Operations Manager - Full Time - The Stour Centre in Ashford

Join the Energy at Freedom Leisure – Do Good Feel Good! At Freedom Leisure, we’re all about positive vibes, great people and making a real impact. Yes, we run leisure and cultural facilities, gyms, and swimming pools - but at the heart of it all, it’s our people who make the difference.

As one of the UK’s leading charitable leisure trusts, we’re proud of our mission of Improving Lives Through Leisure. We’re here to help communities live healthier, happier lives by making our centres welcoming, inclusive and accessible to everyone - because everyone deserves to feel good. We’re all about delivering amazing customer service with a smile - every single day. We create spaces where people feel at home, supported and inspired. If you’re passionate about helping others and love creating great experiences, you’ll feel right at home with us.

With over 130 centres across England and Wales, there’s loads of room to grow. Many of our team have built amazing careers doing what they love, helping customers day-to-day and making people feel good. We’re proud to be a workplace where everyone is welcome, valued and supported to thrive - because when our team reflects the communities we serve, we all grow stronger together.

An outstanding opportunity has arisen to form part of our Senior Management Team as the Operations Manager at the Stour Centre in Ashford working for Freedom Leisure, one of the fastest growing and successful leisure and cultural trusts in the UK.

The Operations Manager will specifically take the lead on health & safety, facility management, cleaning and quality management of the whole centre as well as taking a lead on the management of the poolside operation including the staff team. The post holder will be part of the Centre Management team and contribute to the overall direction of the centre. All management roles will also be part of the shift rota and will be required to work Duty Manager shifts throughout the week including weekends and evenings.

You should already be working at Assistant Manager level or higher within a medium to large operation. The people we are looking for will have the ability to manage a number of priorities at the same time; will be able to build, lead and motivate staff and have a passion for the leisure and cultural services and events. The ability to deliver on tight deadlines under pressure is absolutely essential.

In the event that a high volume of suitable applications are received, the post may close prior to the specified closing date. Please apply as soon as possible if interested.

Hours: 37 hours a week, Monday to Sunday (Rota basis)

Requirements:

• Strong people management skills
• Experience of problem solving, organizational, customer service and staff management
• An understanding of identifying staff training and development requirements and identifying development opportunities
• A high awareness of industry developments, new initiatives, trends and research
• Commercial awareness which translates into contributing to a successful and financially viable operation
• A passion for the industry demonstrated through continuous professional development
• Good computer skills and understanding including Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint & Outlook
• Team orientated approach, able to work across organisation boundaries and demonstrate interest and be supportive of the work of staff and colleagues
• Excellent time management skills - able to deal with a number of priorities at once
• Good communication skills
• To be able to work flexibly with a level of autonomy and decision making confidence
• Current Pool Plant Operators Certificate (Desirable)
• NPLQ Qualification (Desirable)

Benefits:

We want you to love coming to work, feeling healthy, happy and valued. That's why we've developed a benefits package with you in mind, so what can we offer you?

• My Staff Shop, our very own staff benefit scheme, gives employees access to a great range of benefits. Get discounts on cinema tickets, travel bookings, high street e-vouchers, gift cards, days out, leisure activities and your day to day spending.
• Discounted Staff membership (including family members)
• Incremental holidays
• 24/7 / Employee Assistance Programme - 24/7 confidential, independent and professional counselling.
• Company pension
• Various insurance and saving schemes
• Financial advice
• Cycle-to-work and Car Leasing tax-efficient schemes (salaried staff only, depending on earnings).
• All this as well as fully funded training and career progression opportunities in a team working environment

Closing date: 22nd May 2026

Salary: up to £27,128 per annum

Freedom Leisure is proud to be an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults, and we expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.