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- Tasks: Lead and inspire a community-focused organisation, enhancing sport, culture, and wellbeing services.
- 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 community impact.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the community while leading a dynamic team.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience and strategic vision in complex organisations.
The predicted salary is between 100000 - 110000 £ 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
If you wish to have an informal conversation about the role, please contact John Eady (john.eady@kkp.co.uk).
Chief Executive in Salford employer: Salford Community Leisure
Contact Detail:
Salford Community Leisure Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Executive in Salford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out to folks on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their mission and values, especially how they relate to community services. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you’re genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to articulate your vision and how your experience aligns with the role of CEO at Salford Community Leisure. A clear, confident presentation of your ideas can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us. Let’s make it happen!
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Executive in Salford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know Your Audience: Before you start writing, take a moment to understand who you're addressing. Salford Community Leisure is all about community and inclusivity, so make sure your application reflects those values. Show us that you get what SCL stands for!
Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic CV and cover letter. We want to see how your experience aligns with the role of Chief Executive. Highlight your strategic leadership skills and any relevant experience in managing community services or cultural initiatives.
Be Authentic: Let your personality shine through! We’re looking for someone who can inspire and lead, so don’t be afraid to share your passion for sport, culture, and community services. Authenticity goes a long way in making a memorable impression.
Apply Through Our Website: Make sure to submit your application through our official website. It’s the best way to ensure it gets to the right people. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and the application process there!
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 strategic goals will help you align your vision with theirs, showing that you're not just a candidate but a potential leader who truly gets what they stand for.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare to discuss your leadership approach and how it aligns with SCL's inclusive culture. Use specific examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led teams through change or improved service delivery, highlighting your ability to inspire and build trust.
✨Demonstrate Financial Acumen
Given the importance of financial performance in this role, be ready to talk about your experience with budget management and income generation. Bring examples of how you've balanced social impact with financial sustainability in previous roles, as this will resonate well with the board.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Discuss your experience in building partnerships and engaging with various stakeholders, especially in a public sector context. Highlight any successful collaborations you've led, particularly those that involved community partners or local councils, to show your capability in navigating complex relationships.