At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage Sandwich Leisure Centre, driving business performance and community engagement.
- Company: Freedom Leisure, a charitable trust improving lives through leisure across 130 centres.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, discounts on leisure activities, and fully funded training opportunities.
- Other info: Join a supportive team with excellent career progression and a commitment to safeguarding.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in your community while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: 3+ years in leisure management with a passion for customer service and team development.
The predicted salary is between 28051 - 28051 £ per year.
Freedom Leisure is a leading charitable leisure trust dedicated to improving lives through leisure. We operate over 130 centres across England and Wales, offering gyms, swimming pools, and cultural facilities.
We are looking for an experienced and entrepreneurial Manager to lead Sandwich Leisure Centre, one of our premier facilities in Kent. The role demands strong financial acumen, commercial awareness, people management, and community engagement.
Responsibilities
- Business & Sales Management – Own business performance, budget, and cost‑centre outcomes, drive sales, develop business plans, and lead staff to achieve targets.
- Operational Management – Ensure operational excellence, maintain record‑keeping, and provide safe, welcoming environments across all activities.
- People Management – Recruit, support, and develop a high‑performance team, fostering a culture that delivers outstanding customer service.
Requirements
- At least 3 years’ experience in leisure facilities.
- Proven ability to grow membership, activity and attendance.
- Responsibility for centre income and expenditure.
- Lead contact at site reporting to the Area Manager.
- Strict adherence to Freedom Leisure Policies, Procedures and Processes.
- Management of site audit processes.
- Production of operational reports and KPI analysis.
- Experience in staff training and development.
- Passion for the industry demonstrated through continuous professional development.
Hours
37 hours a week, Monday to Sunday.
Salary
Up to £28,051 per annum.
Benefits
- Staff shop with discounts on cinema tickets, travel, e‑vouchers, gift cards, and leisure activities.
- Discounted staff membership (incl. family).
- Incremental holidays.
- Employee Assistance Programme – confidential, independent counselling.
- Company pension.
- Insurance and savings schemes.
- Financial advice.
- Cycle‑to‑work and car leasing tax‑efficient schemes (salaried staff only).
- Fully funded training and career progression opportunities.
Freedom Leisure is 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.
General Manager - Full Time - Sandwich Leisure Centre in Stone employer: Freedom Leisure
Contact Detail:
Freedom Leisure Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land General Manager - Full Time - Sandwich Leisure Centre in Stone
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the leisure industry, attend local events, and engage with community groups. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your passion! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to express your enthusiasm for the leisure sector. Share your ideas on how you can improve their facilities and engage the community.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching Freedom Leisure and its values. Understand their mission and think about how your experience aligns with their goals. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly gets what they’re about.
✨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 serious about joining the Freedom Leisure team and making a difference in the community.
We think you need these skills to ace General Manager - Full Time - Sandwich Leisure Centre in Stone
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experience that match the General Manager role. Highlight your financial acumen, people management skills, and any relevant achievements in leisure facilities.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about leading a leisure centre and how your entrepreneurial spirit can drive success at Sandwich Leisure Centre.
Showcase Your Community Engagement: We love candidates who understand the importance of community! Share examples of how you've engaged with local communities in previous roles and how you plan to do the same at our centre.
Apply Through Our Website: To make sure your application gets the attention it deserves, apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to see your enthusiasm and commitment to joining the Freedom Leisure family!
How to prepare for a job interview at Freedom Leisure
✨Know Your Numbers
As a General Manager, you'll need to demonstrate strong financial acumen. Brush up on your budget management skills and be ready to discuss how you've successfully driven sales and improved financial performance in previous roles.
✨Showcase Your People Skills
People management is key for this role. Prepare examples of how you've recruited, trained, and developed high-performance teams. Highlight any initiatives you've led that fostered a positive culture and outstanding customer service.
✨Understand the Community
Freedom Leisure values community engagement. Research the Sandwich area and think about how you can connect the leisure centre with local needs. Be prepared to share ideas on how to increase membership and attendance through community involvement.
✨Operational Excellence is a Must
Operational management is crucial for this position. Familiarise yourself with best practices in maintaining safe and welcoming environments. Be ready to discuss how you've ensured operational excellence in past roles, including any experience with audits and KPI analysis.