At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic team to create outstanding customer experiences in a brand-new leisure centre.
- Company: Join Southwark Council, committed to empowering healthier, happier communities.
- Benefits: Enjoy a supportive work environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Other info: Flexible hours and a commitment to diversity and inclusion in the workplace.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in leisure or customer service, strong leadership, and communication skills required.
Are you passionate about creating outstanding customer experiences? Are you ready to shape the future of leisure services and make a real difference in your community?
Southwark Council is offering an exciting opportunity to be part of our brand-new leisure centre, empowering residents to lead healthier, happier lives. We are seeking a dedicated and enthusiastic Leisure Team Leader to join our growing team. If you have a passion for customer service, excellent leadership skills, and a commitment to delivering outstanding facilities, this is the perfect opportunity to make an impact in a dynamic environment at Southwark Leisure Centres.
About Southwark
Southwark is the largest local authority social landlord in London, managing 55,000 homes that are lived in by around 40% of our residents. Our borough is home to more than 18,300 businesses, including iconic cultural venues, major employers, and vibrant social enterprises. We are proud of our young, diverse, and growing population.
We are committed to creating a just and fair Southwark, taking meaningful action to address inequalities. Our communities are our greatest strength, and our work is shaped by the values at the heart of Southwark Stands Together—our shared commitment to tackling racism, injustice, and inequality. These principles guide everything we do, including how we serve our residents and support our staff.
What You’ll Be Doing
About the role:
As a Leisure Team Leader, you’ll be responsible for overseeing daily operations, ensuring the highest standards of safety, cleanliness, and customer service, and leading a fantastic team of Recreation Assistants. Your leadership will drive the success of the centre, ensuring smooth operations while delivering a great experience for our visitors.
Your Key Responsibilities:
- Maintain the highest standards of safety, cleanliness, and security across all areas of the leisure centre, in line with all policies, procedures, and regulations.
- Provide effective, visible leadership to your team, ensuring high performance and adherence to procedures.
- Ensure your team deliver top-notch customer service, addressing customer queries and complaints professionally and promptly.
- Support the Duty Manager in maintaining operational standards, records, and financial procedures. Take on specific areas of responsibility as needed.
- Ensure the leisure centre opens on time and closes securely at the end of each day, following all necessary protocols.
- Maintain effective communication with the Line Manager and team ensuring smooth shift transitions and operational efficiency.
- Support the ongoing training and development of your team, conducting performance reviews and offering feedback to ensure continuous improvement.
What We’re Looking For
About You
We’re looking for a proactive and enthusiastic leader with a passion for customer service and team development. You’ll bring:
- Experience in a leisure or customer service-focused environment
- Strong leadership and team management skills
- Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities
- The ability to stay calm under pressure and handle emergencies effectively
- A commitment to maintaining high operational standards
- A flexible, proactive attitude with a keen focus on continuous improvement
Additional Information
Closing date: 10th August 2026
Interview Date: 17th August 2026
Guaranteed Interview Scheme
As part of our commitment to inclusion, we offer guaranteed interviews for specific groups of people. To qualify, you’ll need to meet the minimum requirements for the role, and identify with one of the below criteria:
- Members of the Armed Forces and veterans
- Are currently in care, or have previously been in care
- If you consider yourself to be disabled or if you have a long-term health condition
We are an organisation who is passionate about our people and understands that richness of diversity is a requirement to provide the best possible services to our communities. This is demonstrated through our council-wide ambitious commitment to tackle racial inequality in our communities and workforce through our Southwark Stands Together initiative. We particularly welcome applications from members of the black, Asian and ethnic minority communities to increase representation at senior management level in the Council.
This role is classed as Regulated Activity under safeguarding legislation. To help us ensure the safety and wellbeing of those we support, you’ll be asked to declare all cautions and both spent and unspent convictions as part of the recruitment process.
Southwark Leisure Services operates across several sites, seven days a week from early morning to late night. There is a requirement for the post holder on occasions, to work outside normal office hours and at different venues to meet the needs of the service.
Team Leader - Southwark, London employer: Move Southwark
Southwark Council is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a vibrant work culture that prioritises community impact and employee development. As a Leisure Team Leader in Southwark, you will not only lead a passionate team but also contribute to the well-being of a diverse population, all while enjoying opportunities for professional growth and a commitment to inclusivity. Join us in shaping a healthier future for our residents in a supportive environment that values your contributions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Team Leader - Southwark, London
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!
✨Network at Food Festivals
Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like Move Southwark. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Move Southwark
Don't be shy about reaching out to Move Southwark directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Team Leader - Southwark, London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.
Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about Move Southwark and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!
How to prepare for a job interview at Move Southwark
✨Show Your People Skills
In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'
✨Get Ready for a Practical Test
In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!
