Chief Operating Officer jobs in United Kingdom

Do you want to make a difference within your local community, supporting people to improve their lives through leisure? If you feel driven to inspire people to be more active, improve their wellbeing and would like a job that will make a real different to local people's lives then Freedom Leisure is the place for you! We are a not-for-profit leisure trust with a strong purpose and commitment to support our local communities and hard-to-reach groups encouraging them to become more active, contributing to improved lives. From Swimming lessons, to walking football and everything in-between we are driven to provide fun and welcoming sessions to support the whole community to be active, both within our leisure centres and in the local community. We are looking for a Multi-Site General Manager to look after Goldenstones Leisure Centre & Westlands Sport & Fitness Centre.

• Business & Sales Management – Accountability for the business, budgetary and cost centre performance across both Centres. Ensuring that sales are driven forward, developing the business plan and leading colleagues to achieve key performance targets.
• Operational Management – Leading the team to ensure excellent operational standards and record keeping is in place. Working with the team to provide all activities in a safe and welcoming environment.
• People Management – Managing and recruiting a team where necessary, to deliver an exciting leisure offering to the highest standards, so that the service delivers the financial performance in line with the bid proposal, and deliver our services in a way to engage with the whole community. Provide the necessary support and leadership to colleagues for ongoing management and development of all.

• Experience of problem solving, customer service and staff management.
• At least three years in an operation management (or equivalent) role in a leisure environment.
• A high awareness of industry developments, new activities, trends and research.
• An ability to lead and motivate a staff team.
• Commercial awareness which translates into a successful and financially viable operation.
• IT skills including the ability to produce and interpret reports and data.
• Communication skills, demonstrated both verbally and in writing.
• Time management skills – able to deal with a number of priorities at once.
• Ability to present information confidently to individuals and groups.
• Strong people management skills.
• Team orientated approach, able to work across organisation boundaries, demonstrate interest and be supportive of the work of staff and colleagues.
• To be able to work flexibly with a good level of autonomy.
• Mobility to travel across sites.

• My Staff Shop – a staff benefit scheme giving access to discounts on cinema tickets, travel bookings, e‑vouchers, gift cards, days out and leisure activities.
• Discounted Staff membership (including family members).
• Incremental holidays.
• Employee Assistance Programme – 24/7 confidential, independent and professional counselling.
• Company pension.
• Various insurance and saving schemes.
• Financial advice.
• Cycle‑to‑work and Car Leasing tax‑efficient schemes (salaried staff only, depending on earnings).
• Fully funded training and career progression opportunities in a team working environment supporting your local community to improve lives through leisure.

Hours: 37 hours per week, Monday – Sunday

Salary: Up to £33,000 per annum

Closing Date: 5th January 2026

In the event that a high volume of suitable applications are received, the post may close prior to the specified closing date. Please apply as soon as possible if interested.