At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead exciting programmes to boost physical activity and improve community health.
- Company: Join Wakefield Council’s dynamic Arts, Culture and Leisure Service.
- Benefits: Career progression opportunities and the chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Collaborate with diverse stakeholders and influence strategic health initiatives.
- Why this job: Be a change-maker in promoting health and wellbeing across Wakefield District.
- Qualifications: Experience in leading teams and managing community-focused programmes.
The predicted salary is between 46000 - 52000 £ per year.
An exciting opportunity to lead change across Wakefield. This is an exciting opportunity to join Wakefield Council’s Arts, Culture and Leisure Service in a newly developed career‑grade role. Are you passionate about physical activity and its ability to improve lives? Do you have experience of leading teams, managing programmes, engaging communities and building strong partnerships? Have you worked with active travel, public health or behaviour‑change initiatives? If so, we would love to hear from you.
We are looking for an enthusiastic, dynamic and experienced team member to lead a busy and high‑profile portfolio of physical activity work, helping to improve health outcomes and reduce inequalities across Wakefield District.
About the Role
Working within the Sport & Physical Activity team, you will play a central role in shaping and delivering programmes that increase and diversify participation in physical activity – particularly for communities who face the greatest barriers. You will:
- Lead and manage a team focused on improving health and reducing health inequalities through physical activity
- Drive the delivery and coordination of targeted and district‑wide programmes
- Work in close partnership with a wide range of stakeholders, including residents, voluntary and community organisations, health partners and internal council teams
- Influence and support strategic work such as Cycle Wakefield, Move More Wakefield and active travel initiatives
- Contribute to and deliver key corporate priorities, including supporting every child to be able to ride a bike by age 12
- Use data, insight and evidence to identify resident and stakeholder needs
- Apply national guidance and best practice to ensure programmes deliver real impact
- Make the case for physical activity and secure additional funding and resources
At higher grades, the role also includes:
- Developing and contributing to council and partnership strategies
- Providing specialist advice to senior managers, councillors and partners
- Leading commissioning activity and complex projects
- Representing Wakefield Council at regional and strategic forums
- Deputising for the Sport & Physical Activity Development Manager when required
This is a career‑grade post, meaning you will be appointed at Grade 8, 9 or 10 depending on experience, with clear progression opportunities as your skills and responsibilities develop.
About you
You will be:
- Passionate about physical activity, wellbeing and tackling health inequalities
- An effective leader with experience of managing people and programmes
- Confident working across partnerships and influencing at different levels
- Able to translate insight, evidence and policy into practical delivery
- Organised, motivated and comfortable working in both strategic and community‑based settings
- Experience of public health, physical activity, behaviour change or active travel would be particularly valuable.
Active Living Programme Lead in Wakefield employer: Kirklees Metropolitan Council
Wakefield Council is an exceptional employer dedicated to improving the health and wellbeing of its community through innovative physical activity programmes. With a strong focus on employee development, you will have clear progression opportunities within a supportive work culture that values collaboration and community engagement. Join us in making a meaningful impact in Wakefield District while enjoying the benefits of working in a dynamic and fulfilling environment.
Contact Details:
Kirklees Metropolitan Council Recruitment Team
