At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire a dynamic team to deliver engaging outdoor activities.
- Company: Join Pinkston Watersports, a vibrant community hub in Glasgow.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, 28 days leave, and a progressive leave policy.
- Other info: Be part of a passionate team dedicated to building stronger communities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the community while having fun outdoors.
- Qualifications: Experience in outdoor programmes and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 29500 - 34750 £ per year.
Full Time: 37.5 hours per week, flexible across 7 days.
Location: Glasgow G4 9XP, site based. No homeworking required.
Salary: £29,500 to £34,750
Annual Leave: 28 days annual leave, plus progressive leave policy.
About Pinkston Watersports
Pinkston Watersports operates a unique self-sustaining charity and urban community sports hub located close to the city centre. Pinkston is home to Scotland’s only artificial white-water course alongside a large clean water canal basin. We deliver a diverse and dynamic programme of activity: from public sessions and school engagement to community programmes, paddlesport development, and national-level training for rescue services. We are open year-round and are driven by a clear purpose to build stronger communities through activity, opportunity, and connection.
Role Purpose
The Activities Manager is responsible for the planning, development, and delivery of activity programmes at Pinkston, ensuring they are safe, engaging, inclusive, and commercially effective. You will lead and develop the instructional team, oversee programme planning across the year, and ensure that everything we deliver reflects our values and commitment to excellence. You will play a key role in balancing community impact with financial sustainability, while maintaining the highest standards of safety and customer experience.
Key Responsibilities
- Support, develop and deliver a fantastic customer experience
- Oversee the management, maintenance, and safe use of all equipment and facilities
- Lead, inspire, and support the instructional team, setting high standards through visible, hands-on leadership
- Collaborate with the core team on the planning and delivery of the annual activity programme across all the business areas
- Develop, review, and maintain activity risk assessments and operating procedures
- Ensure compliance with all relevant safety standards including AALA requirements
- Support development & delivery of creative and impactful youth programmes, including wellbeing, employability, and alternative education initiatives
- Maintain strong oversight across scheduling, systems, and communication platforms
Skills, Experience and Qualifications
Essential
- Proven experience in delivering and managing outdoor or activity-based programmes
- Experience delivering progressive Kayak, Canoe and SUP sessions on sheltered water
- Strong leadership skills with the ability to inspire, motivate, and develop a team
- Excellent organisational skills with strong attention to detail
- Ability to balance operational delivery with strategic planning
- Strong understanding of health & safety in an outdoor activity environment
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- NGB Paddlesport Qualifications
- Experience in the use of Microsoft Office 365 and other programmes
- Qualifications BC Paddlesport Instructor (Or equivalent)
- BC White Water Leader (assessed), with experience delivering on artificial courses and/or natural rivers or, a higher level of qualification
- BC Coach Award (any discipline)
- BC White Water Safety & Rescue Training (WWSR)
- 16 Hour Outdoor First Aid Qualification
- Safeguarding / Child Protection
Desirable
- Degree or further education in a relevant discipline
- Experience in a multi-activity or watersports centre
- Knowledge of AALA licensing and compliance
- Experience working with young people and community programmes
- Understanding of the third sector or social enterprise
- Experience using evaluation and impact data
- Land based activities – Archery, Bushcraft, Team Building
- Full Driving Licence
- D1E Licence
- Leadership and coaching, youthwork qualifications or other relevant experience
Our Values
The successful candidate will actively embody and promote Pinkston Watersports’ values:
- We value the inherent rights of every child - in all that we do is within the UNCRC framework and in our safeguarding practices
- We value Fun – Enjoyment is central to everything we do
- We value Blue & Green Spaces – Supporting health and wellbeing through outdoor environments
- We value Learning through Challenge & Reflection
- We value Community Strength – Building connections and opportunity
- We value Safe Practice – Safety underpins every experience
- We value Good Stewardship – Responsible use of our resources
- We value Water Safety Training and Competitive Sport
Additional Information
This role reflects the dynamic and evolving nature of Pinkston Watersports. As a small, ambitious, and busy centre, responsibilities will naturally develop over time. The successful candidate will be expected to contribute flexibly, respond positively to new challenges, and play an active role in shaping how we grow and improve. We are looking for someone who combines energy, attention to detail, and strong leadership presence, a self-starter who takes ownership of their work and manages their time effectively. You will be equally comfortable planning ahead and responding to the immediate needs of the day, stepping in wherever required to ensure the smooth running of the centre. A willingness to get stuck in, supporting others, and lead by example is essential. This is a hands-on role where no two days are the same. The right person will take pride in delivering exceptional experiences while helping to shape the future of Pinkston, bringing a positive, proactive approach to both people and programmes.
If you’re passionate about people, community, and purposeful work, we’d love to hear from you.
Reports to Centre Manager.
Application Notes
Please see the full Job Description, for further information and application information is available on our website. Research shows that many talented individuals may hesitate to apply for jobs unless they feel they meet every single criterion. At Pinkston Watersports, we value diverse experiences and perspectives. If you are interested in this role and believe you have much to contribute, we encourage you to apply, even if your background doesn’t match every requirement. Please tell us what makes you the ideal candidate.
Corporate Responsibility
Always Promote Pinkston Watersports positively and professionally. Deliver excellent customer service and uphold strong professional standards. Commit to equality, inclusion, and safeguarding in all areas of work. Pinkston is an equal opportunities employer and committed to safeguarding principles. We expect our staff to share our commitment. An offer of employment is subject to PVG and 2 satisfactory references.
Activities Manager employer: Glasgow Watersports Ltd
Pinkston Watersports is an exceptional employer located in the heart of Glasgow, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises community engagement and personal development. With a commitment to building stronger communities through activity, employees benefit from a supportive environment, flexible working hours, and opportunities for professional growth within a unique urban sports hub. Join us in delivering impactful programmes while enjoying 28 days of annual leave and a progressive leave policy, all while being part of a passionate team dedicated to making a difference.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Activities Manager
✨Get Involved in Local Sports Communities
Dive into your local sports scene! Attend community games, coaching sessions, and meet-ups. Building relationships with coaches and team managers can help you uncover job opportunities before they even hit the job boards.
✨Leverage Internships and Volunteering
Even though you’re after a full-time role, don’t underestimate internships or volunteering in sports organisations. These positions not only give you hands-on experience but can also lead to permanent openings. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to make your face known in the industry!
✨Visit Sports Job Fairs
Keep an eye out for sports job fairs and career expos specific to the recreation management field. These events are goldmines for meeting hiring managers from organisations like Glasgow Watersports Ltd. Bring your A-game and be ready to chat about how you can contribute to their team!
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don't forget to check out openings on our site! Our listings will often include positions at excellent organisations in sports recreation management, including Glasgow Watersports Ltd. Applying directly through our platform increases your chances of getting noticed by recruiters. Let's get you that dream job!
We think you need these skills to ace Activities Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Passion for Sports:In your cover letter, let your enthusiasm for sports and recreation shine through! We want to see your genuine interest in the industry and how it's shaped your career choices. Sharing specific experiences, like managing a team or organising an event, can really make you stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:When crafting your CV, focus on any relevant internships, volunteer work, or part-time jobs related to sports and recreation management. Make sure to quantify your achievements – did you increase team participation by a certain percentage or successfully lead a project? Numbers speak volumes!
Tailor Your CV for Sports Management:Use a CV format that emphasises your skills in leadership, teamwork, and event coordination. Don’t forget to include specific training or certifications that relate to sports management, as these can set you apart from other applicants. We love seeing candidates with relevant qualifications!
Express Your Long-Term Goals:In your application, we want to see your career aspirations in sports management. Don’t hesitate to include how you envision your future in this industry and how joining Glasgow Watersports Ltd aligns with those goals. We’re looking for candidates who are not just a perfect fit for the role but are also excited about growing with us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Glasgow Watersports Ltd
✨Highlight Your Passion for Sports
When chatting with Glasgow Watersports Ltd, make sure to express your genuine love for sports and recreation. Share experiences that showcase your passion, whether it's managing a local sports team, organising events, or simply being an active participant in various activities. This helps them see you're not just a fit on paper, but also someone who truly cares about the field.
✨Showcase Your Management Skills
This role is all about managing resources and people, so be ready to discuss your leadership and organisational skills. Prepare some examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led a team or managed a project, particularly in a sports or recreation setting. Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) technique to make your answers concise and impactful.
✨Be Prepared for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect case studies or scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving and decision-making skills. You might be asked how you would handle a tricky situation, such as resolving a conflict between team members or managing a crisis during a major event. Think through these scenarios and practice how you’d articulate your thought process and solutions.
✨Demonstrate Enthusiasm for Team Collaboration
In the sports and recreation management field, teamwork is essential. During the interview, be prepared to discuss how you work within a team and foster a collaborative environment. Share success stories where teamwork led to a positive outcome, emphasising how you built relationships and encouraged participation among team members to achieve a common goal.
