Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead daily operations and ensure high standards at our leisure centres.
- Company: Join Horizon Leisure Centres, a community-focused organisation passionate about health and wellbeing.
- Benefits: Enjoy free gym access, employee discounts, healthcare plans, and generous leave.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in your community while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: 2+ years in operational management; customer-focused experience preferred.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with opportunities for growth and innovation.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 28000 ÂŁ per year.
Hours: 37.5
Location: Havant
Salary: ÂŁ30,000 - ÂŁ32,000
Looking for a workplace that ignites your passion, values respect, encourages innovation, and embraces being dynamic? This role offers you the opportunity to join a team that believes in empowering its colleagues to unlock their full potential with Horizon.
The Trust
Horizon Leisure Centres is a leisure trust operating since 1997, with centres in Waterlooville, Havant and Guildford. We are passionate about health and wellbeing and are committed to making an outstanding positive impact on our customers and within our local community. Our mission is to support and inspire our local communities to live healthier and happier lives by providing affordable access to sport and leisure facilities to all.
The Role
As Operations Manager, you will be the General Manager’s key operational partner and trusted deputy, playing a critical leadership role in ensuring the safe, efficient, and high-performing operation of our leisure centres. Based at Havant, you will take ownership of day-to-day operations, lead Duty Management and operational teams, and ensure Horizon’s standards are consistently delivered. In the absence of the General Manager, you will assume full responsibility for site leadership, providing clear direction, confident decision-making, and operational continuity. This role is ideal for an experienced operational leader ready to step into a senior position within a charitable, community-focused organisation.
You will work in close partnership with:
- The General Manager
- Duty Managers
- Operational and front-line teams
You will act as the operational bridge between teams and senior leadership, ensuring clarity, consistency, and accountability across all areas of the business.
What you can expect from us
- A comprehensive induction and training programme; you don’t need to have worked in the leisure industry before. We will teach you all you need to know!
- Support from the wider team who have a great deal of combined knowledge and experience and who are eager to help you succeed!
- Variety; no two days is the same!
- An environment that encourages innovation and free thinking, surrounded by really dynamic, empowered individuals.
Our ideal candidate
- 2+ years’ experience in an operational management or senior supervisory role, ideally within leisure, fitness, hospitality, or a customer-focused environment.
- Proven experience leading teams, managing complex operations, and maintaining high standards in a fast-paced setting.
- Experience deputising or acting in a senior leadership capacity is highly desirable.
- National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ), or willingness to achieve within the first 3 months.
Main focus of the role
- Deputy Leadership & Accountability
- Act as the right-hand person to the General Manager, supporting strategic priorities and translating them into effective operational delivery.
- Deputise fully for the General Manager during periods of absence, assuming responsibility for leadership, decision-making, and site performance.
- Represent the centre at leadership meetings when required, contributing confidently to discussions and decision-making.
- Operational Excellence
- Lead the day-to-day operational performance of the centres, ensuring safe, efficient, and customer-focused service delivery.
- Drive consistently high standards across all areas, including health & safety, facility presentation, cleanliness, and equipment readiness.
- Ensure full compliance with statutory requirements, Horizon policies, and industry best practice.
- Monitor operational performance, identifying risks, trends, and opportunities for improvement.
- Customer Experience & Community Focus
- Champion Horizon’s HELLO customer service approach, role-modelling exceptional service and setting clear expectations for teams.
- Ensure an inclusive, welcoming, and high-quality experience for all customers, aligned with Horizon’s charitable purpose and community values.
- Actively promote Horizon’s role within the community, supporting initiatives that improve participation and wellbeing.
- People Leadership & Development
- Lead, coach, and develop Duty Managers and operational teams, building capability, confidence, and accountability.
- Support recruitment, onboarding, and succession planning within operational teams.
- Deliver effective performance management, including one-to-ones, attendance management, conduct, and development conversations.
- Create a positive, engaged, and high-performing culture aligned with Horizon’s values.
- Continuous Improvement & Collaboration
- Work collaboratively with the General Managers to drive consistency, share best practice, and implement operational improvements.
- Contribute to wider organisational projects, audits, and service development initiatives.
- Take a proactive, solutions-focused approach to improving systems, processes, and ways of working.
Skills and competencies
- Strong leadership presence with the ability to influence, motivate, and hold teams accountable.
- Confident decision-maker, able to take ownership and act decisively in the General Manager’s absence.
- Excellent communication and relationship-building skills at all levels.
- Highly organised, with strong operational planning and prioritisation skills.
- Strong commercial and operational awareness, balancing quality, safety, and efficiency.
- Proactive, resilient, and solutions-focused, with a continuous improvement mindset.
- Adaptable and flexible, confident working across multiple sites and teams.
- Competent IT user (Microsoft Office and relevant operational systems).
- Customer-focused, values-led, and committed to Horizon’s charitable mission.
What you can expect from us
- A comprehensive induction and training programme; you don’t need to have worked in the leisure industry before. We will teach you all you need to know!
- Support from the wider team who have a great deal of combined knowledge and experience and who are eager to help you succeed!
- Variety; no two days is the same!
- An environment that encourages innovation and free thinking, surrounded by really dynamic, empowered individuals.
Benefits
- Free access to our award-winning gym’s and exercise classes for you and a +1
- Employee discounts and wellbeing platform
- Healthcare Cash plan
- Free 24/7 access to GPs using our SmartHealth plan
- Employee Assistance Programme - support for when you need it most
- 23 days annual leave + 8 days bank holiday
- Internal recognition schemes
- Opportunities for training, development and progression
- Free onsite parking - subject to availability
- Hybrid and family friendly policies
- Generous company sick pay scheme
- Employee referral scheme
- Company pension scheme
- Death in service benefit
- And much more....
This role will be based at Havant but will be expected to travel to other company site as the need requires.
Interview Process
The recruiting manager will review your CV and if shortlisted, you will be invited to a formal interview/assessment process where we will evaluate your suitability for the role. There may be times when due to the volume of applicants the vacancy may close early to avoid disappointment, so please submit your application as soon as possible.
If you are a recruitment agency, please note we operate a PSL and do not take cold calls.
Operations Manager in Havant employer: Horizon Leisure Centres
Contact Detail:
Horizon Leisure Centres Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Manager in Havant
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the leisure industry or related fields. Attend local events or workshops where you can meet potential employers and showcase your passion for operations management.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research Horizon Leisure Centres thoroughly, understand their mission, and think about how your experience aligns with their values. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to their community-focused goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your leadership skills! During interviews, share specific examples of how you've successfully led teams or improved operations in previous roles. This will demonstrate your capability to step into the Operations Manager role confidently.
✨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 genuinely interested in being part of the Horizon team and its mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Manager in Havant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experience that match the Operations Manager role. Highlight your leadership experience and any relevant operational management roles you've held. We want to see how you can bring your unique flair to our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about this role and how your values align with Horizon's mission. Be genuine and let your personality come through – we love seeing the real you!
Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your experience, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to lead teams and manage operations effectively. Numbers and results speak volumes, so don’t be shy about sharing your successes with us!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Horizon Leisure Centres
✨Know Your Operations
Familiarise yourself with the day-to-day operations of leisure centres. Understand the key responsibilities of an Operations Manager and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with managing complex operations and leading teams.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your leadership style and how you've successfully motivated teams in previous roles. Be ready to discuss how you would support the General Manager and step into their shoes when needed.
✨Emphasise Customer Focus
Horizon values customer experience, so think about how you can demonstrate your commitment to exceptional service. Share specific instances where you've improved customer satisfaction or engaged with the community.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and decision-making abilities. Prepare for scenarios related to operational challenges, health and safety compliance, and team management to show you're proactive and solutions-focused.
