CLAYE SMO RE
Job Title
Sports and Leisure Manager
Responsible to
Director of Finance and Operations
Role Overview
We are seeking an experienced and dynamic Sports & Leisure Manager to lead and develop our Leisure and Activities programme. This role is responsible for the overall performance, safety, profitability, and guest experience of all leisure facilities, including swimming pool, activity programmes, and associated services. You will lead a high-performing team, drive cross-departmental collaboration, and take full ownership of operational and financial performance. You will also be responsible for the planning, organisation, management, and promotion of our Learn to Swim programme, dry-side courses, day camps, and events, ensuring they operate efficiently, safely, and profitably.
This is a key leadership role that combines operational excellence, commercial awareness, and exceptional customer experience.
Responsibilities and Duties
● Lead, motivate, and develop a team of lifeguards, swimming teachers, instructors, pool attendants, and leisure staff.
● Recruit, train, and support team members, ensuring high standards of performance and professionalism.
Manage all aspects of staff performance including development, attendance, conduct, and disciplinary processes in line with company policies.
● Promote continuous professional development (CPD) across the team.
Provide emergency cover for sessions where required.
● Foster a positive, inclusive, and collaborative working environment.
Build strong working relationships across all departments.
Lead the commercial Leisure and Activities programme, ensuring a diverse, engaging, and highquality offering.
Plan, manage, and promote Learn to Swim, dry-side courses, day camps, and events.
● Coordinate swimming teachers and activity instructors to ensure efficient staffing and resource use.
Ensure all programmes operate at optimal capacity, achieving income targets and minimum participation levels.
Manage leisure timetables, rotas, bookings, and programming.
● Act as the main point of contact for customer enquiries (telephone, email and face-to-face).
● Maintain outstanding customer service standards and positive public relations.
● Attend and contribute to reception and operational meetings as required.
Health, Safety and Safeguarding
● Ensure all facilities meet health and safety, safeguarding, and water hygiene standards.
Be responsible for the welfare of all customers and staff in line with legislation and company policies.
Conduct regular inspections and safety audits of facilities and plant equipment.
● Maintain accurate risk assessments, operating procedures, and compliance documentation.
Respond promptly and effectively to safety or operational issues.
Ensure safeguarding procedures are fully implemented and adhered to.
Financial & Commercial Performance
Take full ownership of departmental budgets and financial performance.
● Work with the Head of Operations to create, manage, and monitor budgets.
● Identify and deliver revenue-generating opportunities across all leisure services.
Control costs and ensure efficient use of resources.
● Prepare and present reports on usage, customer feedback, and financial performance.
Support wider income generation initiatives.
Help develop the financial and administrative model for a future commercial Health & Fitness Centre.
Systems, Administration & Reporting
Manage all IT systems related to Learn to Swim and dry-side programmes.
● Oversee direct debit processing and reporting.
● Maintain KPI tracking systems, spreadsheets, and performance dashboards.
Ensure booking and scheduling systems are accurate and efficient.
Facilities, Maintenance & Development Projects
Implement and manage a preventative maintenance schedule.
● Coordinate maintenance and liaise with the Estates Team.
● Ensure all plant rooms, equipment, and facilities remain safe, compliant and fully operational.
● Ensure all equipment is appropriate, well maintained and replaced when necessary.
Skills, knowledge and Experience
Person Specification
Essential
● Proven experience in a leadership role within Sports and Leisure (e.g. Swimming Pool Manager, Leisure Centre Manager).
Strong leadership and people management skills.
Excellent organisational and communication abilities.
Strong understanding of health and safety, safeguarding and compliance.
Commercial awareness and experience managing budgets.
Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Desirable
● PPO and SPTO qualifications (training can be provided).
Pool Plant Operations or similar technical knowledge.
Experience managing programmes, timetables, and bookings.
Additional Information
This is a full time, all year round post.
● Benefits include free membership of the Clayesmore Sports Centre, death in service benefits and a pension scheme.
Membership of the Clayesmore Society and associated member benefits.
Date prepared: June 2026 Prepared by: Commercial Manager
Clayesmore School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Applicants for this post must be willing to undergo safeguarding screening, including reference checks with previous employers and a criminal record check with the Disclosure and Barring Service.