At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage Sport and Leisure Services, coordinating strategy and operations.
- Company: Orkney Islands Council, committed to equal opportunities and community engagement.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, relocation package, and interview expenses covered.
- Other info: Join a supportive environment with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while managing a dynamic team.
- Qualifications: Experience in budget management and staff leadership required.
The predicted salary is between 27.9 - 27.9 £ per hour.
Council Offices, Kirkwall
35 hours per week
Permanent £48,017 - £50,919
£26.31 - £27.90 per hour
The above amounts include Distant Islands Allowance.
You will be reporting to the Service Manager – Leisure and Libraries.
Your working pattern is Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. We are happy to talk flexible working, where possible.
The purpose of this role is to be responsible for the day to day management and operation of Sport and Leisure Services including the co-ordination of strategy, policy and planning across Sport and Leisure Service.
The Team Manager for Sport and Leisure is a key role for the Sport and Leisure Service that has line management responsibility of up to 15 FTE staff as well as a large range of facilities spread across a number of islands. The successful candidate will have extensive experience of budget management, line management of staff and working closely with members of the public, service users, senior managers, external agencies and elected members.
The necessary qualification, experience and skills required for this role are detailed in the ‘must have’ section of the attached job profile. These criteria are used for decisions on shortlisting and appointment of applicants.
This post requires a Level 1 Disclosure check.
Interview expenses are payable for this post.
Relocation package is available in line with Council Policy for this post.
Applications close at 23:59 on Sunday 2 August 2026, with shortlisting taking place week commencing 3 August 2026 and interviews are scheduled for the week commencing 24 August 2026.
For a discussion about the role, contact Garry Burton, Head of Service – Active Communities at garry.burton@orkney.gov.uk or on 01856 873535 extension 2440.
Orkney Islands Council is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of age, gender, race or ethnicity, disability, religion or belief, sexual orientation, marriage or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity status or gender reassignment status.
Team Manager - Sport and Leisure - ORK10584 in Kirkwall employer: Orkney Islands Council
Orkney Islands Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment for those embarking on a career in social care. With a focus on employee growth through practical experience and training towards an SVQ 2 in Social Services and Healthcare, staff are empowered to make a meaningful impact in the lives of adults within the community. The council promotes flexible working patterns and values diversity, making it an ideal place for individuals seeking rewarding employment in a caring profession.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Team Manager - Sport and Leisure - ORK10584 in Kirkwall
✨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 Orkney Islands Council. 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 Orkney Islands Council. 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 Team Manager - Sport and Leisure - ORK10584 in Kirkwall
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 Orkney Islands Council 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 Orkney Islands Council
✨Highlight Your Passion for Sports
When chatting with Orkney Islands Council, 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.
