At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage four leisure centres, driving performance and enhancing customer experience.
- Company: Dynamic leisure organisation with exciting growth opportunities.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous holiday, pension scheme, and complimentary gym membership.
- Other info: Opportunity for career progression into Area Management with significant capital investment projects.
- Why this job: Join a thriving team and make a real impact in the community while advancing your career.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in managing large fitness clubs and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
We are looking for a multi-site General Manager to take responsibility for four leisure facilities in Portsmouth, with a combined turnover of circa £5 million. This is an exciting time to take on the role, following a recent 10-year contract extension and a significant capital investment in the flagship leisure centre. The investment will substantially upgrade the gym with a wide range of new equipment, while additional funding has been allocated for further projects across the other centres.
Reporting into the Head of Leisure, you will be based at the largest centre within the group, which currently has a membership base of 4,500 and 2,300 participants on the Learn to Swim programme, generating a turnover of £3.8 million. You will also have full ownership of the P&L for the three smaller leisure and sporting facilities. Following the gym investment, there is a significant opportunity to grow the membership base. With a new leisure centre due to open in late 2027, this role also presents a fantastic opportunity for the successful candidate to demonstrate their abilities and progress into an Area Management position.
As Multi-Site General Manager, you will be responsible for:
- Driving the commercial and operational performance of all centres.
- Enhancing the customer experience within each centre, with a strong focus on colleague training and development.
- Holding full P&L responsibility across all centres.
- Generating additional revenue through inflatables, children's parties, and food and beverage operations.
- Ensuring compliance with all legal, regulatory, health and safety, ethical, and social requirements across the leisure facilities.
- Attending regular meetings with the Client Officer for the contract, producing and presenting reports.
- Project managing significant capital investment projects and gym refurbishments.
We are ideally looking for candidates who can demonstrate the following:
- Significant experience as a General Manager managing a large fitness club or leisure centre.
- Extensive sales management experience.
- Strong leadership and coaching skills, with the ability to manage and motivate high-performing teams.
- Financial acumen, with extensive experience in financial management and budgeting.
- Pool plant experience is desirable, although training can be provided.
In addition to a competitive basic salary of £50,000-£55,000, dependent on experience, benefits include 25 days' holiday plus bank holidays, a company pension with matched contributions of up to 6%, a health cash plan, complimentary gym membership, colleague discounts on food and drink, training and development opportunities, and colleague recognition schemes.
General Manager - Leisure Centres in Hampshire employer: Leisure People Recruitment
As a General Manager at our leisure centres in Portsmouth, you will join a dynamic and supportive work culture that prioritises employee growth and development. With significant investment in facilities and a focus on enhancing customer experience, we offer a competitive salary alongside generous benefits such as 25 days' holiday, a company pension, and complimentary gym membership. This role not only allows you to lead a passionate team but also provides clear pathways for career advancement within the organisation, making it an excellent opportunity for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
Contact Details:
Leisure People Recruitment Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land General Manager - Leisure Centres in Hampshire
✨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 Leisure People Recruitment. 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 Leisure People Recruitment. 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 General Manager - Leisure Centres in Hampshire
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 Leisure People Recruitment 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 Leisure People Recruitment
✨Highlight Your Passion for Sports
When chatting with Leisure People Recruitment, 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.
