At a Glance
- Tasks: Supervise and support Recreation Assistants to ensure customer safety at our leisure centre.
- Company: Join BH Live, a leading charity and social enterprise in leisure and events.
- Benefits: Enjoy gym membership, health cash plans, and a matched pension scheme.
- Why this job: Make a positive impact on community health and wellbeing while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Experience in sports and recreation, First Aid, and National Pool Lifeguard Qualification required.
- Other info: Flexible hours including evenings and weekends, with great career development opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 22200 - 30000 £ per year.
Site Location: Mountbatten Leisure Centre, Portsmouth
Salary: £26,225 per annum
Hours: 40 hours per week
Contract Type: Permanent
Closing date for receipt of applications - Sunday 23 November 2025
The role: We are recruiting for a Senior Recreation Assistant to join our busy & friendly team at The Mountbatten Centre in Portsmouth. The role will assist the Customer Operations Manager in the supervision and control of our Recreation Assistants on duty in order to ensure our customers are kept safe when using our swimming pools.
You will:
- Supervise Recreation Assistants, ensuring adequate staffing levels at all times and appropriate rotation between workstations.
- Supervise the public during their participation of the Centre's programme, ensuring their safety and compliance with the centre rules.
- Clean the centre and its equipment.
- Erect, dismantle and move equipment.
- Possess and maintain through the regular training sessions provided, the RLSS NPLQ Lifeguard Certificate and a current recognised First Aid Certificate.
- Carry out pool water tests and escape any irregularities.
- Administer First Aid and Resuscitation as required.
- Be fully aware of the Centre’s Normal Operating Procedures and Emergency Action Procedures.
You will need:
- Experience within the Sports and Recreation Industry.
- Experience of dealing with customers face to face.
- Be calm and level headed under pressure.
- Be a team player with a positive attitude.
- Be able to work unsocial hours including evenings, bank holidays and weekends.
- Hold a First Aid at Work Qualification.
- Hold a National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ).
Due to the nature of our business hours of work will include weekends, bank holidays and evenings. BH Live is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults. Rigorous checks will be made of the successful applicant’s background credentials, including referencing and an enhanced DBS check.
We offer:
- Onsite parking
- Training and development opportunities
- BH Live Active - Gym membership
- Health cash plan
- Employee Assistance programme
- Company pension matched up to 6% contributions
- Colleague discount on food and drink
- Colleague recognition
- Birthday / Celebratory day off
- Loyalty Rewards
About BH Live: We are one of the UK’s leading leisure and event venue operators – a registered charity and social enterprise. Our geographical reach spans across multiple venues, leisure centres and attractions across Portsmouth, Southampton, Croydon and the BCP region with millions of visits per year. Our organisational and charitable purpose is to generate:
- More participation – through the provision of leisure facilities to encourage active communities, improved health, and wellbeing
- Higher audiences – through the provision of a diverse range of cultural and artistic events that appeal to a wide audience
- Greater economic and social benefit – through hosting major conferences, exhibitions, and events for the benefit of the local, regional, and international economies and people
We are making a positive difference across the communities we serve.
To apply: All applications are to be made via the BH Live Careers site. BH Live reserves the right to close the vacancy early should sufficient applications be received. We therefore highly recommend that you submit your application as soon as possible.
Senior Recreation Assistant employer: Mountbatten Centre
Contact Detail:
Mountbatten Centre Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Recreation Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the Mountbatten Leisure Centre! Familiarise yourself with their facilities and programmes. This way, when you chat with them, you can show off your knowledge and enthusiasm for the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former staff at BH Live on LinkedIn. They can give you insider tips and maybe even put in a good word for you!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to recreation and customer service. Think about scenarios where you’ve had to stay calm under pressure – they’ll love to hear those stories!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through the BH Live Careers site! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining their team!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Recreation Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for the role shine through! We want to see why you're excited about being a Senior Recreation Assistant and how you can contribute to our friendly team.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in the sports and recreation industry. We love seeing specific examples of how you've dealt with customers and ensured their safety in previous roles.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure to communicate your qualifications and experiences without any fluff!
Apply Early: Don’t wait until the last minute! We recommend applying as soon as possible through our website to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves before the closing date.
How to prepare for a job interview at Mountbatten Centre
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re familiar with the Mountbatten Leisure Centre and its operations. Understand the role of a Senior Recreation Assistant, especially the importance of safety and customer service. Brush up on your knowledge of the RLSS NPLQ Lifeguard Certificate and First Aid procedures, as these will likely come up in conversation.
✨Show Your Team Spirit
This role requires a strong team player attitude. Be ready to share examples of how you've worked effectively in a team before, especially in high-pressure situations. Highlight your ability to supervise and support others, as well as your positive approach to teamwork.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle emergencies. Think of specific scenarios where you had to act quickly or manage a difficult situation, particularly in a recreational or customer service setting. Practising these responses can help you feel more confident.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few thoughtful questions ready about the centre’s operations or team dynamics. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you gauge if it’s the right fit for you. For example, ask about the training opportunities available for staff or how the team handles busy periods.