At a Glance
- Tasks: Support daily operations across exciting leisure sites and ensure a fantastic customer experience.
- Company: Join a dynamic leisure group with a focus on fun and teamwork.
- Benefits: Full-time role with flexible hours, travel opportunities, and a vibrant work environment.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and to work closely with passionate directors.
- Why this job: Be part of a hands-on team making a real impact in the leisure industry.
- Qualifications: Experience in operations or leisure, strong organisational and people skills required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
We're looking for a General Leisure Manager to help support the day-to-day running of our businesses, including Curve Water Sports, Clip 'n Climb Basildon, Clip 'n Climb Colchester and A12 Fishing Lakes.
This is a varied, hands-on role where no two days are the same.
You'll work closely with the Directors and site management teams to help keep everything running smoothly, support staff, maintain high standards, and ensure our customers have a great experience.
You'll spend time across all sites, helping managers solve problems, coordinating staffing and maintenance, checking standards, supporting compliance, and making sure things get done.
This is not a role where you'll be expected to run the businesses on your own.
The Directors remain actively involved in the day-to-day operation and decision-making of the company.
Instead, we're looking for someone who can provide support, organisation, and oversight to help the whole team work effectively.
The ideal person will be practical, organised, approachable, and confident working with people.
They'll enjoy being out on site, spotting opportunities for improvement, and helping the business continue to grow.
Key Responsibilities
- Support the day-to-day running of all businesses within the group.
- Work closely with site managers and supervisors to keep operations running smoothly.
- Visit sites regularly to check standards, identify issues, and provide support where needed.
- Help solve operational problems and ensure tasks are completed efficiently.
- Keep the Directors informed of any major issues and suggest improvements where appropriate.
- Staff & Team Management
- Prepare and manage staff rotas across the group.
- Support managers with recruitment, inductions, and staff training.
- Help ensure staff qualifications, training records, and compliance requirements are up to date.
- Support managers with attendance issues and day-to-day staff matters.
- Assist with performance management and disciplinary procedures when required.
- Help create a positive working environment across all sites.
- Health & Safety
- Help maintain company policies, procedures, and risk assessments.
- Carry out regular site inspections and compliance checks.
- Ensure health and safety standards are being followed across all locations.
- Help ensure staff training and qualifications remain current.
- Support managers in maintaining a safe environment for staff and customers.
- Help ensure customer and employee information is handled securely and correctly.
- Customer Service
- Assist with customer enquiries, complaints, and feedback when required.
- Help ensure customers, schools, groups, and visitors receive accurate information.
- Maintain operational records and compliance paperwork.
- Provide regular updates to the Directors on site performance and any ongoing issues.
- School & Group Bookings
- Help coordinate school visits, group bookings, and organised activities.
- Ensure staffing and resources are in place for bookings to run smoothly.
- Build positive relationships with schools, community groups, and external organisations.
- Follow up payments and invoices to ensure bookings are paid on time
- Maintenance & Site Upkeep
- Work alongside site managers to coordinate maintenance and repairs.
- Monitor site presentation, cleanliness, and general standards.
- Help plan and coordinate site improvement projects.
- Ensure facilities and equipment remain safe, tidy, and operational.
- Support seasonal set-up and pack-down projects where required.
- Marketing Support
- Work with the marketing team and Directors to support promotions, events, and campaigns.
- Assist with website updates and online communications when required.
- Help identify opportunities to improve customer engagement and increase bookings.
- Business Improvement
- Keep an eye on industry trends and competitor activity.
- Research ideas that could improve operations or customer experience.
- Support the implementation of new projects and approved business initiatives.
- Share ideas and suggestions that could help the business continue to grow.
- Reporting
- Provide regular updates to the Directors.
- Highlight any operational issues, staffing concerns, or opportunities for improvement.
- Assist with planning and coordinating projects across the group.
- Support the wider team in achieving company goals.
- Working Pattern
This is a full-time role working across all JCJ Group Holdings locations.
You'll be expected to travel between sites regularly and maintain a visible presence across the business.
The role is based on a 40-hour working week.
Due to the nature of the business, flexibility is required and occasional evening, weekend and peak-season working may be necessary.
Time off in lieu may be given where appropriate.
What We're Looking For
- Experience in operations, leisure, hospitality, tourism, or a similar environment.
- Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities.
- Good people skills and the confidence to work with managers and teams across different sites.
- A practical, hands‑on approach to problem‑solving.
- Good communication skills and attention to detail.
- An understanding of health and safety and operational compliance.
- A positive attitude and willingness to get involved wherever needed.
- A full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle.
- Reporting Structure
The Leisure Operations Manager reports directly to the Directors and works closely with supervisors across all sites.
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General Manager - Leisure in Colchester employer: Curve Water Sports
At JCJ Group Holdings, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a vibrant and supportive work culture. As a General Manager in Leisure, you'll enjoy a hands-on role with opportunities for professional growth while working closely with a dedicated team across multiple exciting locations. We prioritise employee well-being, offer flexible working arrangements, and encourage innovative ideas to enhance our operations, making it a truly rewarding place to build your career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land General Manager - Leisure in Colchester
✨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 Curve Water Sports. 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 Curve Water Sports. 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 General Manager - Leisure in Colchester
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 Curve Water Sports 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 Curve Water Sports
✨Highlight Your Passion for Sports
When chatting with Curve Water Sports, 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.