At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and modernise sport, leisure, and library services for the Royal Borough of Greenwich.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking council committed to community wellbeing and development.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous leave, pension scheme, and staff discounts.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for professional growth and collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while shaping the future of local services.
- Qualifications: Experience in leisure management and strong communication skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 68231 £ per year.
Royal Borough of Greenwich, Department of Communities, Environment and Central
Salary: £52,194 (Po5) | 1-year fixed-term contract
Location: Woolwich, London
Closing date: 17th July 2026
Job Reference: royalgreenwich/TP/1331/957
Number of Roles: 1
About the role
Reporting to the Head of Sport, Leisure and Libraries, you will act as the Council’s senior client manager for our leisure management contract, contribute to the strategic oversight of the library service, lead service modernisation across sport, leisure and libraries, and play a key role in shaping our capital programme and partnerships.
Responsibilities
- Act as senior client manager for the GLL leisure contract, ensuring strong performance, robust service monitoring, financial integrity and value for money.
- Lead on service modernisation, savings programmes and contract reviews to improve outcomes for residents.
- Contribute to the strategic oversight of our library service.
- Report on progress to the Head of Service, Directors and Members.
- Contribute materially to the refresh of the Physical Activity and Sport Strategy in partnership with Public Health, and to the operational delivery of the refreshed Playing Pitch Strategy and a new Libraries Strategy.
- Support the borough’s place‑based work, including representing sport, leisure and library infrastructure needs within the Thamesmead Infrastructure Delivery Plan and other major regeneration frameworks.
- Work with internal and external partners on capital projects, including Section 106 and CIL‑funded schemes.
- Represent the service at internal and external forums and deputise for the Head of Service when required.
Qualifications
- Substantial experience of leisure and facility management with a strong track record of managing complex external contracts and driving performance improvement.
- Experience working with strategic partners across sport, physical activity and wellbeing, including NGBs, Sport England, Arts Council England, the NHS and the GLA.
- Evidence of contributing to or developing strategies and action plans in sport, physical activity or related fields.
- Strong communication skills, able to address audiences from operational delivery to senior leadership.
- Capacity to operate at pace with multiple workstreams, tight deadlines and competing priorities.
- Background in leisure, sport, libraries or a related public service area (essential).
- Knowledge of local government procurement and contract management (desirable).
- Experience in report writing, decision reports and presenting complex information to Directors and Members.
What we offer
- A meaningful role at the heart of one of London’s most ambitious sport, leisure and library services.
- Based at the Woolwich Centre, with regular visits to our 7 leisure centres and 12 libraries and scope for some remote working.
- Local Government Pension Scheme, a secure pension for later life.
- Generous annual leave entitlement.
- Access to discounted GLL leisure facilities and a range of staff benefits to help you stay active and well.
- Learning and development support to help you grow in your role and progress in your career.
Diversity Statement
Royal Borough of Greenwich values the diversity of its community and aims to have a workforce that reflects this. We therefore encourage applications from all sections of the community.
Equal Opportunity
Royal Borough of Greenwich makes equal employment opportunities for all candidates.
Contact Details:
Royal Borough Of Greenwich Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Sport, Leisure and Libraries Manager in London
✨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
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✨Apply Through Our Website
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We think you need these skills to ace Sport, Leisure and Libraries Manager in London
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 Royal Borough Of Greenwich 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 Royal Borough Of Greenwich
✨Highlight Your Passion for Sports
When chatting with Royal Borough Of Greenwich, 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.
