Ethos Sports Centre Manager in London

This is an exciting opportunity to lead the day-to-day operation of the Ethos Sports Centre, Imperial College London’s flagship sporting facility. You will be an experienced and highly motivated Centre Manager who can take ownership of the service, inspire and develop a high-performing team, and drive continuous improvements across the customer experience, operational standards and overall performance of the centre. This opportunity will be for a 13-month fixed-term contract to cover sabbatical leave with an expected start date of mid-February 2027.

With responsibility for both wet- and dry-side facilities, you will bring strong experience of managing complex sports or leisure environments, alongside a proven track record of leading people, maintaining high standards of health and safety, and delivering excellent customer service. You will be someone who can hit the ground running, build positive relationships with colleagues and partners, and confidently manage the operational, financial and commercial demands of a busy, high-profile facility. This is a hands-on leadership role where your energy, judgement and desire to improve services will make a visible difference to students, staff, commercial partners and the wider Imperial community.

You will work closely with teams across Imperial to ensure the Ethos Sports Centre operates efficiently, safely and professionally, while continuing to develop its reputation as an outstanding sporting environment. The role is primarily Monday to Friday, with opportunities to work from home following an initial probation period. However, as Centre Manager, you will need to demonstrate the flexibility to provide operational cover across Monday to Sunday when required.

In return, you will have the opportunity to continue your career at a world-leading institution, working within a committed team and contributing to the ongoing development of an exceptional sports service.

What you would be doing:

• Lead, manage and develop the Ethos operational team, including recruitment, training, performance, attendance, appraisals and succession planning.
• Take overall responsibility for the daily operation of the centre, maintaining excellent standards of customer service, cleanliness, hygiene and presentation.
• Manage both wet- and dry-side facilities and activities, including pool plant operations, climbing wall provision, sports spaces, bookings, clubs and events.
• Coordinate staffing rotas and operational activity, ensuring the service is appropriately resourced and responsive to business needs.
• Champion health, safety and legal compliance, including relevant legislation, licensing requirements, COSHH, operating procedures and service standards.
• Build effective relationships with commercial partners, contractors, centre users, Imperial colleagues and external stakeholders.
• Use operational systems and performance data to monitor delivery, report against KPIs and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Manage the operational budget, purchasing, invoicing and commercial use of space, contributing to budget planning and income generation.
• Monitor the condition of the facility and ensure maintenance and repairs are addressed promptly.
• Represent Move and the wider department at meetings, providing specialist advice and support when required.

What we are looking for:

• Significant experience managing a busy sports, leisure or comparable facilities environment, with experience across both wet- and dry-side operations.
• A proven track record of leading, managing and developing teams to deliver high standards of service and operational performance.
• Strong knowledge of health and safety, compliance and operational procedures within a sports, leisure or customer-focused environment.
• Experience of managing budgets, commercial relationships, bookings and the effective use of resources.
• A proactive and improvement-focused leader who can identify opportunities, implement change and drive better outcomes.
• The ability to build positive relationships with a wide range of colleagues, partners, contractors, customers and stakeholders.
• Excellent communication, organisation and decision-making skills, with the confidence to work independently and take ownership.
• A flexible and practical approach, including a willingness to provide operational cover across Monday to Sunday when required.

What we can offer you:

• The opportunity to grow within a department that values and nurtures talent, and to make an impact through our Physical Activity and Sport Strategy.
• The opportunity to continue your career at a world-leading institution and be part of our mission to use science for humanity.
• Benefit from a sector-leading salary and remuneration package (including 43 days’ annual leave and generous pension schemes).
• Access to a range of workplace benefits including a flexible working policy from day one, generous family leave packages, on-site leisure facilities and cycle-to-work scheme.
• Interest‑free season ticket loan schemes for travel.
• Be part of a diverse, inclusive and collaborative work culture with various staff networks and resources to support your personal and professional wellbeing.

Further information: This role will be a 13-month fixed-term contract to cover sabbatical leave with an expected start date of Monday, 15th February 2027. The usual working pattern for this role is Monday to Friday. However, as Ethos Sports Centre operates seven days a week, the successful candidate must be flexible and willing to provide shift cover Monday to Sunday when required to support operational and business needs. Any hybrid working arrangements will be considered after an initial probation period and will be subject to the requirements of the service.