At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire teams to deliver exceptional customer service and operational excellence.
- Company: Kidsgrove Sports Centre, a community-focused leisure facility.
- Benefits: 25 days annual leave, professional development, and a chance to shape the future of the centre.
- Other info: Flexible hours with opportunities for growth in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in your community while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: 3+ years in senior management within leisure, strong leadership, and communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Help shape the future of a community leisure facility
Are you an experienced leisure professional looking for your next leadership challenge?
Kidsgrove Sports Centre is at the heart of our community, providing health, fitness and wellbeing opportunities for thousands of people every year.
Following an exciting period of investment and change, we’re looking for an ambitious Head of Operations to help shape the next chapter of our journey.
Working alongside our General Manager, you’ll become the driving force behind the day‑to‑day operation of the centre.
You’ll lead our Duty Managers, inspire our teams, champion outstanding customer service and ensure we continue delivering safe, welcoming and high‑quality facilities for our community.
This isn’t a desk‑based management role. We’re looking for someone who enjoys being visible, supporting staff, solving problems and making things happen.
The role
As Head of Operations, you will play a key role in the successful running of Kidsgrove Sports Centre, ensuring we deliver excellent standards across operations, customer experience, health and safety and team performance.
Working closely with the General Manager, you will
- Lead the day‑to‑day operation of the centre.
- Deputise for the General Manager when required.
- Manage, motivate and develop Duty Managers and operational teams.
- Drive consistently high standards across all areas of the business.
- Monitor performance, resolve operational challenges and support centre growth.
- Create a positive culture of accountability, professionalism and continuous improvement.
This is a hands‑on leadership role where you’ll be equally comfortable supporting staff poolside, resolving customer issues, improving systems and developing your team.
Key responsibilities
- Leadership & Team Development.
- Lead, inspire and support operational teams.
- Manage Duty Managers and provide coaching and development.
- Conduct one‑to‑one meetings, reviews and appraisals.
- Support recruitment, induction and ongoing training.
- Promote a positive and supportive workplace culture.
- Health & safety
- Ensure the centre operates safely and meets all relevant legislation.
- Maintain NOPs, EAPs and risk assessments.
- Support accident and incident investigations.
- Oversee pool safety, water quality and operational procedures.
- Customer experience & commercial performance
- Champion exceptional customer service.
- Resolve complex customer queries and challenges.
- Support member retention and community engagement.
- Monitor KPIs, attendance and operational performance.
- Identify opportunities to improve efficiency and increase income.
- Systems & administration
- Produce operational reports and analyse performance data.
- Maintain accurate records and documentation.
- Confidently use Microsoft 365 and leisure management systems.
- Support the implementation of new systems and technology.
About you
We’re looking for someone who has
- A minimum of three years’ senior management experience within the leisure industry.
- Experience leading operational teams and managing supervisory staff.
- Strong leadership and people management skills.
- Experience managing operational performance.
- A passion for developing teams and improving standards.
- Excellent communication and organisational skills.
- A proactive, hands‑on approach.
You will also need
- National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ), or willingness to obtain.
- Enhanced DBS clearance, or willingness to complete one.
- Pool Plant Operator qualification (training can be provided).
- Level 3 qualification in Business Management, Leisure Management or equivalent.
- Level 5 qualification or degree in Business/Operational Management.
- Swim Teaching qualification.
- First Aid at Work.
- Safeguarding or Fire Marshal training.
What we offer
- Full‑time position – 40 hours per week, based on site.
- 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays (taken in lieu).
- Ongoing professional development and nationally recognised training.
- The opportunity to genuinely influence the future of a growing community charity.
- A supportive senior leadership team with the freedom to make a real difference.
- Working pattern
This is a full‑time, flexible management position working 40 hours per week.
The role operates across a seven‑day week, so flexibility is essential.
Regular early mornings, evenings and one in three weekend working will be required to support the operational needs of the centre.
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Head of Operations in Stoke-on-Trent employer: Kidsgrove Sports Centre (CIO)
Kidsgrove Sports Centre is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a vibrant work culture that prioritises community engagement and employee development. As the Head of Operations, you will enjoy a hands-on leadership role with ample opportunities for professional growth, supported by a committed senior leadership team. With competitive benefits including 25 days of annual leave and ongoing training, you'll be empowered to make a meaningful impact in a facility that champions health, fitness, and wellbeing for all.
Contact Details:
Kidsgrove Sports Centre (CIO) Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Operations in Stoke-on-Trent
✨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 Kidsgrove Sports Centre (CIO). 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 Kidsgrove Sports Centre (CIO). 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 Head of Operations in Stoke-on-Trent
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 Kidsgrove Sports Centre (CIO) 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 Kidsgrove Sports Centre (CIO)
✨Highlight Your Passion for Sports
When chatting with Kidsgrove Sports Centre (CIO), 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.
