At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop leisure facilities, ensuring an outstanding experience for all users.
- Company: Join the vibrant community at Clayesmore School in beautiful Dorset.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, school fee remission, and access to fantastic facilities.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on young people's lives through sports and leisure initiatives.
- Qualifications: Experience in leisure management and a passion for community engagement.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
At an exciting time for Clayesmore School, we are seeking to appoint an experienced and dynamic School Leisure Manager to lead the development and operation of our leisure facilities and programmes. This is a unique opportunity to play a key role in the strategic and operational management of the School's leisure provision. The successful candidate will be responsible for overseeing leisure operations, developing new initiatives, and driving commercial growth while ensuring an outstanding experience for pupils, staff, visitors, and the wider community.
Based within the beautiful Dorset countryside, Clayesmore is a thriving independent co-educational boarding and day school. Renowned for its warm, inclusive community and commitment to developing confident, well-rounded young people, Clayesmore offers an exceptional educational experience both inside and outside the classroom. The School benefits from extensive facilities, including a swimming pool, sports hall, fitness suite, tennis courts, playing fields, boarding houses, and a wide range of outdoor spaces. These facilities support a vibrant programme of sport, leisure, and enrichment activities throughout the year.
The Role
- Lead the day-to-day operation of the leisure facilities.
- Develop and implement a strategic plan for leisure services and commercial growth.
- Oversee swimming programmes, holiday activities, community lettings, and leisure initiatives.
- Manage budgets, staffing, health and safety compliance, and operational performance.
- Work closely with school departments to maximise facility usage and enhance pupil experiences.
- Identify new opportunities to increase revenue through community engagement, partnerships, and events.
- Ensure high standards of customer service and facility management.
About You
- An experienced manager with a background in leisure, sport, hospitality, or facility management.
- A strong leader with excellent organisational and communication skills.
- Commercially aware with experience of developing and growing leisure services.
- Passionate about delivering exceptional experiences for young people and the wider community.
- Committed to maintaining the highest standards of safety, service, and operational excellence.
Why Join Clayesmore?
Clayesmore is a school with a strong sense of community, where staff are valued and supported. We are proud of our beautiful campus, excellent facilities, and the opportunities we provide for pupils and staff alike.
Benefits include:
- Competitive salary
- School fee remission (subject to eligibility)
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Access to school facilities
- Free on-site parking
- Pension scheme
- Death in Service benefits, and free meal where applicable
We welcome applications from candidates who share our commitment to providing exceptional experiences and opportunities for young people.
For further information and an application form, please go to: https://www.clayesmore.com/work-for-us/
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early should a suitable candidate be identified. Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and interviews may be conducted on a rolling basis. Closing date: 8am on Friday, 26 June 2026.
Clayesmore School is totally committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. Applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening, as all new staff will be subject to enhanced DBS clearance, identity checks, qualification checks and employment checks to include an exploration of any gaps within employment, two satisfactory references and registration with the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).
Sports and Leisure Manager employer: Clayesmore School
Clayesmore School is an exceptional employer that fosters a supportive and inclusive community, offering a vibrant work culture where staff are valued and encouraged to grow. Located in the picturesque Dorset countryside, employees benefit from excellent facilities, competitive salaries, and unique perks such as school fee remission and access to leisure amenities. With a strong commitment to professional development and delivering outstanding experiences for young people, Clayesmore provides a rewarding environment for those passionate about sports and leisure management.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Sports and Leisure Manager
✨Get Involved in Local Sports Communities
Dive into your local sports scene! Attend community games, coaching sessions, and meet-ups. Building relationships with coaches and team managers can help you uncover job opportunities before they even hit the job boards.
✨Leverage Internships and Volunteering
Even though you’re after a full-time role, don’t underestimate internships or volunteering in sports organisations. These positions not only give you hands-on experience but can also lead to permanent openings. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to make your face known in the industry!
✨Visit Sports Job Fairs
Keep an eye out for sports job fairs and career expos specific to the recreation management field. These events are goldmines for meeting hiring managers from organisations like Clayesmore School. Bring your A-game and be ready to chat about how you can contribute to their team!
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don't forget to check out openings on our site! Our listings will often include positions at excellent organisations in sports recreation management, including Clayesmore School. Applying directly through our platform increases your chances of getting noticed by recruiters. Let's get you that dream job!
We think you need these skills to ace Sports and Leisure Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Passion for Sports:In your cover letter, let your enthusiasm for sports and recreation shine through! We want to see your genuine interest in the industry and how it's shaped your career choices. Sharing specific experiences, like managing a team or organising an event, can really make you stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:When crafting your CV, focus on any relevant internships, volunteer work, or part-time jobs related to sports and recreation management. Make sure to quantify your achievements – did you increase team participation by a certain percentage or successfully lead a project? Numbers speak volumes!
Tailor Your CV for Sports Management:Use a CV format that emphasises your skills in leadership, teamwork, and event coordination. Don’t forget to include specific training or certifications that relate to sports management, as these can set you apart from other applicants. We love seeing candidates with relevant qualifications!
Express Your Long-Term Goals:In your application, we want to see your career aspirations in sports management. Don’t hesitate to include how you envision your future in this industry and how joining Clayesmore School aligns with those goals. We’re looking for candidates who are not just a perfect fit for the role but are also excited about growing with us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Clayesmore School
✨Highlight Your Passion for Sports
When chatting with Clayesmore School, make sure to express your genuine love for sports and recreation. Share experiences that showcase your passion, whether it's managing a local sports team, organising events, or simply being an active participant in various activities. This helps them see you're not just a fit on paper, but also someone who truly cares about the field.
✨Showcase Your Management Skills
This role is all about managing resources and people, so be ready to discuss your leadership and organisational skills. Prepare some examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led a team or managed a project, particularly in a sports or recreation setting. Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) technique to make your answers concise and impactful.
✨Be Prepared for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect case studies or scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving and decision-making skills. You might be asked how you would handle a tricky situation, such as resolving a conflict between team members or managing a crisis during a major event. Think through these scenarios and practice how you’d articulate your thought process and solutions.
✨Demonstrate Enthusiasm for Team Collaboration
In the sports and recreation management field, teamwork is essential. During the interview, be prepared to discuss how you work within a team and foster a collaborative environment. Share success stories where teamwork led to a positive outcome, emphasising how you built relationships and encouraged participation among team members to achieve a common goal.
