General Manager & Head Padel Coach

General Manager & Head Padel Coach

Freelance 29700 - 36300 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead and launch a brand-new padel venue while coaching and building a vibrant community.
  • Company: Ambitious professional sports club with a clear vision for growth.
  • Benefits: Opportunity to shape a new club and make a real impact in the padel community.
  • Other info: Join a dynamic environment with a focus on community and personal development.
  • Why this job: Perfect for passionate individuals ready to step into a leadership role in a growing sport.
  • Qualifications: Recognised padel coaching qualification and experience in coaching or managing sports venues.

The predicted salary is between 29700 - 36300 £ per year.

On behalf of a well-established, ambitious professional sports club, McBride Sport is delighted to be engaged to find an outstanding General Manager & Head Padel Coach to launch and lead a brand-new padel venue from day one. Our client is a professional sports organisation with a clear strategic vision for growth. Their newest venture is a three-court padel venue opening in October 2026, positioned as a “club within a club” a genuine members’ community with its own identity, backed by the reach, facilities, and commercial network of a professional sports organisation.

This is a rare opportunity to build and drive the growth of a padel club from the ground up, and to make your mark on a sport that’s growing fast across the UK. The role combines two equally important responsibilities: off court, you will run the club as General Manager taking ownership of membership growth and retention, programming, business development, day-to-day operations, commercial growth, and the P&L and on court, you will be the Head Padel Coach, coaching 10–15 hours a week, setting the standard for the club’s padel programme, and recruiting and developing first-class freelance coaches around you.

We are looking for someone entrepreneurial, commercially minded, hands-on, and driven to build something exceptional. This is a great opportunity for an experienced padel coach who is ready to step up into a leadership and business role, or for a club/venue manager with a genuine passion for padel.

This will include the successful candidate being engaged to:

  • Build a thriving, active padel membership community.
  • Sell memberships, court packages, and corporate bookings, owning the pipeline from enquiry through to renewal.
  • Build and manage member communication channels, including WhatsApp groups and social media.
  • Be the visible face of the club locally, at the venue, in the community, at events and across the regional padel community.
  • Take full responsibility for the club’s P&L, including revenue delivery, cost control, and monthly reporting to senior management.
  • Manage the booking system and drive court utilisation across off-peak as well as peak hours.
  • Bring in corporate groups, local businesses, and community organisations.
  • Manage retail, equipment and refreshment offers, including stock and supplier relationships.
  • Ensure the venue is always operated safely and to a high standard.

Additionally, we are looking for the successful candidate to personally deliver 10–15 hours of coaching per week initially, across individual lessons and group sessions to maximise coaching revenue. As well as this you will design and run the full club programme: leagues, tournaments, club nights and social play, develop junior padel, including holiday camps and after-school provision, develop women’s padel through dedicated sessions, coaching and social programming and recruit, induct and manage two to four additional freelance coaches, setting standards, rates and quality control.

To be considered you must be a motivated individual with a recognised padel coaching qualification, experience coaching padel, or a related racket sport, to a good standard and willing to undergo an enhanced DBS check and obtain a safeguarding certificate and a first aid qualification prior to commencement, if not already held. You will have enthusiasm for growing padel and building a genuine community around it. You will be comfortable taking ownership and using initiative, especially in a new environment where things are still being figured out. This is a superb opportunity to join a thriving club community in an exciting new venture.

General Manager & Head Padel Coach employer: McBride Sport Careers

Join a dynamic and ambitious professional sports club as the General Manager & Head Padel Coach, where you will have the unique opportunity to launch and lead a brand-new padel venue. Our client fosters a vibrant work culture that prioritises community engagement, personal growth, and entrepreneurial spirit, offering extensive support for your professional development. With a focus on building a thriving membership community and the chance to shape the future of padel in the UK, this role promises a rewarding and impactful career in a supportive environment.

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Contact Details:

McBride Sport Careers Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land General Manager & Head Padel Coach

✨Connect with Local Sports Clubs

Get in touch with local sports clubs and recreational centres. They often need freelance support for events, coaching, or management tasks. Don’t be shy—offer your skills and let them know you’re available to help with their upcoming projects.

✨Attend Sports Networking Events

Make the rounds at local sports networking events, meet-ups, and expos. These gatherings are fantastic spots to meet potential clients and other freelance professionals in sports-recreation-management. Bring your A-game, chat with others, and see how you can collaborate or offer your services.

✨Show Off Your Work

Create a public portfolio showcasing projects you've worked on—event planning, marketing strategies for sports programmes, or even volunteer work. Highlight your best achievements and share this on platforms like Instagram or your own website. This visibility can pull in clients looking for freelancers with your expertise.

✨Leverage Social Media Groups

Join Facebook groups or LinkedIn communities focused on sports and recreation management. These platforms are goldmines for freelance opportunities, plus you'll be in the loop about new projects and hiring needs in the industry. Engage with the conversations and position yourself as a knowledgeable resource!

We think you need these skills to ace General Manager & Head Padel Coach

Leadership Skills
Business Development
Membership Growth and Retention
Coaching Skills
Padel Coaching Qualification
Community Engagement
Communication Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Highlight Your Experience in Sports Management:When you're applying for a freelance role in sports-recreation management, it's crucial to showcase any relevant experience you have managing teams, organising events, or working within recreational facilities. Make sure to detail your specific achievements in these areas, as this will set you apart from other candidates who might have broader experience.

Show Off Your Portfolio of Past Projects:As a freelancer, potential clients want to see what you've done before. Compile a portfolio that includes case studies of past projects, detailing your role, the challenges you faced, and the outcomes. This not only gives them a glimpse into your skills but also your approach to sports-recreation management.

Be Clear About Your Availability and Rates:One of the key aspects of freelance work is establishing a good understanding of your availability and rates. Be upfront about your typical hourly or project rates in your application, and let them know when you're ready to start. This transparency can make a big difference in the selection process.

Tailor Your Application to McBride Sport Careers:Make sure to research McBride Sport Careers thoroughly and tailor your application to resonate with their specific needs and values. Reference their past projects, mission, and aims in your cover letter to demonstrate that you're not just any sports-recreation manager – you’re the right fit for them!

How to prepare for a job interview at McBride Sport Careers

✨Show Off Your Event Management Skills

In sports-recreation management, showcasing your experience in organising events or managing teams is crucial. Bring along a portfolio of past events you've worked on or list some successful projects to demonstrate your capability.

✨Familiarise Yourself with the Latest Trends

Staying up-to-date with current trends in sports and recreation can set you apart. Be ready to discuss recent developments in the industry, as well as any innovative programmes you’d suggest for McBride Sport Careers.

✨Pitch Your Unique Selling Points

As a freelancer, this is your chance to sell not just your skills, but your unique approach to sports-recreation management. Be prepared to discuss how your background can bring value to McBride Sport Careers and make them see why they need you in their corner.

✨Prepare for Practical Scenarios

Expect to tackle some practical questions or case studies during your interview. Be ready to discuss how you would handle specific challenges in sports management, like crisis management or team dynamics, as this can demonstrate your critical thinking in real-world situations.