Leisure Contract Monitoring Officer in Surrey

Woking Borough Council has entered into a new Leisure Management Contract (from 1 December 2025) covering four leisure centres across the borough. We are now seeking a Leisure Contract Monitoring Officer to provide dedicated client‑side capacity to support effective contract management and performance oversight. Reporting to the Head of Leisure & Communities, the postholder will act as the primary operational interface between the Council and the leisure operator, Everyone Active. You will lead on monitoring performance against KPIs, overseeing compliance with contractual requirements, supporting financial and pricing oversight, and providing clear, evidence‑based reporting and assurance to senior officers and elected Members. This is a key role in ensuring the Council secures value for money, manages risk effectively, and delivers high‑quality, inclusive leisure services that support health, wellbeing, social value and the reduction of inequalities.

About the team

The Leisure & Communities team sits within the People & Communities Directorate and is responsible for the strategic oversight and development of a wide range of leisure and community services. This includes the Council’s leisure centres, sports facilities, arts and culture provision, theatres, museums, tennis courts and the Community Asset Transfer programme. The team works closely with external operators, partners, community organisations and internal colleagues to ensure services are well‑managed, financially sustainable and aligned with the Council’s priorities and outcomes for residents.

Employee Benefits:

• Annual leave entitlement of 23 days rising to 30 days (maximum) in line with continuous service
• Flexi time scheme with the opportunity to take up to 2 days flexi leave per month
• Local Government Pension Scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption leave
• Discounted leisure gym membership and free swimming
• Season ticket loans
• Cycle to work scheme
• Free eye tests
• Retail discount scheme

Woking Borough Council takes a robust approach to thoroughly checking anyone who has applied to work with vulnerable groups including children. As this job involves contact with vulnerable groups, successful applicants will be required to obtain a certificate from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). Assistance will be given by the Council and further details can be found in the job pack.

About you:

You will have experience of working within leisure services, contract monitoring or public‑sector performance management, and be confident operating in a role that combines operational oversight with strategic reporting. You will be able to:

• Monitor service performance against KPIs, specifications and performance frameworks
• Analyse operational and financial data and produce clear, accurate and insightful reports
• Work constructively with operators to resolve issues, manage risk and drive service improvement
• Communicate effectively with a wide range of stakeholders, including councillors, partners, contractors and community groups
• Manage competing priorities and work proactively in a complex, high‑profile service area
• Demonstrate a strong commitment to inclusive services, customer experience and continuous improvement

A relevant professional qualification (or equivalent experience) in leisure management, contract management or public services is desirable.

Shortlisting criteria:

Essential

• Experience of monitoring service delivery and performance within a leisure, public‑service or contract‑based environment
• Strong analytical skills with experience of interpreting data and producing reports
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders
• Good ICT skills, including Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Teams

Desirable

• Knowledge of leisure centre operations or leisure management contracts
• Experience of financial monitoring, pricing reviews or performance‑related payment mechanisms
• Relevant professional qualification (e.g. leisure management, contract management or public services)

What we will need from you:

• Documentary evidence that you are eligible to work in the UK
• References from your two most recent employers covering at least 3 years
• Completion of a medical questionnaire and declaration
• A full driver’s license
• Basic DBS checks
• Evidence of relevant professional qualification(s)

Closing date: 29 May 2026 - 23:55pm

Interview date(s): 10 June 2026 - in-person (Civic Offices, Woking)

Who to contact: For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Tim Fleming, Head of Leisure & Communities, by email at Tim.Fleming@woking.gov.uk. We are happy to consider reasonable adjustments as part of the recruitment process.