We're looking for an energetic and commercially-minded leader to take responsibility for the operation and performance of our leisure facilities across Thanet. Reporting to the Head of Operations, Transformation & Growth, you'll lead the local management team to deliver high-quality, safe and profitable services that encourage our communities to 'Live Better' and support our charitable ethos.
About the role
As Contract Manager you will own the day-to-day operation of leisure services across the Thanet contract. Working across multiple sites, you'll be accountable for financial performance, service quality, health and safety, and the leadership and development of your teams.
Key responsibilities include:
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Leading, motivating and developing the leisure team across the contract, overseeing recruitment, induction, training, CPD, appraisals and employee relations in line with our People policies
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Delivering sound financial management, managing budgets, controlling costs, driving membership sales and achieving agreed profit and performance targets
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Ensuring programmes and activities run efficiently and to plan, identifying improvements and working with our support service to grow the offer
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Maintaining the highest standards of customer satisfaction, using NPS, customer insight and complaints data to embed continuous improvement
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Providing operational health and safety leadership, ensuring full legal compliance and a positive safety culture across all sites (including NOPs, EAPs and SOPs)
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Auditing resources, facilities and standards, and producing action plans for improvement
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Championing safeguarding, equality and diversity in everything the team does
What we're looking for
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Minimum 2 years' middle-to-senior management experience in sports, leisure, retail or hospitality
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A proven track record in team leadership, motivation and customer service
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Strong financial acumen, confident with P&L, budgets and forecasting
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Excellent communication skills and the ability to work under pressure
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A full clean driving licence and a flexible approach to working hours (including evenings and weekends across rotating 7-day shift patterns)
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Ability to complete the National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ) and other statutory training relevant to the role.
An enhanced disclosure (DBS) check is required for this role.
Closing date 2nd July 2026
