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- Tasks: Lead and motivate staff while managing operations at the Stour Centre.
- Company: Join Freedom Leisure, a leading charitable leisure trust in the UK.
- Benefits: Enjoy a supportive workplace with opportunities for career growth and development.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with a focus on inclusivity and community support.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on community health and happiness every day.
- Qualifications: Strong people management skills and experience in customer service and staff management.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
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, 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, organisational, 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
Operations Manager - Full Time - The Stour Centre in Kent employer: Freedom Leisure
Contact Detail:
Freedom Leisure Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Manager - Full Time - The Stour Centre in Kent
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company culture! Before your interview, check out Freedom Leisure's social media and website. Understanding their vibe will help you connect with the team and show that you're genuinely interested in making a positive impact.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your people skills! As an Operations Manager, you'll be leading a team and interacting with customers daily. Role-play common scenarios with a friend to boost your confidence and showcase your problem-solving abilities during the interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare some questions! Show your enthusiasm by asking about the team's goals or how they measure success at the Stour Centre. This not only demonstrates your interest but also helps you gauge if it's the right fit for you.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We want to see your application as soon as possible, especially since this role might close early if we get a lot of interest. Don’t wait around – take that step towards joining the Freedom Leisure family!
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Manager - Full Time - The Stour Centre in Kent
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm for the leisure and cultural sector shine through in your application. We want to see how your passion aligns with our mission of improving lives through leisure, so don’t hold back!
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience and skills that match the Operations Manager role. We’re looking for strong people management skills and a knack for problem-solving, so showcase those experiences clearly.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to tell us why you’re the perfect fit for our team. Share specific examples of how you’ve motivated staff or improved customer service in previous roles – we love a good story!
Apply Early: Don’t wait until the last minute! If you’re interested in joining us at Freedom Leisure, apply as soon as possible. We might close the application process early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.
How to prepare for a job interview at Freedom Leisure
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into Freedom Leisure's mission and values. Understand how they aim to improve lives through leisure and think about how your experience aligns with their goals. This will show that you're not just interested in the role, but also in making a positive impact.
✨Showcase Your People Skills
As an Operations Manager, you'll be leading a team, so be ready to discuss your people management skills. Prepare examples of how you've motivated staff or resolved conflicts in the past. Highlighting your ability to create a supportive environment will resonate well with their focus on community.
✨Demonstrate Problem-Solving Prowess
Expect questions about how you handle tight deadlines and pressure. Think of specific situations where you've successfully navigated challenges in a fast-paced environment. This will illustrate your capability to keep operations running smoothly, which is crucial for the role.
✨Stay Current with Industry Trends
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in leisure and cultural services. Be prepared to discuss how these developments could benefit Freedom Leisure. Showing that you're proactive about continuous professional development will highlight your passion for the industry.