Sports Centre Manager
Newcastle upon Tyne Royal Grammar School
Required from July 2026 (or as soon as possible after)
THE POSITION
We have an exciting opportunity for an enthusiastic, efficient, and organised individual to join the school in this pivotal role. The Sports Centre Manager is responsible for the overall management, operation, and development of the RGS sports facilities. This includes ensuring the highest standards of health and safety, customer service, and facility maintenance across all areas including the climbing wall, swimming pool, sports hall, fitness studios, Astroturf, grass pitches, and any future facility development, whilst contributing to maximising profit from commercial non-school activities.
The role would be ideal for someone with excellent organisational and communication skills who is able to work effectively with a variety of key stakeholders. Applications are especially sought from individuals with management experience within a leisure facility.
The successful candidate will work to support the efficient day-to-day running of the school’s Sports Centre and facilities alongside teaching staff and support staff.
THE SPORTS DEPARTMENT
The RGS Senior and Junior Schools offer a fantastic range of sports to students through curricular PE and swimming, timetabled games and co-curricular sports. All students are encouraged and have multiple opportunities to represent the school and sport offers opportunities at all levels. Staff are mainly multi-disciplined and work with teams across a full range of sports and all age groups.
The sports facilities include five full-size grass pitches (one on-site and four a short 5-minute walk), a six-lane 25-metre swimming-pool; two sports halls; an Astro-turf hockey pitch; a climbing wall; netball courts; tennis courts; strength and conditioning studios; dance facilities; a designated PE/sport classroom and changing-rooms to accommodate all the school’s foreseeable sporting needs. For cross-country running both Senior and Junior Schools use the adjoining Exhibition Park and Town Moor. For cricket, the school owns the Jesmond cricket ground, a 5-minute walk from the main school, and we regularly use the Northumberland Lawn Tennis club for tennis, squash and badminton facilities.
All year groups have a games afternoon every week, giving the opportunity for all students to be involved in a comprehensive programme, as well as to play in fixtures. Students in Years 7 to 9 get one hour of timetabled PE a week, and an hour of swimming every fortnight. In Years 10 and 11 they get one hour of PE, or swimming on a rotation each week. Alongside curricular PE, swimming and games, the department delivers BTEC Sport and Exercise Science, GCSE PE and Sports Leaders Qualifications.
In sport we want all students to participate, whilst also striving to be the best they can, and there are inter-house competitions and school teams for rugby, hockey, football, netball, cross-country running, swimming, cricket, rounders, athletics, basketball, badminton, squash, tennis, athletics and gymnastics. The sports co-curricular schedule is busy, and clubs in various sports run, before, during, and after school. Fixtures are played mid-week and on Saturdays where we can travel further afield to take on suitable competitive fixtures. Teams compete at all levels.
PEOPLE
The Senior and Junior School Sports Department has eleven full-time and two part-time members of staff, alongside a full-time swimming teacher who works across the Junior and Senior School. In 2026-2027 we will employ annually three sports graduate assistants and engage with additional specialist coaches who visit the school to deliver certain activities and strengthen the provision in our major sports alongside RGS staff from the wider school community.
MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Reporting to the Director of Sport, the Sport Centre Manager’s overall responsibilities are not limited to, but will include:
Efficient Day-to-Day Operations
- Ensure the smooth and efficient daily operations of the school’s Sports Centre and associated facilities, maintaining high standards of service and functionality.
Pool Operations
- Identify and develop opportunities to maximise utilisation of pool facilities, including the potential delivery, growth, and commercial development of aquatic programmes and partnerships (e.g. swimming clubs), in line with business objectives.
- Lead and ensure the safe, compliant operation of the pool facilities through the effective application of RLSS National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ)/NASTRAC standards or equivalent.
- Oversee lifeguarding provision, ensuring appropriate staffing levels, supervision, and adherence to Normal Operating Procedures (NOP) and Emergency Action Plans (EAP).
- Manage, deliver, and quality assure staff training and assessments, utilising Trainer Assessor (TA) qualifications where held, to maintain a highly competent workforce.
- Develop and implement ongoing training programmes to ensure all staff meet mandatory qualifications and continuous professional development requirements.
Safe and Productive Environment
- Create and maintain a purposeful, productive, and safe working environment for all sports activities.
- Ensure that all facilities are conducive to optimal performance and enjoyment.
Compliance with Health and Safety Standards
- Demonstrate a commitment to health and safety by ensuring that all facilities are used in accordance with the school’s Health and Safety documentation, other relevant legislation and regulations for students, staff, and external lettings.
- Adhere to safety protocols relevant to the climbing wall; the successful candidate will receive specialised training to ensure safe and effective maintenance practices.
- Assist in the safe operation of the swimming pool by ensuring that all relevant documentation, including the Pool Safety Operating Procedures (PSOP), is up to date and meticulously maintained.
Facility Maintenance and Security
- Ensure all sports facilities are kept in good order, secure, and safe for use. Regularly inspect and maintain facilities to meet the highest standards of safety and cleanliness.
External Lettings Compliance
- Collaborate with the Commercial and Events manager to ensure external lettings adhere to relevant requirements and health and safety legislation.
- Oversee the setup and clearance of equipment for external users to ensure smooth operations.
Equipment Maintenance and Safety
- Ensure all sports equipment is in safe condition, properly maintained, and replenished as needed.
- Support the development and implementation of a planned equipment replacement budget.
- Conduct regular checks and coordinate repairs or replacements when necessary.
- Work closely with the teacher in charge of climbing to ensure all equipment is regularly inventoried, maintained, and safety checked. This collaborative effort is crucial for maintaining high safety standards and ensuring all climbing activities are conducted in the safest manner possible.
Staff Development and Training
- Support staff in their professional development and training to ensure they deliver expected performance outcomes and maintain relevant qualifications.
- Facilitate ongoing learning and skill enhancement opportunities.
- Ensure teaching staff have up to date and appropriate lifesaving and first aid qualifications.
Sports Centre Rota Management
- Alongside the Director of Sport, produce and maintain the weekly Sports Centre rota to ensure sufficient resources are available for planned activities.
- Ensure optimal staffing levels for all events and activities.
Cleaning and Maintenance Coordination
- Work closely with the Head of Facilities and Estates to address cleaning and maintenance requirements, ensuring a hygienic and well-maintained environment.
- Conduct frequent inspections and maintenance checks of all fitness equipment, including lifting platforms, free weights, and cardiovascular endurance machines.
- Ensure that all equipment is in proper working condition, clean, and safe for use.
- Address any issues promptly by coordinating repairs or replacements as needed.
- Implement a system for regular deep cleaning and sanitation to ensure a hygienic environment for all users.
Reception Services
- Ensure a welcoming reception service for all users, spectators, and visitors.
- Provide excellent customer service and address inquiries or issues promptly.
Curriculum Support
- Assist with the preparation and provision of equipment and resources for curriculum lessons, including setting up and clearing away equipment and rotating seasonal gear as needed.
Sports Department Support
- When necessary, work with the Sports Administrator to support the sports department in ordering equipment, booking relevant transport and accommodation for fixtures and tours, using the relevant school systems.
Facility Allocation and Inspection
- Allocate and regularly check changing rooms, shower/toilet areas, and lockers to ensure they are clean, functional, and well-maintained.
Medical and Laundry Facilities
- Supervise the Sports Centre’s medical and laundry facilities to ensure they are adequately stocked, clean, and operational.
Safeguarding
- To demonstrate a personal commitment to safeguarding students and colleagues’ wellbeing.
- To ensure any safeguarding concerns or incidents are reported appropriately and in line with the RGS safeguarding policies.
- To comply with all safeguarding policies and procedures and the RGS Staff Code.
Other
- Participate in training and other learning activities as required and participate in appraisal and professional development.
PERSONAL QUALITIES
Essential
- An enthusiasm for sport in general and a good working knowledge of a wide range of sports and the associated equipment/facility requirements.
- Being well organised, flexible and able to respond quickly to changing demands, able to schedule and prioritise work, be flexible and respond quickly to changing demands.
- An ability to work alone, show initiative, and work as a member/leader of a small team.
- Enthusiastic and motivated.
- Be physically fit – for lifting and moving equipment, responding to any problems.
- Be a confident swimmer for safety while working at the pool edge.
- A customer-orientated approach to all stakeholders.
- An ability to enthuse and support other team members, including mentoring and training junior staff.
- An understanding of, and commitment to, the special needs of working with young people. These include safeguarding, health and safety, security and handling confidential information at times.
- The ability to develop systems for logging and managing ongoing maintenance of facilities and equipment.
Desirable
- Ideally, an understanding of the workings of a school or college.
- Knowledge of iSAMS, our school management information system.
QUALIFICATIONS/TRAINING/KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS
Previous experience in a similar role is desirable, but not essential. The Sports Centre Manager should demonstrate the following qualifications/skills and qualities:
Essential
- A valid Royal Lifesaving Society (RLSS) National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ) or equivalent.
- Trainer Assessor (TA) certificate or equivalent.
- First Aid at Work Qualification.
- Highly organised, with the ability to be flexible and effectively manage your own workload, multitask, and work in a fast-paced environment.
- Excellent IT skills, including proficiency in the use of Office 365 including Microsoft Excel, Word and Outlook essential.
- Excellent verbal and written communications skills.
- Experience of working in a sports/leisure centre, including supervisory responsibilities
Desirable
- Previous experience working in an educational environment.
- Climbing wall instructor qualification.
- National pool plan operator certificate, or significant experience of operating pool plan and a willingness to undertake this qualification.
MAIN TERMS AND CONDITIONS
- The start date for this role will be as soon as possible following completion of the School’s Safer Recruitment checks.
- The post will report to the Director of Sport and work with colleagues across the Sports Department and wider school. The role sits within the School Operational Team.
- This is a permanent role with the school and the successful candidate will be employed on an all-year-round contract which includes attendance on all staff days and training days throughout the year.
- The successful candidate will also be expected to work the mandatory safeguarding training day in September each year, which is compulsory for all staff.
- The successful candidate may also be required to work limited special events in school (e.g. RGS Festival and RGS Open Day) with advance notice being given by the school.
- The normal working hours for this role are 40 hours per week, on agreed shift patterns that will include Saturdays and some Sundays. Hours of work could therefore vary but would generally not be before 7.00am or after 10.00pm.
- A starting salary will be in the range of c£28-30k gross per annum, however the actual salary will reflect the experience and skills offered by the successful applicant.
- RGS staff salaries are reviewed on 1st August each year.
- Holidays –The school offers a generous annual leave entitlement of 31 days plus Bank Holidays for all year-round support staff.
- The employee will be required to comply with a range of RGS policies, in particular, those regarding Data protection, use of ICT facilities, Child Protection, Staff Code and Health and Safety, a copy of which will be made available.
WHAT WE OFFER
- A warm, ambitious and supportive staff community, unified by shared values and a passion for helping young people thrive.
- Opportunities to engage in rich co-curricular life of the school including 170 clubs, societies and creative opportunities.
- Outstanding facilities across 30 acres, including state-of-the-art art studios, a modern Sixth Form Centre, Performing Arts Centre and extensive sports facilities including a 25m pool.
- Free use of the gym, fitness suite and swimming pool at permitted times.
- Complimentary lunch during term time
- Access to our modern school library and extensive reading materials.
- Optional healthcare plan, including optical, dental, physio cover and telephone GP access.
- Acces to a 24/7 confidential counselling service.
- Access to the school medical team, including triage advice and free flu vaccinations.
- Support staff pension scheme (APTIS):
- 6% employee contribution with a 10% employer contribution, or
- 3% employee contribution with a 5% employer contribution.
- Salary Exchange available (optional).
- Life assurance scheme (Aviva): 5× annual salary.
- Eligibility for the RGS Support Staff Sick Pay Scheme (after a qualifying period).
- Interest-free loan for corporate Metro travel pass (T&Cs apply).
- Bike to Work scheme (T&Cs apply).
- Enhanced maternity pay.
- Opportunity for middle leaders and aspiring middle leaders to participate in a focussed training programme.
- Access to 100+ free online training courses
- Regular safeguarding training
- Ongoing training and development opportunities, including internal/external training
- Free entry to school productions in the Miller Theatre (Performing Arts Centre)
- Easy city-centre access, directly opposite Jesmond Metro station—ideal for commuting.
HOW TO APPLY
Candidates are advised to read the ‘Information for Applicants’ with particular care before applying.
Enquiries about this post should be made in the first instance to Angela Ponton (Director of Sport). For an informal chat about the post, contact Angela Ponton on 0191 281 5711 or email [email protected].
Please visit www.rgs.newcastle.sch.uk/join-us/work-with-us to access our application form and further information for applicants.
To apply for this post please submit the following to [email protected] by 9.00am Monday 22nd June 2026.
1. A covering letter and
2. A fully completed RGS application form.
Note: You must complete the application form, even if you want to also attach a CV.
Safeguarding and Safer Recruitment
RGS Newcastle is committed to the safeguarding of children and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff, volunteers and those working in school to share this commitment. The school applies the Government’s Keeping Children Safe in Education Safer Recruitment procedures to all candidates including appropriate pre-interview checks on shortlisted candidates and pre-employment checks pending any offer.
Equal Opportunities
We are looking to appoint staff from a wide variety of backgrounds. Not just because it is the right thing to do but because at the RGS we recognise that those different experiences provide fresh perspectives, opportunities to challenge existing beliefs and provide opportunities to act as excellent role models for our diverse student body. We are committed to creating an inclusive and diverse school culture and our staff are at the heart of this. We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment regardless of neurodivergence, age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships.
We strive to achieve a diverse workforce, fully representative of our pluralistic society and the ethnic make-up of the student population in the UK. People of colour are under-represented on our staff team. We are keen to attract applicants from a diverse pool of candidates and determined to be a fully inclusive employer, and a great workplace for people of Black, Asian, and ethnic minority heritage as well as White heritage.
We encourage all candidates to complete an ‘equal opportunities’ form with your application. This will be sent directly to the HR team for monitoring purposes.
Pay: £28,000.00-£30,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Canteen
- Company events
- Company pension
- Cycle to work scheme
- Discounted or free food
- Employee discount
- Enhanced maternity leave
- Free flu jabs
- Health & wellbeing programme
- On-site gym
- Sick pay
Work Location: In person
