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- Tasks: Lead a vibrant community hub, shaping inclusive activities for adults with disabilities.
- Company: Join a passionate foundation with bold ambitions and strong values.
- Benefits: Enjoy enhanced annual leave, healthcare support, and career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by supporting individuals to explore, grow, and thrive.
- Qualifications: Senior operational experience in service-driven sectors and strong leadership skills.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive, purpose-driven organisation with ambitious plans for the future.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 53000 £ per year.
Salary: £45,000–£53,000
Hours: 37 hours per week, Full Time
Location: BN8 4EF, North Chailey
We’re looking for a strategic, enterprising and values-driven leader to join us as Head of Activities (General Manager) leading The Activity Place and our sector‑leading Specialist Services during an ambitious phase of growth. The Activity Place is a vibrant community hub where adults with disabilities work out in an inclusive gym, unwind in sensory spaces, create art, explore music and build skills in new ways. Every session is shaped around individual interests — full of creativity, energy and connection.
This is a senior leadership role with real breadth and accountability. You’ll lead on delivery of specialist therapies, to both Chailey Heritage School and The Activity Place, including hydrotherapy, hippotherapy, rebound therapy and farm therapy, ensuring services are sustainable, inclusive and aligned to our long‑term strategy. You’ll grow The Activity Place, expand access, strengthen community connections and implement scalable systems that support high-quality delivery — balancing service growth with safeguarding and regulatory excellence.
What you’ll do:
- Provide operational leadership and strategic direction
- Deliver growth and manage financial performance
- Lead and develop great managers and teams
- Drive service excellence, compliance and safety
- Champion strong partnerships and service visibility
About you:
- Senior operational experience in leisure, community or service-driven sectors
- Commercial acumen with budget responsibility
- Confidence in regulated environments
- A leader who’s strategic, grounded and people‑first
Most importantly, you’ll be someone who combines ambition with warmth — who understands that commercial success and social impact can, and should, sit side by side.
Why join us?
This is more than a leadership role. It’s an opportunity to shape services that lower barriers for children, young people, and adults with complex disabilities, supporting them as they explore, grow and thrive. You’ll join a foundation with bold ambitions, strong values and a genuine culture of collaboration. We are passionate, curious and optimistic about what’s possible, we’re looking for someone who shares that outlook. This role is an opportunity to be part of a supportive, purpose-driven organisation with ambitious plans for the future.
Alongside a competitive salary, we provide a comprehensive rewards and benefits package designed to support your wellbeing, development and career progression:
- Enhanced Annual Leave 25–30 days (plus bank holidays), increasing with length of service
- Healthcare Cash Plan & Wellbeing Support
- Enhanced Pension Scheme & Death In Service Benefit
- Enhanced Maternity, Adoption, and Paternity leave
- Cycle to Work scheme
- Retail and Leisure discounts
- Onsite parking
- Café, and Kitchen Facilities
- Fully Funded level 2 Certificate in Principles of Team Leading.
If you’re someone who enjoys building as much as leading, and can turn strategy into operational success, we’d love to hear from you.
How to apply:
To find out more about the role and how to apply, please view the full job description and person specification here. For any enquiries, please contact: careers@chf.org.uk or WhatsApp us on 07591 597034.
Safeguarding Statement: Chailey Heritage Foundation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. Employment is subject to two satisfactory professional references, an enhanced DBS certificate, and occupational health clearance. It is an offence to apply for a role in regulated activity with children and vulnerable adults if you are barred from doing so.
Privacy Statement: As part of our recruitment process, Chailey Heritage Foundation (CHF) collects and processes personal data relating to job applicants. We are committed to being transparent about how we collect and use that data in line with GDPR. Please ensure you review our privacy policy before completing an application.
Head of Activities General Manager employer: Chailey Heritage Foundation
Contact Detail:
Chailey Heritage Foundation Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Activities General Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with potential colleagues on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its values. Understand their mission and how your experience aligns with their goals. This will help you stand out as someone who truly gets what they’re about.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your skills and experiences make you the perfect fit for the Head of Activities role. Keep it concise but impactful — show them you mean business!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in keeping you top of mind. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in the position and the organisation.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Activities General Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in operational leadership and community services. We want to see how your skills align with our mission at The Activity Place!
Showcase Your Values: We’re all about values-driven leadership, so don’t forget to share examples of how you’ve combined ambition with warmth in your previous roles. Let us know how you’ve made a positive impact in your community!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your key achievements and experiences shine through without any fluff!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands quickly!
How to prepare for a job interview at Chailey Heritage Foundation
✨Know the Organisation Inside Out
Before your interview, take the time to research The Activity Place and its mission. Understand their values, services, and the community they serve. This will not only help you answer questions more effectively but also show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a Head of Activities, you'll need to demonstrate your leadership approach. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past, particularly in service-driven sectors. Highlight your ability to balance strategic direction with a people-first mindset.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and decision-making abilities. Think of scenarios where you've had to manage growth while ensuring compliance and safety. Be ready to discuss how you would handle challenges specific to the role.
✨Emphasise Your Community Connections
This role is all about building relationships within the community. Be prepared to talk about your experience in fostering partnerships and how you plan to strengthen community connections at The Activity Place. Show them you understand the importance of collaboration in achieving social impact.