Job Description – Chief Executive Officer (Part-Time, 2 days per week)
Organisation: Gateshead Leisure Centre (GLC) – Charity Asset Transfer
Reports to: Board of Trustees
Direct Reports: Centre Manager. Finance Manager.
About Gateshead Leisure Centre (GLC)
Gateshead Leisure Centre is one of the UK’s largest community asset transfers, reopened
as a charity nearly two years ago. It now serves over 2,000 members and provides inclusive
opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds to be active, well, and connected.
Our team includes apprentices and staff with additional needs, and we are proud to be a
diverse, values-driven organisation. We have achieved a great deal already, but significant
challenges remain. Ensuring financial sustainability, reducing debt, and embedding a culture
of compliance, safeguarding, and excellence will be the primary focus of this role.
Purpose of the Role
The CEO will provide strategic leadership and accountability for delivering GLC’s charitable
purpose. This is a part-time role (2 days per week) focused on guiding the organisation
through its next phase of development: strengthening financial sustainability, embedding
safeguarding and compliance, and building a high-performing, values-driven culture.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership & Planning
* Lead the development and delivery of a clear organisational strategy aligned to GLC’s mission and community needs.
* Translate strategy into measurable objectives, KPIs, and delivery plans across all functions.
* Balance community impact with commercial sustainability, ensuring debt reduction and long-term viability.
Governance, Compliance & Safeguarding
* Support and advise the Board of Trustees, providing accurate and timely information on performance, risks, and compliance.
* Ensure adherence to charity law, safeguarding, health & safety, and other statutory requirements.
* Act as Designated Safeguarding Lead (or oversee a DSL), embedding safeguarding in policy, training, and practice.
Financial Stewardship
* Take executive accountability for budgets, financial planning, cashflow, and reporting.
* Drive cost reduction, operational efficiencies, and income generation.
* Present management accounts and forecasts to the Board; ensure robust financial controls and audit readiness.
People, Culture & Mentoring
* Provide clear leadership to a young and diverse team, instilling work ethic, compliance, and pride in delivery.
* Coach and mentor senior staff, empowering them to manage operations effectively.
* Build an inclusive, values-driven culture focused on safety, customer experience, and impact.
External Relations & Advocacy
* Act as the public face of GLC, building partnerships with local authorities, health partners, funders, schools, and community organisations.
* Champion GLC’s mission, equity, diversity & inclusion, and community impact.
* Ensure effective marketing and communications that grow participation and income.
Person Specification
Essential Experience
* Minimum 5 years’ experience in a senior leadership role.
* Proven track record in budget management and strategic commercial decision-making.
* Experience leading large, diverse teams, with a focus on coaching and mentoring.
* Strong knowledge of safeguarding and health & safety.
Desirable Experience
* Experience in the charity sector.
* Experience in leisure, health, or community services.
Skills & Attributes
* Strategic thinker with ethical values and commercial discipline.
* Inspirational communicator who can unite people behind a shared vision.
* Resilient, adaptable, and committed to inclusion and community wellbeing.
* Skilled in stakeholder management and Board reporting.
Qualifications
* No formal degree required.
* Safeguarding and H&S training essential (or willingness to undertake).
Practicalities & Benefits
* Working pattern: Part-time, 2 days per week; occasional evenings/weekends for Board meetings or events.
* Location: Gateshead Leisure Centre; some flexibility by agreement.
* Salary: Dependent on experience.
* Equal Opportunities: GLC is committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion and welcomes applications from all backgrounds.
* Pre-employment: Right to work in the UK; enhanced DBS; reference checks.
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