At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage leisure and library services, ensuring top performance and modernisation.
- Company: Join the Royal Borough of Greenwich, a community-focused local government.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous leave, and access to discounted leisure facilities.
- Other info: Flexible working options and opportunities for professional growth await you.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community through sport and leisure initiatives.
- Qualifications: Experience in leisure management and strong communication skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 52194 - 52194 £ per year.
About the role: 1‑year fixed‑term contract to work from the Woolwich Centre, with regular visits to 7 leisure centres and 12 libraries. Salary: £52,194 (PO5).
Responsibilities include:
- Senior client management of the GLL leisure contract, ensuring strong performance, robust service monitoring, financial integrity and value for money.
- Leading service modernisation, savings programmes and contract reviews to improve outcomes for residents.
- Contributing to strategic oversight of the library service.
- Reporting progress to the Head of Sport, Leisure and Libraries, Directors and Members.
- Contributing materially to refreshing the Physical Activity and Sport Strategy in partnership with Public Health, and to operational delivery of the refreshed Playing Pitch Strategy and a new Libraries Strategy.
- Representing sport, leisure and library infrastructure needs within the Thamesmead Infrastructure Delivery Plan and other major regeneration frameworks.
- Working with internal and external partners on capital projects, including Section 106 and CIL‑funded schemes.
- Representing the service at internal and external forums and deputising for the Head of Service when required.
Who you are:
- 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.
- Developed or contributed to strategies and action plans in sport, physical activity or related fields.
- Excellent communication skills, able to speak confidently at all levels, from operational delivery to senior leadership audiences.
- Ability to operate at pace with multiple workstreams, tight deadlines and competing priorities.
- A background in leisure, sport, libraries or a related public service area is essential.
- Knowledge of local government procurement and contract management is highly desirable, as is report writing (decision reports) and interpreting complex information into briefings for Directors and Members.
- Willingness to apply relevant skills from adjacent fields, if not all essential criteria are met.
What we offer:
- Meaningful role at the heart of Greenwich’s sport, leisure and library services.
- Base at the Woolwich Centre with regular visits to leisure centres and libraries; scope for some remote working.
- Local Government Pension Scheme.
- Generous annual leave entitlement.
- Access to discounted GLL leisure facilities and a range of staff benefits.
- Learning and development support to help you grow in your role and progress in your career.
Reasonable adjustments: We want to remove any barriers candidates might face during the recruitment process. Please let us know if you have a disability and would like the advert in an alternative format, or if you would like to discuss how we can adjust the interview process to best support you. Contact Asad Sajid at Asad.Sajid@royalgreenwich.gov.uk or 0208 921 6637.
Diversity Statement: Royal Borough of Greenwich values the diversity of its community and aims to have a workforce that reflects this. We encourage applications from all sections of the community.
Sport, Leisure and Libraries Manager employer: Royal Greenwich
The Royal Borough of Greenwich is an exceptional employer, offering a meaningful role at the heart of the community's sport, leisure, and library services. With a supportive work culture that prioritises employee growth through learning and development opportunities, staff enjoy generous benefits including access to discounted leisure facilities and a robust pension scheme. Located at the Woolwich Centre, this position allows for regular engagement with local leisure centres and libraries, fostering a dynamic and impactful work environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Sport, Leisure and Libraries Manager
✨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 Royal Greenwich. 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 Royal Greenwich. 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 Sport, Leisure and Libraries Manager
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 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 Greenwich
✨Highlight Your Passion for Sports
When chatting with Royal 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.
