At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead Tameside's leisure services and promote active lifestyles for all residents.
- Company: Tameside Council, dedicated to improving community health and wellbeing.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, permanent contract, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Join a supportive team committed to enhancing lives and promoting health.
- Why this job: Drive change and reduce inequalities in physical activity across the community.
- Qualifications: Experience in leisure operations and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 61103 - 67924 £ per year.
Contract Type: Permanent
Salary: Grade L. SCP 48 £61,103 - SCP 51 £67,924
Hours Per Week: 36 hours
Base Location: Tameside One
Assessment Date: w/c 13th July 2026
In Tameside, over 73,000 residents are not currently active enough. The Head of Leisure & Physical Activity will lead the council’s public leisure service and the wider physical activity agenda, providing strategic leadership within Public Health and across the council. The role will manage the relationship with the independent leisure operator, support the Director of Public Health in leading the leisure service through review and transformation, and drive the Tameside Moving strategy as part of the broader public health agenda.
Key priorities include:
- Client management of the leisure service, ensuring effective partnership with the operator and council estates.
- Strategic leadership on the physical activity agenda, maximizing opportunities across partnerships.
- Driving change to reduce inequalities and barriers to active lifestyles for all residents.
- Collaboration with Public Health, Finance, Estates, NHS, voluntary, community, faith & social enterprise partners.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the strategic direction of leisure and physical activity within Tameside MBC and the wider council.
- Support the Director of Public Health in transforming the leisure service and delivering on the Moving strategy.
- Foster partnership working with the leisure operator, council departments and external agencies.
- Monitor and report on performance, ensuring best practice in facilities management and access for residents.
- Influence policy and practice to enhance health and wellbeing outcomes for the borough.
About You
We are seeking a qualified professional with proven experience and knowledge of the leisure sector. Key attributes include:
- Experience in leisure service operations and client‑side relationship management.
- Strong problem‑solving, communication, political and negotiating skills.
- High intellectual rigour, senior‑level leadership capability, and the ability to influence across organisational boundaries.
- Energy and drive to improve health outcomes and reduce inequalities in Tameside.
- A passion for enabling movement and tackling unfair barriers to active living.
About Us
At Tameside, we are committed to ensuring all our citizens lead long, fulfilling and healthy lives, protecting our most vulnerable and creating strong, supportive communities. We value support, trust, respect, integrity, diversity and engagement.
This position is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. We are not able to offer sponsorship. This is a politically restricted post. We are a disability confident employer. Reasonable adjustments will be considered in accordance with the Equality Act 2010.
Head of Leisure & Physical Activity in Denton employer: Tameside Council
Tameside Council is an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a vibrant community where all residents can lead active and healthy lives. With a strong commitment to employee development, a collaborative work culture, and a focus on reducing inequalities, this role offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact while enjoying a supportive environment that values integrity, diversity, and engagement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Leisure & Physical Activity in Denton
✨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 Tameside Council. 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 Tameside Council. 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 Head of Leisure & Physical Activity in Denton
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 Tameside Council 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 Tameside Council
✨Highlight Your Passion for Sports
When chatting with Tameside Council, 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.
