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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead Liverpool's leisure operations and enhance community health through sports and activities.
- Company: Liverpool Council, committed to improving public health and wellbeing.
- Benefits: Competitive daily rate, dynamic work environment, and opportunity to shape community services.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the community while leading innovative leisure initiatives.
- Qualifications: Senior leadership experience in leisure operations and strong financial management skills.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with opportunities for professional growth and community impact.
Overview – 4/5 DAYS PER WEEK IN THE OFFICE DEPENDANT ON BUSINESS NEEDS
The Interim Head of Leisure Operations will provide strategic and operational leadership across Liverpool’s leisure facilities and associated services. The postholder will ensure the safe, efficient and commercially sustainable operation of the council’s leisure estate while supporting the council’s ambitions to improve health, wellbeing and participation in sport and physical activity across the city. The role will lead operational teams delivering services across leisure centres, swimming pools, sports facilities, GP referral and community programmes, ensuring high standards of customer service, regulatory compliance and financial performance. This is a key leadership role responsible for stabilising and improving operational performance, supporting workforce development, and helping shape the future operating model for leisure services in Liverpool.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide strategic leadership for the delivery of the council’s leisure operations and physical activity services.
- Contribute to the development and delivery of the city’s leisure, sport and physical activity strategy.
- Support the council’s wider public health and wellbeing priorities through increased participation in sport and active lifestyles.
- Lead the day-to-day operation of the council’s leisure facilities, ensuring services are safe, accessible and customer focused.
- Oversee operational performance across leisure centres, swimming pools and sports facilities.
- Ensure compliance with health and safety, safeguarding and statutory regulatory requirements.
- Manage significant operational budgets and ensure services operate efficiently and sustainably.
- Identify opportunities to improve income generation, utilisation of facilities and commercial performance.
- Monitor performance against financial and operational targets.
- Provide leadership and direction to operational managers and wider leisure teams.
- Drive a positive organisational culture focused on service improvement and customer experience.
- Work collaboratively with HR and trade unions on workforce matters including organisational change where required.
- Develop strong partnerships with local sports organisations, community groups, schools and health partners.
- Represent the council in regional and national leisure networks.
- Work with partners to maximise the impact of leisure services on community wellbeing.
- Identify opportunities to modernise services and improve the operating model.
- Lead initiatives to improve participation levels, customer satisfaction and operational efficiency.
- Support longer-term strategic planning for the council’s leisure estate.
Essential Experience
- Senior leadership experience managing leisure operations or similar frontline service environments.
- Experience overseeing multiple leisure facilities or a complex operational estate.
- Strong financial and commercial management experience.
- Experience leading large operational teams and managing workforce issues.
- Strong understanding of health and safety and compliance requirements in leisure services.
- Experience delivering service improvement or transformation programmes.
Key Skills
- Strategic leadership and decision-making.
- Operational performance management.
- Financial and commercial acumen.
- Stakeholder and partnership management.
- Strong people leadership and organisational change capability.
If you feel you would be suited to this role, or know someone who would be a great fit, please drop an email to rebeccabentum@carringtonblakerecruitment.com
OR25920 – Interim Head of Leisure in Liverpool employer: Carrington Blake Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Carrington Blake Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land OR25920 – Interim Head of Leisure in Liverpool
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the leisure industry and let them know you're on the hunt for opportunities. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a role that’s perfect for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the latest trends in leisure operations. Show that you’re not just a candidate, but someone who’s genuinely passionate about improving health and wellbeing through leisure services.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation and reiterate your enthusiasm for the role. It keeps you fresh in their minds!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply directly through our website! We’ve got loads of exciting roles, and applying directly can sometimes give you a leg up. Plus, it shows you’re keen and ready to jump in!
We think you need these skills to ace OR25920 – Interim Head of Leisure in Liverpool
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in leisure operations. We want to see how your skills align with the key responsibilities mentioned in the job description.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: Since this role is all about strategic leadership, don’t forget to include examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past. We love seeing real-life stories that demonstrate your ability to drive performance and improve customer service.
Highlight Financial Acumen: Given the importance of financial management in this role, be sure to mention any relevant experience you have with budgets and income generation. We’re looking for candidates who can manage operational budgets effectively.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates!
How to prepare for a job interview at Carrington Blake Recruitment
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the key responsibilities of the Interim Head of Leisure role. Brush up on strategic leadership, operational performance management, and financial acumen. Being able to discuss how you’ve successfully managed similar operations will show you’re the right fit.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your experience in leading large operational teams and managing workforce issues. Think about specific challenges you've faced and how you turned them into opportunities for improvement. This will demonstrate your capability to drive a positive organisational culture.
✨Understand the Local Context
Familiarise yourself with Liverpool’s leisure landscape and the council’s public health priorities. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to increasing participation in sport and active lifestyles. Showing that you understand the local community will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Prepare Questions
Have a few thoughtful questions ready to ask at the end of the interview. This could be about the council’s future plans for leisure services or how they measure success in customer satisfaction. It shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it’s the right fit for you.