General Manager - Full Time - Wincanton Leisure Centre
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, Freedom Leisure is the place for you! We are a not‑for‑profit leisure trust with 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.
We are looking for a General Manager to look after our Wincanton Leisure Centre in South Somerset. We are looking for a Manager with proven entrepreneurial ability, financial acumen, a passion for high standards and a history of taking ownership and delivering results. You will have excellent commercial awareness which you can translate into the successful running of popular leisure centres. The ability to drive sales/income and manage expenditure are key qualities for this role. Other key qualities include the ability to lead, motivate and support the centre team and to work with internal and external customers/stakeholders/local community.
Responsibilities
* Business & Sales Management – Accountability for the business, budgetary and cost centre performance across the whole Centre. Ensuring that sales are driven forward, developing the business plan and leading colleagues to achieve key performance targets.
* Operational Management – Leading the team to ensure excellent operational standards and record keeping is in place. Working with the team to provide all activities in a safe and welcoming environment.
* People Management – Managing and recruiting a team where necessary, to deliver an exciting leisure offering to the highest standards, so that the service delivers the financial performance in line with the bid proposal, and to engage the whole community. Providing the necessary support and leadership to colleagues for ongoing management and development of all.
You should have the necessary skills and experience to lead the Centre and engage the local community. The person 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 colleagues and have a passion for leisure and cultural services and events. The ability to deliver on tight deadlines under pressure is absolutely essential.
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.
Requirements
* Develop and grow the membership, activity and attendance at the site.
* Manage and be responsible for the centre's income and expenditure.
* Be the lead contact at site and report to the Area Manager.
* Ensure that Freedom Leisure Policies, Procedures and Processes are fully adhered to.
* Ensure the relevant site audit processes are managed.
* Produce reports on various areas of the centre's operation and KPIs.
* At least 3 years' experience in leisure facilities.
* Experience of identifying staff training and development requirements and identifying development opportunities.
* A passion for the industry demonstrated through continuous professional development.
Benefits
* My Staff Shop – a staff benefit scheme giving employees access to a range of benefits such as discounted cinema tickets, travel bookings, e‑vouchers, gift cards, and leisure activities.
* Discounted staff membership (including family members).
* Incremental holidays.
* 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).
* Fully funded training and career progression opportunities in a team working environment supporting your local community to improve lives through leisure.
Closing date
21st November 2025
Salary
Up to £33,000 per annum
Seniority level
Mid‑Senior level
Employment type
Full‑time
Job function
Other
Industries
IT Services and IT Consulting
Location
Blandford Forum, England, United Kingdom
#J-18808-Ljbffr