Andover, Hampshire | Hybrid working
£62,000–£72,000 + bonus + car
Shape the future of a respected national body at the heart of a technically complex, safety-critical industry.
Our client sits at the centre of the UK wet leisure industry. It safeguards standards, supports businesses and provides a unified voice for a sector that underpins public safety, professional integrity and economic activity across the UK.
Although associated with leisure and wellbeing, pools and spas require rigorous standards and responsible regulation. When those standards are strong, trust is protected and harm is prevented. They play a critical role in maintaining professionalism and credibility across the sector.
Representing over 300 member businesses and overseeing the delivery of the industry’s flagship exhibition, our client works with government, standards bodies and international partners to influence policy and shape the sector’s long-term direction.
Following a long and successful tenure, the current Managing Director will be handing over to a successor, creating a rare opportunity to step into a sector-shaping leadership role.play
The Opportunity
They have strong foundations, trusted relationships and financial stability. The opportunity now is to strengthen and extend that position by growing membership, reinforcing commercial resilience and ensuring continued relevance in a changing commercial and regulatory landscape.
This is a leadership role with genuine ownership. You will shape long-term direction, safeguard financial sustainability and represent the industry with authority, working closely with Boards and Committees while leading a capable team within a lean structure. You will be closely involved in both strategic direction and operational delivery, ensuring plans translate into measurable progress.
The breadth of the role requires energy, sound judgement and disciplined prioritisation. You will move confidently between strategy and execution, diplomacy and decision-making, commercial focus and sector representation. The role is visible and carries real responsibility.
For the right leader, it offers meaningful responsibility and lasting impact.
Key Areas of Focus
• Setting clear strategic direction and maintaining organisational alignment
• Strengthening financial sustainability and supporting the continued success of their projects
• Driving membership growth and retention while enhancing the value proposition for SMEs
• Enabling effective governance through strong relationships with Boards and Committees
• Acting as principal representative of the UK wet leisure industry
• Leading and developing a small, talented, multi-skilled team
About You
You are an experienced senior leader who combines commercial awareness with sound judgement and professional credibility, whether from within the sector or from a related membership, regulated or public sector environment.
You bring:
• Experience working with Boards or membership-led organisations
• Accountability for financial performance and income sustainability
• A track record of strengthening membership engagement or commercial development
• Confidence operating under scrutiny and navigating diverse stakeholder views
• A pragmatic, hands-on approach alongside strategic thinking
This role suits a leader who values responsibility and the opportunity to shape direction. You are motivated by long-term impact and institutional credibility, and you are comfortable operating in complex environments.
You might be an experienced deputy ready for a first Managing Director role, or an established leader seeking meaningful influence and scope. Either way, you are looking for a role where you can invest your energy and make a lasting contribution.
Working Pattern and Reward
The role is full time with a hybrid working arrangement, combining time in the Andover office, home working and UK and occasional European travel.
A competitive salary and benefits package is offered, reflecting the responsibility, visibility and influence of the role.
If you are ready to take ownership of a respected national body and strengthen its long-term impact, they welcome your application.
You may have experience of the following: Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Executive Director, General Manager, Chief Operating Officer (COO), Head of Operations, Director of Strategy, Commercial Director, Membership Director, Sector Lead, Industry Association Director, Governance Director.
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