Director of Operations in Louth

Director of Operations (9-Month Fixed-Term Contract)

Leisure & Fitness | Louth, Lincolnshire | £65,000 per annum (pro rata)

4Leisure Recruitment is delighted to be supporting a leading charitable leisure trust with the appointment of a Director of Operations on a 9-month fixed-term contract.

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced and values‑driven leisure professional to join an organisation that is passionate about improving health, wellbeing and opportunities for local communities through the delivery of high‑quality leisure, cultural and wellbeing services.

The organisation operates a diverse portfolio of community‑focused facilities and programmes, reinvesting its surpluses back into services, facilities and people. As a trusted partner within the local community, it is committed to creating positive social impact while delivering sustainable and innovative services that support residents to live healthier, happier and more active lives.

The Opportunity

Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer and working as a key member of the Senior Leadership Team, the Director of Operations will provide strategic and operational leadership across a multi‑site leisure portfolio.

Overseeing five facilities, including leisure centres, swimming pools and an active entertainment venue, you will be responsible for ensuring services are safe, financially sustainable, customer‑focused and aligned with the organisation's commitment to community wellbeing.

This role offers the opportunity to influence organisational strategy, lead operational improvement initiatives and further strengthen the impact of services across the communities they serve.

Operational Leadership

• Provide strategic direction and leadership across all leisure facilities.
• Ensure safe, efficient and consistent service delivery across the portfolio.
• Drive operational excellence and continuous improvement.
• Lead and support facility management teams to achieve organisational objectives.

Commercial Performance & Sustainability

• Drive income generation and identify commercial opportunities that support long‑term sustainability.
• Monitor financial performance, budgets and operational efficiencies.
• Balance commercial objectives with community outcomes and customer experience.

People & Culture

• Lead, support and develop Operations Managers and their teams.
• Foster a positive, inclusive and high‑performing culture.
• Promote collaboration, accountability and continuous professional development.

Community Impact & Partnership Working

• Support the delivery of services that improve health, wellbeing and community participation.
• Build strong relationships with local authorities, NGBs, community organisations and key stakeholders.
• Identify opportunities to expand participation, accessibility and engagement across local communities.

Performance & Improvement

• Monitor KPIs and operational performance across all facilities.
• Prepare and present performance reports and recommendations to senior stakeholders.
• Lead projects that improve efficiency, customer satisfaction and service quality.

Health, Safety & Compliance

• Maintain the highest standards of operational safety, compliance and facility management.
• Ensure robust governance, risk management and statutory compliance processes are in place.
• Champion a culture of safety and responsibility throughout the organisation.

Strategic Development

• Contribute to organisational planning and future growth initiatives.
• Support capital and revenue projects, workforce planning and succession development.
• Help shape services that meet the evolving needs of local communities.

About You

We're looking for an established leisure leader with a proven track record of managing and developing multi‑site leisure operations.

You will combine strong commercial awareness with a genuine passion for community‑focused services, demonstrating the ability to deliver both organisational performance and positive social impact.

Essential Experience & Skills

• Minimum five years' management experience within leisure facilities.
• Proven experience leading teams and driving performance across multi‑site operations.
• Strong commercial and financial management experience.
• Experience delivering change management and service improvement initiatives.
• Sound knowledge of leisure facility compliance, health and safety and legislative requirements.
• Strong analytical and reporting capabilities.
• Excellent communication, leadership and stakeholder management skills.
• A proactive, innovative and solutions‑focused approach.

Qualifications

Essential

• IOSH Managing Safely or equivalent HSE‑approved Health & Safety qualification.

Desirable

• Degree‑level qualification or recognised management qualification.
• Pool Plant qualification.
• RLSS NPLQ Trainer Assessor qualification.

The Package

• £65,000 per annum (pro rata)
• 9‑Month Fixed‑Term Contract
• Full‑time position (40 hours per week)
• Company pension scheme
• 20 days annual leave plus bank holidays (pro rata)
• Free use of fitness suites and swimming pools
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements
• Based from a leisure facility in Louth, Lincolnshire

Interested?

This is a fantastic opportunity to join a purpose‑led organisation and play a key role in delivering services that positively impact the health, wellbeing and quality of life of local communities.