Operations Manager

Horizon Leisure Centres; Havant; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

A community leisure trust in Havant is looking for an Operations Manager to oversee the day-to-day operations of their leisure centres. This role requires a leader who is passionate about health and wellbeing, with a strong background in operational management and customer-focused service delivery. You will work closely with the General Manager and the operational teams, ensuring the highest standards are maintained while promoting a positive community impact. A National Pool Lifeguard Qualification is needed, or the willingness to obtain it within three months.

Benefits

Free gym access

Employee discounts

Healthcare Cash plan

Free 24/7 access to GPs

Employee Assistance Programme

23 days annual leave + 8 days bank holiday

Training and development opportunities

Pension scheme

Qualifications

• 2+ years’ experience in an operational management role, ideally in leisure, fitness, or hospitality.
• Experience leading teams and managing complex operations.
• Ability to assume leadership in the General Manager's absence.

Responsibilities

• Lead the day-to-day operations of leisure centres.
• Ensure safe and efficient service delivery.
• Drive high standards in health, safety, and facility presentation.

Skills

Operational management

Team leadership

Customer service

Health & safety compliance

Communication

Decision-making

Microsoft Office

Education

National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ)

Job description

Overview

Job title: Operations Manager

Hours: 37.5

Location: Havant

Salary: £30,000 - £32,000

Looking for a workplace that ignites your passion, values respect, encourages innovation, and embraces being dynamic? Look no further! This role offers you the opportunity to join a team that believes in empowering its colleagues to unlock their full potential with Horizon.

The Trust:

Horizon Leisure Centres is a leisure trust operating since 1997, with centres in Waterlooville, Havant and Guildford. We are passionate about health and wellbeing and are committed to making an outstanding positive impact on our customers and within our local community. Our mission is to support and inspire our local communities to live healthier and happier lives by providing affordable access to sport and leisure facilities to all.

The Role:

As Operations Manager, you will be the General Manager’s key operational partner and trusted deputy, playing a critical leadership role in ensuring the safe, efficient, and high-performing operation of our leisure centres.

Based at Havant, you will take ownership of day-to-day operations, lead Duty Management and operational teams, and ensure Horizon’s standards are consistently delivered.

In the absence of the General Manager, you will assume full responsibility for site leadership, providing clear direction, confident decision-making, and operational continuity. This role is ideal for an experienced operational leader ready to step into a senior position within a charitable, community-focused organisation.

You will work in close partnership with:

• The General Manager
• Duty Managers
• Operational and front-line teams

You will act as the operational bridge between teams and senior leadership, ensuring clarity, consistency, and accountability across all areas of the business.

Interested? Want to know how you can join our team? Take a look at this great opportunity!

We are looking for an Operations Manager to join us in transforming our business from 'good' to 'great'! This is a thrilling time for our company, and we need a key team member like you to help us achieve unprecedented success.

Our ideal candidate!

• 2+ years’ experience in an operational management or senior supervisory role, ideally within leisure, fitness, hospitality, or a customer-focused environment.
• Proven experience leading teams, managing complex operations, and maintaining high standards in a fast-paced setting.
• Experience deputising or acting in a senior leadership capacity is highly desirable.
• National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ), or willingness to achieve within the first 3 months.

The main focus of the role will be to:

Deputy Leadership & Accountability

• Act as the right-hand person to the General Manager, supporting strategic priorities and translating them into effective operational delivery.
• Deputise fully for the General Manager during periods of absence, assuming responsibility for leadership, decision-making, and site performance.
• Represent the centre at leadership meetings when required, contributing confidently to discussions and decision-making.

Operational Excellence

• Lead the day-to-day operational performance of the centres, ensuring safe, efficient, and customer-focused service delivery.
• Drive consistently high standards across all areas, including health & safety, facility presentation, cleanliness, and equipment readiness.
• Ensure full compliance with statutory requirements, Horizon policies, and industry best practice.
• Monitor operational performance, identifying risks, trends, and opportunities for improvement.

Customer Experience & Community Focus

• Champion Horizon’s HELLO customer service approach, role-modelling exceptional service and setting clear expectations for teams.
• Ensure an inclusive, welcoming, and high-quality experience for all customers, aligned with Horizon’s charitable purpose and community values.
• Actively promote Horizon’s role within the community, supporting initiatives that improve participation and wellbeing.

People Leadership & Development

• Lead, coach, and develop Duty Managers and operational teams, building capability, confidence, and accountability.
• Support recruitment, onboarding, and succession planning within operational teams.
• Deliver effective performance management, including one-to-ones, attendance management, conduct, and development conversations.
• Create a positive, engaged, and high-performing culture aligned with Horizon’s values.

Continuous Improvement & Collaboration

• Work collaboratively with the General Managers to drive consistency, share best practice, and implement operational improvements.
• Contribute to wider organisational projects, audits, and service development initiatives.
• Take a proactive, solutions-focused approach to improving systems, processes, and ways of working.

Skills and competencies

• Strong leadership presence with the ability to influence, motivate, and hold teams accountable.
• Confident decision-maker, able to take ownership and act decisively in the General Manager’s absence.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills at all levels.
• Highly organised, with strong operational planning and prioritisation skills.
• Strong commercial and operational awareness, balancing quality, safety, and efficiency.
• Proactive, resilient, and solutions-focused, with a continuous improvement mindset.
• Adaptable and flexible, confident working across multiple sites and teams.
• Competent IT user (Microsoft Office and relevant operational systems).
• Customer-focused, values-led, and committed to Horizon’s charitable mission.

What you can expect from us

• A comprehensive induction and training programme; you don’t need to have worked in the leisure industry before. We will teach you all you need to know!
• Support from the wider team who have a great deal of combined knowledge and experience and who are eager to help you succeed!
• Variety; no two days is the same!
• An environment that encourages innovation and free thinking, surrounded by really dynamic, empowered individuals.

Benefits

• Free access to our award-winning gym’s and exercise classes for you and a +1
• Employee discounts and wellbeing platform
• Healthcare Cash plan
• Free 24/7 access to GPs using our SmartHealth plan
• Employee Assistance Programme - support for when you need it most
• 23 days annual leave + 8 days bank holiday
• Internal recognition schemes
• Opportunities for training, development and progression
• Free onsite parking - subject to availability
• Hybrid and family friendly policies
• Generous company sick pay scheme
• Employee referral scheme
• Company pension scheme
• Death in service benefit
• And much more....

This role will be based at Havant but will be expected to travel to other company site as the need requires.

Interview Process:

The recruiting manager will review your CV and if shortlisted, you will be invited to a formal interview/assessment process where we will evaluate your suitability for the role.

There may be times when due to the volume of applicants to need to close a vacancy early to avoid disappointment, be sure to get your application in as soon as possible!

If you are a recruitment agency, please note we operate a PSL and do not take cold calls.