The Role:
The Senior General Manager (Grantham) will play a key leadership role in the management and development of LeisureSK Ltd’s operations within Grantham, as well as acting as the deputy to the Operations Director and supporting delivery across the wider contract.
The role will combine strategic oversight and operational leadership, with responsibilities aligned closely to those of a General Manager, but with broader accountability across contract delivery, governance, and performance.
The post holder will lead the Grantham operation to deliver high-quality, sustainable leisure services, increasing participation in physical activity and contributing to improved health and wellbeing outcomes across South Kesteven.
Key Relationships:
Internal:
Operations Director
LeisureSK Board of Directors
Senior Management Team
Site Managers and operational teams
External:
South Kesteven District Council
Local stakeholders and community partners
Health and wellbeing networks
Commercial partners and suppliers
Main Accountabilities:
The Senior General Manager (Grantham) will support and deputise for the Operations Director across the three sites in the following areas:
* Strategic Management
* Operational Leadership (Grantham focus)
* Corporate Governance
* Business Development
* Financial Performance
* Human Resources
* Health & Safety Compliance
* Performance Management
* Partnership Development
Key Responsibilities:
Strategic & Operational Leadership
* Lead the day-to-day and strategic management of Grantham leisure facilities
* Deputise for the Operations Director when required
* Support delivery of LeisureSK’s strategic objectives and business plan
* Drive increased participation and community engagement in physical activity
Service Delivery & Operations
* Oversee all operational aspects of the Grantham site, ensuring high standards of service, safety, and customer experience
* Ensure facilities are well maintained, compliant, and commercially optimised
* Work closely with site teams to drive performance and innovation
Financial Management
* Support budget setting, monitoring, and financial performance for Grantham
* Ensure delivery against income targets and cost control measures
* Identify opportunities for revenue growth and efficiency savings
Leadership & People Management
* Lead, motivate, and develop management and operational teams
* Foster a high-performance, customer-focused culture
* Support recruitment, training, and succession planning
* Monitor performance, KPI delivery and key success measures
Corporate Governance
* Support the Operations Director in delivering contractual obligations
* Prepare reports and performance updates for the Board
* Ensure compliance with all statutory and company requirements
Business Development & Partnerships
* Develop local partnerships to enhance service delivery and participation
* Support marketing and outreach initiatives to grow usage
* Contribute to wider contract development opportunities
Performance Management
* Monitor KPIs and operational performance across Grantham
* Implement continuous improvement strategies
* Address underperformance and drive service excellence
Procurement
* Ensure that LeisureSK gets value for money when buying supplies and services
* Adhere to SKDC procurement policies, working closely with SKDC’s Procurement Officer
General Responsibilities:
* Act as deputy to the Operations Director across the contract
* Provide leadership support across multiple sites if required
* Maintain professional qualifications relevant to the role
* Undertake additional duties as required in line with business needs
Requirements:
* Senior management experience (leisure or similar sector)
* A Level 5 (or above) in Management/Leadership e.g. Level 5 Diploma in Management & Leadership or a Level 6-7 (degree or postgraduate level) in management, sport management, or business
* Experience in strategic planning, business development, or transformation
* Strong leadership, decision-making, and communication skills
* Ability to engage and influence senior stakeholders/Boards
* Financial management experience (budgets, KPIs, performance)
* Able to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
* Experience leading and developing teams
* Understanding of corporate governance in a Board-led organisation
* Right to work in the UK and full UK driving licence