Why Join Us?
This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to lead operations in the UK's first fully inclusive leisure centre. You will play a pivotal role in shaping how thousands of families experience play, friendship, exercise, and joy — every single day of the year.
About Gympanzees
Gympanzees is on a mission to do something no one in the UK has ever done before: create the first fully inclusive leisure, exercise and play centre for disabled children and young people (0–25) and their families.
Based on a stunning 14-acre site in South Gloucestershire, our centre will be packed with energy and possibilities — 10 state-of-the-art activity rooms, outdoor adventure play, a buzzing café and shop, a lending library, and celebration spaces. Once open, it will welcome 200,000 visits every year.
This is your chance to be part of something truly groundbreaking. At Gympanzees, you won't just be doing a job — you'll be helping to tear down barriers to play, friendship, exercise and joy for thousands of children and families who deserve it most.
If you're passionate, ambitious and excited to make a real difference, we'd love you to join our team.
The Role
We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Leisure Centre Manager to lead the day-to-day operations of our flagship centre. This is a unique opportunity to manage an inclusive facility that will transform the lives of thousands of children, young people, and families.
Right now, we're in an incredibly exciting position — and you'll be at the heart of it. In the short term, you'll play a crucial role in getting the centre ready for opening: selecting and implementing software systems, sourcing stock and suppliers, shaping timetables, recruiting and training staff, and putting in place the processes and standards that will make our launch smooth and our long-term success possible.
Once the centre opens, the Leisure Centre Manager will take the lead in ensuring that every visitor enjoys a safe, welcoming, and outstanding experience. You'll oversee the day-to-day running of all activities and services — from the café, shop, and gym to the lending library, room hire, and our wide range of activity and play sessions.
You'll be the driving force behind a talented team of managers, providing leadership, support, and direction to deliver excellence across every part of the centre.
This is a senior operational role that calls for proven experience in leisure, hospitality, or visitor attractions. A background in working with disabled people or in inclusive environments would be a real advantage - above all, we're looking for someone with the vision and passion to help shape a truly groundbreaking centre.
Key Responsibilities
Operational Leadership
* Lead the day-to-day management of the leisure centre, ensuring smooth and effective delivery of all services.
* Oversee the planning, delivery and evaluation of inclusive activity and play sessions.
* Ensure facilities and equipment are safe, accessible, and well-maintained.
* Take responsibility for compliance with health & safety, safeguarding, risk management and legal requirements.
Team Management
* Line manage and support direct reports, including Café Manager, Gym Manager, Shop & Library Lead, and Party/Room Hire Coordinator.
* Create a positive, inclusive, and motivated staff culture where every team member can thrive.
* Support training and development, with a strong focus on inclusion and customer service excellence.
Commercial & Customer Services
* Oversee the café, shop, lending library, and celebration/room hire services.
* Drive commercial performance to ensure financial sustainability, while balancing mission and accessibility.
* Ensure consistently high standards of customer service across all areas.
Collaboration & Reporting
* Work closely with the CEO and senior leadership team to align operations with Gympanzees' strategy and values.
* Provide regular operational reports, including visitor numbers, feedback, financial performance, and risk management.
* Engage with families, staff, volunteers, and partners to ensure continuous improvement.
Person Specification
Essential
* Significant experience managing leisure, hospitality, or visitor services at scale.
* Proven success in leading diverse teams, including line management responsibility.
* Strong operational management skills — facilities, health & safety, compliance.
* Commercial awareness with experience running income-generating services (e.g. café, retail, memberships, room hire).
* Excellent communication and people skills; able to engage confidently with families, staff, volunteers and external partners.
* Organised, resilient, and able to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
* Commitment to Gympanzees' mission of inclusion and accessibility.
Desirable
* Experience working with disabled children, young people, or adults.
* Knowledge of accessible facilities, inclusive play, or adapted exercise.
* Experience in launching or scaling new services or centres.
Please send a CV and covering letter to by 24th October 2025.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: £45,000.00-£50,000.00 per year
Benefits:
* Canteen
* Company pension
* Free parking
* On-site parking
* Sick pay
Ability to commute/relocate:
* Bristol BS35 4BL: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Work Location: In person