Location: West Yorkshire (primary site) with future regional responsibility
Job Type: Full-time, Permanent
Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience
Hours: Flexible, including evenings and weekends as required
About the Role
We are seeking an experienced and highly motivated Project & Facilities Manager to lead the reopening, set-up, and ongoing management of a large community sports and wellness centre that has been closed for several years.
The facility will include a swimming pool, sports hall, martial arts studio, archery provision, sauna, and steam room, and will operate as a multi-use community hub. The successful candidate will take full responsibility for bringing the building back into operation, establishing systems and teams, and ensuring the centre runs safely, efficiently, and sustainably.
In addition, the role will contribute to the future development of a gym and spa facility at a separate site within the region.
This is a senior, hands-on role suited to someone who thrives on building something from the ground up.
Key Responsibilities
Project & Reopening Management
- Lead the full reopening of a closed leisure facility, including planning, coordination, and delivery
- Oversee contractor engagement, equipment installation, and commissioning of all areas
- Develop and manage project plans, timelines, budgets, and risk registers
- Ensure the facility is fully operational, compliant, and ready for public use
Operational Management
- Manage day-to-day operations across all areas of the facility
- Implement policies, procedures, and systems for smooth and safe operation
- Oversee booking systems, schedules, and facility usage
- Ensure high standards of cleanliness, presentation, and customer experience
Financial & Business Management
- Prepare and manage budgets, forecasts, and financial controls
- Monitor income streams including memberships, bookings, classes, and hires
- Identify opportunities to increase revenue and improve sustainability
- Ensure effective cash handling, invoicing, and reporting processes
Health, Safety & Compliance
- Take overall responsibility for health & safety across the facility
- Ensure compliance with all relevant legislation and best practice standards
- Implement risk assessments, emergency procedures, and maintenance schedules
- Ensure staff are trained in safety, safeguarding, and emergency response
People Management
- Recruit, train, and manage staff, instructors, and contractors
- Develop rotas, performance expectations, and training plans
- Build a positive, professional, and customer-focused team culture
Customer & Community Focus
- Deliver excellent customer service across all activities
- Support inclusive, accessible community participation
- Act as the senior on-site representative and point of contact
Future Development
- Support planning and setup of a future gym and spa facility at a separate site
- Contribute to business planning, procurement, and operational design
Essential Requirements
- Proven experience managing a leisure, sports, wellness, or community facility, ideally including swimming provision
- Experience reopening, refurbishing, or launching a facility or service
- Strong financial management and budgeting experience
- Excellent knowledge of health & safety requirements in leisure environments
- Proven leadership and staff management experience
- Strong organisational, problem-solving, and decision-making skills
- Confident communicator with a customer-focused mindset
- Willingness to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends
Desirable
- Qualification in Leisure Management, Facilities Management, Business, or a related field
- Pool Plant Operator (PPO), First Aid, or Health & Safety qualifications
- Experience working in community, charity, or not-for-profit settings
- Experience supporting gym or spa operations
What We Offer
- Competitive salary
- Opportunity to lead a unique and meaningful community project
- High level of autonomy and responsibility
- Opportunity to shape and grow multiple facilities from the ground up
Applications will be handled confidentially.
Further details about the organisation and locations will be shared with shortlisted candidates.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: £35,000.00-£55,000.00 per year
Work Location: In person
