Sport, Leisure and Libraries Manager

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.