At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop a team across five vibrant leisure centres in Brighton.
- Company: Join a top UK leisure operator focused on community wellbeing and innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, benefits, and the chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Relocation to Brighton or Sussex is necessary for this role.
- Why this job: Be part of a fast-growing organisation that champions service excellence and community engagement.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in senior management within leisure, fitness, or hospitality required.
The predicted salary is between 39600 - 77000 £ per year.
Area Manager – Leisure, Fitness & Wellbeing
Location: Brighton, East Sussex
Salary: £55,000 + Benefits
Are you an experienced Area Manager or Multi-Site General Manager in the leisure, fitness, or hospitality industry?
We’re recruiting on behalf of a leading Leisure Trust known for its commitment to health, fitness, and community wellbeing across the UK.
This is a senior leadership opportunity to oversee ten busy leisure centres in Brighton, each offering gym, swimming, sport, and wellbeing programmes. You’ll play a key role in driving commercial growth, improving customer experience, and enhancing community engagement.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead, coach, and develop a team of General Managers and operational leaders.
- Drive membership growth, participation, and retention across fitness, aquatics, and sports.
- Manage full P&L accountability, budgets, and commercial strategy.
- Deliver safe, efficient, and compliant operations across all sites.
- Build and maintain partnerships with local authorities, community organisations, and stakeholders.
- Champion innovation and service excellence to maximise performance and customer satisfaction.
About You
- At least 5 years’ experience in a senior multi-site management or operations role (Area Manager, Regional Manager, Contract Manager).
- Proven success in commercial management and delivering exceptional results.
- Strong leadership, communication, and people-development skills.
- Knowledge of leisure operations, fitness management, and community wellbeing initiatives.
- Confident managing stakeholders and working within local authority partnerships.
- Based in or open to relocating to Brighton or the wider Sussex area.
Why Join?
This is your chance to join an organisation that’s redefining what community leisure can be — combining innovation, inclusion, and impact. You’ll lead a motivated team, shape strategy, and make a real difference to people’s lives every day.
How to Apply
This position is managed by Helen Horton, Account Director at Love Recruitment, specialists in the leisure, fitness, and wellbeing sector.
If you’re ready to lead with purpose and take the next step in your career — apply today.
Area Manager - Leisure Trust in Eastbourne employer: Love Recruitment Ltd
Join a leading leisure operator in Brighton, where you will be part of a vibrant and community-focused work culture that prioritises wellbeing and innovation. As an Area Manager, you will have the opportunity to lead a passionate team, drive growth across multiple centres, and make a meaningful impact on the local community. With competitive benefits and a commitment to employee development, this role offers a rewarding career path in a dynamic environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Area Manager - Leisure Trust in Eastbourne
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the local community in Brighton. Understanding the demographics, interests, and needs of the residents will help you demonstrate how you can tailor the leisure services to enhance community engagement.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your leadership style during any interactions. As an Area Manager, you'll need to inspire and empower your team, so be prepared to discuss your approach to coaching and developing others in a way that aligns with the company's values.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with financial management. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully managed P&L statements, set budgets, and identified growth opportunities in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Network with professionals in the leisure industry, especially those who have worked in multi-site management. Building connections can provide insights into the role and may even lead to referrals or recommendations.
We think you need these skills to ace Area Manager - Leisure Trust in Eastbourne
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in senior management roles within leisure, fitness, or hospitality. Emphasise your multi-site leadership experience and any achievements that demonstrate commercial success.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for improving lives through leisure and wellbeing. Mention specific examples of how you've led teams to deliver excellent customer service and financial performance.
Highlight Community Engagement:Since the role involves community-focused initiatives, include any past experiences where you successfully built relationships with local authorities or community organisations. This will show your understanding of the importance of community engagement.
Showcase Leadership Skills:In your application, provide examples of how you've developed and coached teams in previous roles. Highlight your ability to foster a culture of accountability and innovation, as these are key aspects of the Area Manager position.
How to prepare for a job interview at Love Recruitment Ltd
✨Show Your Passion for Leisure
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for the leisure industry and how it positively impacts communities. Share personal experiences or stories that highlight your commitment to improving lives through leisure and wellbeing.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in previous roles. Discuss specific instances where you empowered managers and staff, fostering a culture of accountability and excellence, which is crucial for the Area Manager position.
✨Understand Financial Management
Be ready to discuss your experience with P&L management and budget setting. Highlight any strategies you've implemented that resulted in financial growth or efficiency, as this will be key in demonstrating your commercial acumen.
✨Build Relationships
Emphasise your ability to develop strong relationships with stakeholders. Prepare to talk about how you've engaged with local authorities and community organisations in the past, showcasing your skills in partnership development and community engagement.
