At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead exciting physical activity programmes to improve health and reduce inequalities in Wakefield.
- Company: Join Wakefield Council’s dynamic Arts, Culture and Leisure Service team.
- Benefits: Career progression opportunities, competitive salary, and the chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Work closely with diverse stakeholders and enjoy a vibrant, supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Be a change-maker in your community and promote wellbeing through physical activity.
- Qualifications: Experience in leading teams, managing programmes, and engaging communities is essential.
The predicted salary is between 46215 - 72293 £ per year.
An exciting opportunity to lead change across Wakefield. This is an exciting opportunity to join Wakefield Council’s Arts, Culture and Leisure Service in a newly developed career‑grade role. Are you passionate about physical activity and its ability to improve lives? Do you have experience of leading teams, managing programmes, engaging communities and building strong partnerships? Have you worked with active travel, public health or behaviour‑change initiatives? If so, we would love to hear from you.
We are looking for an enthusiastic, dynamic and experienced team member to lead a busy and high‑profile portfolio of physical activity work, helping to improve health outcomes and reduce inequalities across Wakefield District.
About the role
Working within the Sport & Physical Activity team, you will play a central role in shaping and delivering programmes that increase and diversify participation in physical activity – particularly for communities who face the greatest barriers. You will:
- Lead and manage a team focused on improving health and reducing health inequalities through physical activity
- Drive the delivery and coordination of targeted and district‑wide programmes
- Work in close partnership with a wide range of stakeholders, including residents, voluntary and community organisations, health partners and internal council teams
- Influence and support strategic work such as Cycle Wakefield, Move More Wakefield and active travel initiatives
- Contribute to and deliver key corporate priorities, including supporting every child to be able to ride a bike by age 12
- Use data, insight and evidence to identify resident and stakeholder needs
- Apply national guidance and best practice to ensure programmes deliver real impact
- Make the case for physical activity and secure additional funding and resources
At higher grades, the role also includes:
- Developing and contributing to council and partnership strategies
- Providing specialist advice to senior managers, councillors and partners
- Leading commissioning activity and complex projects
- Representing Wakefield Council at regional and strategic forums
- Deputising for the Sport & Physical Activity Development Manager when required
This is a career‑grade post, meaning you will be appointed at Grade 8, 9 or 10 depending on experience, with clear progression opportunities as your skills and responsibilities develop.
About you
You will be:
- Passionate about physical activity, wellbeing and tackling health inequalities
- An effective leader with experience of managing people and programmes
- Confident working across partnerships and influencing at different levels
- Able to translate insight, evidence and policy into practical delivery
- Organised, motivated and comfortable working in both strategic and community‑based settings
- Experience of public health, physical activity, behaviour change or active travel would be particularly valuable.
Apply by Monday 29th June (closing date) Assessment Centre - Wednesday 8th July (in person) Interview date - Friday 10th July (in person) For an informal discussion about the role- please contact Alastair Wood (Sport and Physical Activity Development Manager) 07917 559 286 alastairwood@wakefield.gov.uk
Active Living Programme Lead in Wakefield employer: Wakefield Council
Wakefield Council is an exceptional employer dedicated to improving the health and wellbeing of our community through innovative physical activity programmes. With a strong focus on employee development, we offer clear career progression opportunities within a supportive and collaborative work culture that values passion and commitment to tackling health inequalities. Join us in making a meaningful impact in Wakefield District while enjoying the benefits of working in a dynamic environment that prioritises community engagement and partnership building.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Active Living Programme Lead in Wakefield
✨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 Wakefield 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 Wakefield 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 Active Living Programme Lead in Wakefield
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 Wakefield 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 Wakefield Council
✨Highlight Your Passion for Sports
When chatting with Wakefield 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.
