work/apply.