About Us
We are launching an exciting new premium sports and fitness destination in Sydenham, South East London, and are looking for an ambitious and hands-on Centre Manager to lead the day-to-day operation of the facility.
Our centre will feature:
- 3 Double Padel Courts
- 1 Singles Padel Court
- Fully Equipped Gym
- Café & Bar
- Golf Simulator
- Male & Female Changing Facilities
- Sauna and Ice Bath Facilities
- Customer Parking
This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced manager with a passion for padel, sport, fitness, and customer service to play a key role in the launch and ongoing success of a brand-new facility.
The Role
Reporting directly to the Directors, the Centre Manager will take responsibility for the overall day-to-day operation of the centre, ensuring exceptional customer experiences, high operational standards, strong financial performance, and a thriving community atmosphere.
This is a hands-on management role where no two days will be the same. You will be expected to lead from the front and oversee all aspects of the business.
The role will also not require set hours. We will require the successful candidate to work on their own schedule, within reason, but be responsible for ensuring the centre is adequately staffed and running at full efficiency with maximum standards at all times. The successful candidate will be required to work a minimum of 40 hours every week themselves.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage the day-to-day running of the centre.
- Ensure all facilities are maintained to the highest standard.
- Oversee opening and closing procedures.
- Monitor health and safety compliance across the site.
- Manage building maintenance and repairs.
- Coordinate external contractors including cleaners, maintenance providers, and specialist service companies.
Team Management
- Recruit, train, motivate, and manage centre staff.
- Develop staff rotas and ensure appropriate staffing levels.
- Conduct performance reviews and ongoing staff development.
- Create a positive, customer-focused team culture.
Customer Experience
- Deliver exceptional customer service standards.
- Handle customer enquiries, complaints, and feedback professionally.
- Build a welcoming and engaging community around the centre.
- Support member retention and growth initiatives.
Padel Operations
- Oversee court bookings and programming.
- Support the growth of padel activities, leagues, tournaments, and events.
- Work closely with coaches and players to develop the padel offering.
- Act as an ambassador for the sport and the facility.
Café, Bar & Retail Management
- Oversee the operation of the café and bar.
- Manage stock levels and supplier relationships.
- Ensure licensing, hygiene, and food safety requirements are met.
- Monitor sales performance and profitability.
Marketing & Community Engagement
- Manage the centre's social media platforms.
- Create engaging content to promote the facility and events.
- Support local marketing campaigns and partnerships.
- Build relationships with local businesses, schools, clubs, and community groups.
Commercial Performance
- Monitor key business performance metrics.
- Support membership and court booking growth.
- Assist with budgeting and cost control.
- Identify opportunities to increase revenue and improve customer engagement.
About You/Essential Requirements
- Previous experience supervising/managing a leisure facility, sports centre, gym, health club, hospitality venue, or similar operation.
- Strong understanding and passion for padel.
- Experience managing staff and contractors.
- Excellent customer service and communication skills.
- Strong organisational and problem-solving abilities.
- Experience managing stock and suppliers.
- Comfortable using booking systems, social media platforms, and Microsoft Office.
- Ability to work flexibly, including evenings and weekends when required.
Desirable Requirements
- Experience within a padel, tennis, fitness, or sports environment.
- Health & Safety qualification.
- First Aid qualification.
- Experience managing a café, bar, or hospitality operation.
- Experience launching or managing a new venue.
What We Offer
- Salary of £32,000 – £36,000 depending on experience.
- Opportunity to lead a brand-new premium sports and fitness facility.
- Career development and progression opportunities.
- A dynamic and exciting working environment.
- The chance to play a key role in building one of South East London's leading padel and fitness destinations.
How to Apply
If you are passionate about padel, sport, fitness, and delivering exceptional customer experiences, we'd love to hear from you.
Please submit your CV along with a short cover letter explaining why you would be a great fit for this role.
Pay: £32,000.00-£36,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Company events
- Discounted or free food
- Employee discount
- Free parking
- Gym membership
- On-site gym
- On-site parking
- Store discount
Work Location: In person
