At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead operations at a vibrant leisure centre, ensuring safety and exceptional service.
- Company: Join Freedom Leisure, a top charitable trust focused on community well-being.
- Benefits: Enjoy a supportive environment with training, career growth, and a positive team culture.
- Other info: Flexible shifts with opportunities to inspire and mentor a dynamic team.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in your community while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in leisure management and a passion for customer service.
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. You don’t need to be an expert to get started - we’ll give you all the training and support you need. 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 exciting opportunity has arisen to form part of our Senior Management Team as the Operations Manager at Guildford Spectrum, one of the largest and most unique leisure centres in the UK.
In this key leadership role, you will be responsible for overseeing health, safety and compliance, ensuring the effective day to day operational management of the facility. You will lead on the development and implementation of innovative operational solutions that enhance service delivery across the centre. You will play an integral role in maintaining operational excellence throughout the centre.
In addition, you will provide comprehensive support, training and development to Heads of Developments, enabling you to coach, mentor and inspire them to deliver exceptional standards. You will also contribute to the ongoing development of the customer journey and overall member experience, helping to drive participation and income. As a member of the Senior Management Team, you will contribute to the wider strategic direction of the centre.
All management roles operate within a shift rota, and you will be responsible for managing the Duty Manager rota while also undertaking Duty Manager responsibilities on a rota basis, including evenings and weekends. You should currently be working at Assistant Manager level or above within a medium to large leisure operation.
We are seeking individuals who can effectively balance multiple priorities, build and motivate high performing teams and demonstrate a genuine passion for leisure. The ability to work under pressure and deliver to tight deadlines is essential. We are committed to ensuring both our colleagues and customers to have the best possible experience. If this sounds like the perfect next step for you, we would love to hear from you.
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 you are interested.
Hours: 37 hours a week, Monday to Sunday
Required skills: Coaching, Compliance, Customer Service, Leadership, Strategic Planning, Mentoring
Required languages: English
Operations Manager - Full Time - Guildford Spectrum employer: Freedom Leisure
At Freedom Leisure, we pride ourselves on being a leading charitable leisure trust that prioritises the well-being of our communities. Our vibrant work culture fosters inclusivity and support, ensuring every team member feels valued and empowered to grow within their roles. With extensive training opportunities and a commitment to delivering exceptional customer experiences, joining us as an Operations Manager at Guildford Spectrum means becoming part of a passionate team dedicated to making a positive impact in people's lives.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Manager - Full Time - Guildford Spectrum
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the leisure industry, especially those who work at Freedom Leisure. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insider info about the Operations Manager role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching Freedom Leisure’s values and mission. Show us how your passion for improving lives through leisure aligns with our goals. We love seeing candidates who genuinely care about making a difference!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your leadership stories! Think of examples where you've successfully led teams or improved customer experiences. We want to hear how you’ve made an impact in your previous roles, so be ready to share those moments.
✨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 us you’re serious about joining our team and contributing to our mission of creating welcoming spaces for everyone.
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Manager - Full Time - Guildford Spectrum
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:Let your enthusiasm for leisure shine through in your application! We want to see how much you care about creating great experiences and helping others feel good. Share any relevant experiences that highlight your passion for the industry.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Operations Manager role. Highlight your leadership skills, experience in managing teams, and any innovative solutions you've implemented in previous roles. We love seeing how you can bring value to our team!
Craft a Personal Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell us why you're the perfect fit for Freedom Leisure. Be personal, be genuine, and connect your experiences to our mission of Improving Lives Through Leisure. We want to know what makes you tick!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our amazing team at Guildford Spectrum. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Freedom Leisure
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you understand Freedom Leisure's mission and values. Familiarise yourself with their approach to customer service and community engagement. This will help you demonstrate your alignment with their goals and show that you're genuinely interested in making a positive impact.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As an Operations Manager, you'll need to lead and inspire teams. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past, focusing on coaching and mentoring. Highlight any innovative solutions you've implemented that improved service delivery or operational efficiency.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your ability to handle pressure and manage multiple priorities. Think of specific situations where you've had to balance competing demands or resolve conflicts. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses clearly.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few insightful questions ready. Inquire about the team dynamics, ongoing training opportunities, or how they measure success in the role. This shows your enthusiasm for the position and helps you gauge if it's the right fit for you.
