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- Tasks: Lead and inspire teams to enhance leisure centres and cultural venues.
- Company: Join a leading charitable leisure trust dedicated to improving lives.
- Benefits: Electric car, performance bonuses, enhanced pension, and discounted memberships.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in communities while enjoying a supportive work environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in operational management and team leadership in the leisure sector.
- Other info: Flexible working with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
We are looking for an experienced Operations Director to lead the strategic and operational performance of our leisure centres and cultural venues. You will lead Regional Managers, drive commercial results, ensure exceptional service delivery and play a key role in shaping our organisational strategy as part of the Executive Team.
Responsibilities:
- Lead, support and develop Regional Managers to achieve financial and operational targets.
- Ensure high-quality service delivery and well-maintained facilities across all centres.
- Drive customer-focused programming and ensure services reflect our Diversity & Inclusion commitments.
- Act as a senior liaison with local authority partners and maintain strong contract performance.
- Participate fully in the Executive Team decision-making processes.
- Contribute to business planning, strategic development and tender submissions.
- Champion positive leadership, clear communication and a high-performance culture across your teams.
The successful candidate will have significant experience in operational management within the leisure sector, along with the ability to build, lead and motivate high-performing teams. You will also have experience of business planning, developing operational strategy and playing a key role in tender processes and contract mobilisation.
Well-developed interpersonal skills, able to negotiate and influence people both internally and externally. Team-oriented approach; able to work across organisation boundaries and demonstrate interest in and be supportive of colleagues. Able to work flexibly with a high level of autonomy. Mobility to travel across sites. Good communication and presentation skills; able to think on your feet and respond to difficult questions. Excellent time management skills - able to deal with a number of priorities at once and keep total workload in hand. A self-starter who inspires others with their passion and energy. Education to degree level or equivalent is advantageous but not essential.
About us:
As one of the UK’s leading charitable leisure trusts, we are proud of our mission of Improving Lives Through Leisure. We are 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 are all about delivering amazing customer service and creating spaces where people feel at home, supported and inspired. We want you to love coming to work, feeling healthy, happy and valued.
Benefits:
- Company electric car plus car allowance
- Up to 10% of annual salary Discretionary Performance Bonus Scheme
- Company pension with enhanced employer contribution rates
- Contribution towards private medical insurance
- My Staff Shop; our very own staff benefit scheme, gives employees access to a great range of benefits.
- Discounted Staff membership (including family members)
- Incremental holidays
Operations Director - Full Time in Guildford employer: Freedom Leisure
Contact Detail:
Freedom Leisure Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Director - Full Time in Guildford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the leisure sector and let them know you're on the hunt for an Operations Director role. 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 commitment to Diversity & Inclusion and think about how you can contribute to that mission. Tailor your responses to show how your experience aligns with their goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! During interviews, share specific examples of how you've led teams to success in previous roles. Highlight your ability to motivate others and drive commercial results, as this is key for the Operations Director position.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our mission of Improving Lives Through Leisure.
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Director - Full Time in Guildford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Operations Director role. Highlight your experience in operational management within the leisure sector and how it aligns with our mission of Improving Lives Through Leisure.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: We want to see how you’ve led and developed teams in the past. Share specific examples of how you've motivated high-performing teams and driven commercial results, as this is key for us.
Demonstrate Your Customer Focus: Since we’re all about delivering amazing customer service, include examples of how you’ve implemented customer-focused programming or improved service delivery in your previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Freedom Leisure
✨Know Your Operations Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the operations of leisure centres and cultural venues. Familiarise yourself with their strategic goals, recent projects, and any challenges they face. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you articulate how your experience aligns with their needs.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Be prepared to discuss your approach to leading and developing teams. Think of specific examples where you've motivated high-performing teams or improved service delivery. Highlight your ability to foster a positive culture and how you’ve championed diversity and inclusion in past roles.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to think on your feet. Prepare scenarios related to operational challenges, customer service issues, or contract negotiations. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses effectively.
✨Engage with the Executive Team Mindset
Since you'll be part of the Executive Team, demonstrate your understanding of strategic decision-making. Be ready to discuss how you would contribute to business planning and tender submissions. Show that you can think beyond day-to-day operations and align with the organisation's long-term vision.
