At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire a community-focused organisation, enhancing sport, culture, and wellbeing in Salford.
- Company: Salford Community Leisure Ltd, a major leisure trust with a charitable mission.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working options, and a commitment to inclusivity.
- Other info: Join a diverse team dedicated to public value and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the community while leading a dynamic and impactful organisation.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience, strategic vision, and a passion for community services.
The predicted salary is between 100000 - 100000 € per year.
Employer: Salford Community Leisure Ltd.
Accountable to: Salford Community Leisure Board of Trustees
Location: Salford
Salary: £100k+ (pay award pending)
Closing date: 25 May 2026
Contract: permanent
Hours: full time
Salford Community Leisure (SCL) is a community benefit society with charitable status that manages sport, leisure, and cultural services on behalf of Salford City Council. One of the largest leisure trusts in the country, with an annual turnover of c. £20 million, it delivers a diverse range of public services focused on sport, health, wellbeing, leisure, libraries and culture, and runs more than 60 venues in the city. These include seven leisure centres, eight community centres, 16 libraries, major museums/galleries and heritage venues (including Ordsall Hall and Salford Museum and Art Gallery), the Salford Watersports Centre, Cleavley Athletics Track and multiple community sports pitches, playing fields, tennis courts, and school facilities.
It is entering a new phase of development and is looking to appoint an exceptional new CEO to take the organisation forward, support its people and champion organisational excellence. The new CEO will be a strategic, inspiring, collaborative and committed leader with a deep understanding of how sport, culture, libraries and community services enhance and improve lives. They will have strong business acumen, a people-focused approach, and a commitment to delivering public value in a complex, high‑profile environment, balancing social impact with income generation. They will lead the organisation through the next phase of its evolution, maintaining and building upon its established reputation and influence.
The role requires a wide-ranging set of skills, capabilities and experience, proven leadership and credibility at the highest level. The successful candidate will bring high-level strategic understanding, operational management experience, and knowledge of financial performance and compliance. They will have an excellent partnership work‑based background – particularly important in respect of the society’s relationship with Salford City Council, public health and community partners.
About the role
SCL is looking for a strategic, dynamic, inclusive and politically astute leader with a track record of delivering service improvement within complex organisations. You will bring the credibility and judgement required to navigate high levels of public interest, board, community and stakeholder engagement, alongside the ability to inspire teams and build a culture of trust, integrity and continuous improvement.
Accountable to SCL’s board and the wider membership, the new CEO will develop the strategic direction of the business and lead the organisation to deliver a rolling medium-term effective business plan. This is a senior leadership appointment of real significance and influence.
We are looking for a leader who brings:
- Relevant experience and strategic credibility.
- Commercial acuity and social value understanding.
- The empathy, insight and imagination to shape an inclusive and inspiring working culture.
The Company
SCL is an equal opportunities employer and strives to create an inclusive culture where talent can flourish. All appointments are made based on merit; however, we particularly encourage applications from women, people from minority ethnic communities, LGBTQ+ people and disabled people. While the role will involve being present at work on a regular basis, SCL is also geared up for hybrid‑working. This does enable the CEO to work from home as deemed reasonable. Where possible, you will attend the office or our various premises in line with our company policy.
The Process
If you wish to have an informal conversation about the role, please contact John Eady (john.eady@kkp.co.uk).
Chief Executive employer: Salford Community Leisure
Salford Community Leisure Ltd. is an exceptional employer that champions community engagement and public service, offering a dynamic work culture where inclusivity and personal growth are at the forefront. With a commitment to delivering social value and a focus on employee well-being, SCL provides opportunities for professional development while supporting a diverse range of leisure and cultural services across Salford. The organisation fosters a collaborative environment, encouraging innovative leadership and strategic thinking, making it an ideal place for those looking to make a meaningful impact in the community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Executive
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your industry, especially those connected to Salford Community Leisure. Attend events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about asking for informational interviews. You never know who might have the inside scoop on opportunities!
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers or during interviews, make sure to express your enthusiasm for community services and how they can transform lives. Your genuine interest can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the unexpected! Be ready for scenario-based questions that test your strategic thinking and leadership skills. Think about real-life examples where you've made an impact, especially in complex environments. This will showcase your experience and credibility.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got all the latest job openings, and applying directly can sometimes give you a leg up. Plus, it shows you’re proactive and genuinely interested in being part of our mission at Salford Community Leisure.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Executive
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for community services and leadership shine through. We want to see how your values align with SCL's mission to enhance lives through sport, culture, and wellbeing.
Tailor Your Experience:Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in strategic leadership and operational management. We’re looking for someone who can navigate complex environments, so share specific examples that demonstrate your skills and achievements.
Be Authentic:Don’t be afraid to show your personality! We value authenticity and want to know what makes you unique as a leader. Share your vision for the role and how you plan to inspire teams and foster an inclusive culture.
Apply Through Our Website:For the best chance of success, make sure to submit your application through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves!
How to prepare for a job interview at Salford Community Leisure
✨Know Your Organisation
Before the interview, dive deep into Salford Community Leisure's mission, values, and recent projects. Understanding their community impact and how they operate will help you align your vision with theirs, showcasing your commitment to their goals.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a potential CEO, it's crucial to articulate your leadership philosophy. Prepare examples of how you've inspired teams, navigated challenges, and fostered an inclusive culture in previous roles. This will demonstrate your ability to lead SCL through its next phase.
✨Prepare for Strategic Questions
Expect questions about strategic planning and operational management. Think about how you would approach developing a medium-term business plan for SCL, balancing social impact with financial sustainability. Be ready to discuss specific strategies you've implemented in the past.
✨Engage with Stakeholder Perspectives
Given the importance of partnerships in this role, be prepared to discuss how you would engage with various stakeholders, including the Salford City Council and community partners. Highlight your experience in building relationships and driving collaborative initiatives.
