Operations Manager - Full Time - Julie Rose Stadium

Do you want to make a difference within your local community, supporting people to improve their lives through leisure?

If you feel driven to inspire people to be more active, improve their wellbeing and would like a job that will make a real difference to local people’s lives then Freedom Leisure is the place for you!

We are a not-for-profit leisure trust with we have a strong purpose and commitment to support our local communities and hard-to-reach groups encouraging them to become more active, contributing to improved lives. From Swimming lessons, to walking football and everything in-between we are driven to provide fun and welcoming sessions to support the whole community to be active, both within our leisure centres and in the local community.

An outstanding opportunity has arisen to form part of our Senior Management Team as the Operations Manager at Julie Rose Stadium in Ashford working for Freedom Leisure, one of the fastest growing and successful leisure and cultural trusts in the UK.

The Operations Manager will specifically take the lead on health & safety, facility management, cleaning and quality management of the whole site as well as taking a lead on the management of the poolside operation including the staff team.

The post holder will be part of the Management team and contribute to the overall direction of the Stadium. All management roles will also be part of the shift rota and will be required to work Duty Manager shifts throughout the week including weekends and evenings.

You should already be working at Assistant Manager level or higher within a medium to large operation. The people we are looking for will have the ability to manage a number of priorities at the same time; will be able to build, lead and motivate staff and have a passion for the leisure and cultural services and events. The ability to deliver on tight deadlines under pressure is absolutely essential.

The good thing is that we provide you with full training and great potential for career progression, we have over 100 facilities across England and Wales – many of our staff have built successful careers with us because they love the having a positive impact in their local communities and enjoy the variety that the role provides.

In the event that a high volume of suitable applications are received, the post may close prior to the specified closing date. Please apply as soon as possible if interested.

Hours: 37 hours a week, Monday to Sunday (Rota basis)

• Strong people management skills
• Experience of problem solving, organizational, customer service and staff management
• An understanding of identifying staff training and development requirements and identifying development opportunities
• A high awareness of industry developments, new initiatives, trends and research
• Commercial awareness which translates into contributing to a successful and financially viable operation
• A passion for the industry demonstrated through continuous professional development
• Good computer skills and understanding including Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint & Outlook
• Team orientated approach, able to work across organisation boundaries and demonstrate interest and be supportive of the work of staff and colleagues
• Excellent time management skills - able to deal with a number of priorities at once
• Good communication skills
• To be able to work flexibly with a level of autonomy and decision making confidence

We want you to love coming to work, feeling healthy, happy and valued. That's why we've developed a benefits package with you in mind, so what can we offer you?

• My Staff Shop, our very own staff benefit scheme, gives employees access to a great range of benefits. Get discounts on cinema tickets, travel bookings, high street e-vouchers, gift cards, days out, leisure activities and your day to day spending.
• Discounted Staff membership (including family members)
• Incremental holidays
• 24/7 / Employee Assistance Programme - 24/7 confidential, independent and professional counselling.
• Company pension
• Various insurance and saving schemes
• Financial advice
• Cycle-to-work and Car Leasing tax-efficient schemes (salaried staff only, depending on earnings).
• All this as well as fully funded training and career progression opportunities in a team working environment

Closing date: 7th November 2024

Salary: up to £26,397 per annum