At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire teams to enhance community wellbeing through leisure activities.
- Company: Join Freedom Leisure, a not-for-profit dedicated to improving local lives.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, pension, discounts, and fully funded training.
- Other info: Flexible working hours with opportunities for career progression.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in operations management and a passion for leisure services.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 40000 £ per year.
Do you want to make a difference within your local community, supporting people to improve their lives through leisure? If you feel driven to inspire people to be more active, improve their wellbeing and would like a job that will make a real difference to local people’s lives then Freedom Leisure is the place for you!
We are a not-for-profit leisure trust with a strong purpose and commitment to support our local communities and hard-to-reach groups encouraging them to become more active, contributing to improved lives. From swimming lessons to walking football and everything in-between, we are driven to provide fun and welcoming sessions to support the whole community to be active, both within our leisure centres and in the local community.
We are looking for a Multi-Site General Manager to join our team. The role will provide inspirational leadership along with business and community focus, delivering the Freedom leisure business plan and ethos across the leisure facilities in the Arun District. We are looking for a Manager with proven entrepreneurial ability, financial acumen, who has a passion for high standards and can demonstrate a history of taking ownership and delivering results. You will have excellent commercial awareness which you can translate into the successful running of popular Leisure Centres. The ability to drive sales/income and manage expenditure are key qualities for this role. Other key qualities include the ability to lead, motivate and support the centre team and to work with internal and external customers/stakeholders/local community.
Your responsibilities will be varied and include:
- Business & Sales Management: Accountability for the business, budgetary and cost centre performance across both Centres. Ensuring that sales are driven forward, developing the business plan and leading colleagues to achieve key performance targets.
- Operational Management: Leading the team to ensure excellent operational standards and record keeping is in place. Working with the team to provide all activities in a safe and welcoming environment.
- People Management: Managing and recruiting a team where necessary, to deliver an exciting leisure offering to the highest standards, so that the service delivers the financial performance in line with the bid proposal, and deliver our services in a way to engage with the whole community. Provide the necessary support and leadership to colleagues for ongoing management and development.
You should have the necessary skills and experience to lead both Centres and engage with the local community. The person 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 colleagues and have a passion for the leisure and cultural services and events. The ability to deliver on tight deadlines under pressure is absolutely essential.
We want our employees and customers to have the best experience possible. So, if this sounds like you, we want to hear from you.
This role will be based between Littlehampton Wave & The Windmill Entertainment Centre, you will need to be able to travel across these sites.
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 per week, Monday - Sunday (rota basis)
Requirements:
- Experience of problem solving, customer service and staff management
- At least three years in an operation management (or equivalent) role in a leisure environment
- A high awareness of industry developments, new activities, trends and research
- An ability to lead and motivate a staff team
- Commercial awareness which translates into a successful and financially viable operation
- IT skills including the ability to produce and interpret reports and data
- Communication skills, demonstrated both verbally and in writing
- Time management skills - able to deal with a number of priorities at once
- Ability to present information confidently to individuals and groups
- Strong people management skills
- Team orientated approach, able to work across organisation boundaries, demonstrate interest and be supportive of the work of staff and colleagues
- To be able to work flexibly with a good level of autonomy
- Mobility to travel across sites
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?
- Company pension
- Cycle-to-work and car leasing tax-efficient schemes
- Discounted staff membership (including family members)
- Employee Assistance Programme: 24/7 confidential, independent and professional counselling
- Financial advice
- Incremental annual leave entitlement
- My Staff Shop employee benefits scheme, offering discounts on cinema tickets, travel, high street e-vouchers, gift cards, days out, leisure activities and everyday spending
- Fully funded training and development, with career progression opportunities
- Various insurance and savings schemes
Closing Date: 20th November 2026
Salary: Up to £40,000 per annum
At Freedom Leisure, we believe a diverse workforce strengthens our organisation and enhances the services we provide. We welcome applications from suitably qualified candidates regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.
Multi-Site General Manager - Full Time - Littlehampton Wave in Rustington employer: Freedom Leisure
Freedom Leisure is an exceptional employer that fosters a positive work environment where every team member is valued and supported. With flexible working hours and a commitment to employee growth, you can thrive in a role that not only allows you to make a real impact in the community but also offers numerous benefits such as discounted memberships and a comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme. Join us in Swansea and be part of a team dedicated to improving lives through leisure, where your passion for helping others will be truly appreciated.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Multi-Site General Manager - Full Time - Littlehampton Wave in Rustington
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!
✨Network at Food Festivals
Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like Freedom Leisure. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Freedom Leisure
Don't be shy about reaching out to Freedom Leisure directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Multi-Site General Manager - Full Time - Littlehampton Wave in Rustington
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.
Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about Freedom Leisure and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!
How to prepare for a job interview at Freedom Leisure
✨Show Your People Skills
In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'
✨Get Ready for a Practical Test
In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!