Overview
We're looking for a Leisure Operations Manager to help support the day-to-day running of our businesses, including Curve Water Sports, Clip 'n Climb Basildon, Clip 'n Climb Colchester and A12 Lakes.
This is a varied, hands-on role where no two days are the same. You'll work closely with the Directors and site management teams to help keep everything running smoothly, support staff, maintain high standards, and ensure our customers have a great experience.
You'll spend time across all sites, helping managers solve problems, coordinating staffing and maintenance, checking standards, supporting compliance, and making sure things get done.
This is not a role where you'll be expected to run the businesses on your own. The Directors remain actively involved in the day-to-day operation and decision-making of the company. Instead, we're looking for someone who can provide support, organisation, and oversight to help the whole team work effectively.
The ideal person will be practical, organised, approachable, and confident working with people. They'll enjoy being out on site, spotting opportunities for improvement, and helping the business continue to grow.
Key Responsibilities
- Support the day-to-day running of all businesses within the group.
- Work closely with site managers and supervisors to keep operations running smoothly.
- Visit sites regularly to check standards, identify issues, and provide support where needed.
- Help solve operational problems and ensure tasks are completed efficiently.
- Keep the Directors informed of any major issues and suggest improvements where appropriate.
Staff & Team Management
- Prepare and manage staff rotas across the group.
- Support managers with recruitment, inductions, and staff training.
- Help ensure staff qualifications, training records, and compliance requirements are up to date.
- Support managers with attendance issues and day-to-day staff matters.
- Assist with performance management and disciplinary procedures when required.
- Help create a positive working environment across all sites.
Health & Safety
- Help maintain company policies, procedures, and risk assessments.
- Carry out regular site inspections and compliance checks.
- Ensure health and safety standards are being followed across all locations.
- Help ensure staff training and qualifications remain current.
- Support managers in maintaining a safe environment for staff and customers.
- Help ensure customer and employee information is handled securely and correctly.
Customer Service
- Support teams in delivering excellent customer service.
- Assist with customer enquiries, complaints, and feedback when required.
- Help ensure customers, schools, groups, and visitors receive accurate information.
- Maintain operational records and compliance paperwork.
- Provide regular updates to the Directors on site performance and any ongoing issues.
School & Group Bookings
- Help coordinate school visits, group bookings, and organised activities.
- Ensure staffing and resources are in place for bookings to run smoothly.
- Build positive relationships with schools, community groups, and external organisations.
- Follow up payments and invoices to ensure bookings are paid on time
Maintenance & Site Upkeep
- Work alongside site managers to coordinate maintenance and repairs.
- Monitor site presentation, cleanliness, and general standards.
- Help plan and coordinate site improvement projects.
- Ensure facilities and equipment remain safe, tidy, and operational.
- Support seasonal set-up and pack-down projects where required.
Marketing Support
- Work with the marketing team and Directors to support promotions, events, and campaigns.
- Assist with website updates and online communications when required.
- Help identify opportunities to improve customer engagement and increase bookings.
Business Improvement
- Keep an eye on industry trends and competitor activity.
- Research ideas that could improve operations or customer experience.
- Support the implementation of new projects and approved business initiatives.
- Share ideas and suggestions that could help the business continue to grow.
Reporting
- Provide regular updates to the Directors.
- Highlight any operational issues, staffing concerns, or opportunities for improvement.
- Assist with planning and coordinating projects across the group.
- Support the wider team in achieving company goals.
Working Pattern
This is a full-time role working across all JCJ Group Holdings locations.
You'll be expected to travel between sites regularly and maintain a visible presence across the business. The role is based on a 40-hour working week. Due to the nature of the business, flexibility is required and occasional evening, weekend and peak-season working may be necessary. Time off in lieu may be given where appropriate.
What We're Looking For
- Experience in operations, leisure, hospitality, tourism, or a similar environment.
- Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities.
- Good people skills and the confidence to work with managers and teams across different sites.
- A practical, hands-on approach to problem-solving.
- Good communication skills and attention to detail.
- An understanding of health and safety and operational compliance.
- A positive attitude and willingness to get involved wherever needed.
- A full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle.
Reporting Structure
The Leisure Operations Manager reports directly to the Directors and works closely with supervisors across all sites.
The Directors remain responsible for strategic planning, budgeting, commercial decisions, and the overall direction of the business.
Pay: From £35,000.00 per year
Work Location: In person
