At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage fun activities and swimming pool operations for guests.
- Company: Join Parkdean Resorts, the UK's largest holiday park organisation.
- Benefits: Enjoy discounts, training opportunities, and a supportive team culture.
- Other info: Flexible hours with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Create memorable experiences while ensuring safety and fun for all guests.
- Qualifications: NPLQ Lifeguard qualification or strong swimmer; team management experience preferred.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
At Parkdean Resorts, we’re looking for a proactive, safety‑focused, and energetic Activity & Leisure Manager to lead the swimming pool, leisure facilities, and activities programme across the park. This is a hands‑on leadership role ideal for someone passionate about delivering outstanding guest experiences in a safe, fun, and well‑managed environment.
As an Activity & Leisure Manager, you’ll oversee the day‑to‑day operation of the swimming pool and activities programme. You’ll ensure all leisure facilities operate safely, compliantly, and to the highest standard, while motivating and developing the leisure and lifeguard team. You will create a memorable, engaging experience for every guest who visits our pool and activity areas.
What you will be doing...
- Deliver a high‑quality swimming pool and activities programme with engaging, fun, and inclusive guest experiences.
- Maintain a safe environment for guests and team members, ensuring correct use, handling, and storage of equipment, chemicals, and plant rooms.
- Oversee daily management of all leisure facilities, including the swimming pool and activities programme.
- Ensure pool plant, safety systems, and equipment are well‑maintained and managed in line with the SPLASH manual and company standards.
- Ensure Lifeguards are fully trained, qualified, and compliant with RLSS and STA requirements.
- Carry out and oversee water quality and chemical testing in line with operating procedures.
- Lead, motivate, and support the leisure and lifeguard teams, including conducting regular 1‑2‑1s.
- Contribute as part of the Wider Heads of Department team to deliver park‑wide success.
- Maintain a high standard of presentation, cleanliness, and safety across all activity and leisure areas.
- Monitor performance and guest feedback to continuously enhance the activity schedule and participation levels.
- Undertake continuous professional development in key areas such as customer care, pool plant, lifesaving skills, and health & safety.
About you...
- A valid NPLQ Lifeguard qualification, or are a strong swimmer willing to complete the qualification.
- Experience managing, coaching, and developing a team in a leisure or customer‑focused environment.
- Excellent relationship‑building skills and confidence working with internal teams and external guests.
- Strong commercial awareness with the ability to maximise participation and satisfaction.
- NPLQ Trainer Assessor qualification (desirable).
- Pool Plant Operations qualification (desirable).
- A valid First Aid at Work certificate.
- Flexibility to work varied days including weekends, evenings, and bank holidays.
- A customer-focused mindset and passion for delivering memorable guest experiences.
So, why Parkdean Resorts?
- The chance to develop your skills and boost your career across our 65 parks – we’ve got your back when it comes to training!
- You’re never on your own with our Employee Assistance Programme! It comes with a 24/7 confidential helpline for counselling and support - because your wellbeing is our top priority.
- A 50% discount for you and a 25% discount for friends and family when booking your holiday with us.
- A team member discount of 30%, available on everything from fabulous food to delicious drinks and even our fun leisure activities.
- Score awesome discounts! From tasty meal kits like Hello Fresh to your favourite local gyms, we’ve got deals on lots of brands just for you.
We want to be a force for good and caring for our parks, people, and planet is a natural component of the way we do business. We celebrate our people, communities and natural environment, enabling us to enhance the amazing memories we create for many years to come.
Are we the right fit for you?
At Parkdean Resorts, every park is a place to start something great; a place where you can develop your skills, take on new challenges, and thrive alongside a team that supports you every step of the way. Our parks create meaningful memories for our guests and know that great service is more than a smile - it’s understanding the value of every moment. Because it’s not just what we do, it’s who we are. Join a team that puts heart into every holiday. Be the Heart of the Park.
Parkdean Resorts takes safeguarding seriously therefore background checks including DBS (or equivalent) will be carried out if appropriate.
We want to do all we can to create an environment and recruitment process where people feel safe and comfortable to talk about disability. For any reasonable adjustment requests as part of the recruitment and assessment process, please contact Roisin at ReasonableAdjustments@parkdean-resorts.com
Activities - Activity and Leisure Manager - AT4 employer: Park Dean Resorts
At Parkdean Resorts, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises employee wellbeing and development. With stunning locations across the UK, our Activity & Leisure Manager role provides opportunities for career growth, comprehensive training, and a supportive team environment, all while delivering memorable experiences for our guests. Enjoy fantastic benefits including generous discounts, a 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme, and the chance to be part of a company that values its people and the planet.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Activities - Activity and Leisure Manager - AT4
✨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 Park Dean Resorts. 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 Park Dean Resorts. 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 Activities - Activity and Leisure Manager - AT4
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 Park Dean Resorts 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 Park Dean Resorts
✨Highlight Your Passion for Sports
When chatting with Park Dean Resorts, 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.
