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, healthcare plans, generous leave, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with a focus on innovation and personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a positive impact in your community while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: 2+ years in operational management; strong leadership and communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 32000 £ per year.
Hours: 40 per week
Location: Waterlooville
Salary: £30,000 - £32,000 per annum
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. 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 act as the operational bridge between teams and senior leadership, ensuring clarity, consistency and accountability across all areas of the business.
What does the role involve?
- 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‑modeling 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.
Your Experience
- 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.
Qualifications
Essential Qualifications
- National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ), or willingness to achieve within the first 3 months.
Desirable Qualifications
- First Aid at Work
- Pool Plant Operator Certificate
- RLSS Trainer Assessor
- IOSH Managing Safely or equivalent
- Level 3+ Leadership or Management qualification
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 Waterlooville but will be expected to travel to other company sites 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. The successful candidate will be subject to an Enhanced DBS check. There may be times when due to the volume of applicants to need to close a vacancy early to avoid disappointment, be sure to get your application in as soon as possible!
Operations Manager in Waterlooville employer: Horizon Leisure Centres
Horizon Leisure Centres is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee growth and community impact, offering a dynamic work environment in Waterlooville. With a strong commitment to health and wellbeing, employees benefit from comprehensive training, generous leave policies, and a supportive culture that encourages innovation and collaboration. Join us to make a meaningful difference while enjoying perks like free gym access, healthcare support, and opportunities for career advancement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Manager in Waterlooville
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company inside out! Research Horizon's mission and values, and think about how your experience aligns with their community-focused approach. This will help you stand out in interviews and show that you're genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or attend local events related to leisure and community services. Building relationships can give you insider info and might even lead to a referral!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those tricky interview questions! Think about examples from your past roles where you've demonstrated leadership, problem-solving, and customer service. Practising your responses will help you feel more confident when it counts.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression and shows your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it keeps you on their radar as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Manager in Waterlooville
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Operations Manager role. Highlight your leadership experience and operational management skills, as these are key to what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about health and wellbeing and how you can contribute to our mission at Horizon. Be genuine and let your personality come through.
Showcase Your Achievements:When detailing your past roles, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to lead teams and improve operations. Numbers and results speak volumes, so don’t shy away from sharing them!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role and our values there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Horizon Leisure Centres
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you understand Horizon's mission and values. Familiarise yourself with their community initiatives and how they impact local health and wellbeing. This will show your genuine interest in the role and help you connect your experience to their goals.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As an Operations Manager, you'll need to demonstrate strong leadership. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams, managed operations, and made decisions under pressure. Be ready to discuss specific situations where you improved performance or resolved conflicts.
✨Emphasise Customer Focus
Horizon values exceptional customer service. Think of instances where you've gone above and beyond for customers or improved their experience. Be prepared to discuss how you would implement Horizon’s HELLO customer service approach within the team.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few insightful questions ready. Ask about the challenges the team currently faces or how they measure success in this role. This shows your proactive mindset and genuine interest in contributing to the organisation.
