Come and Lead the Team as Our New Leisure Contract Manager - Shape the Future of Health and Wellbeing with Active Life 

Are you a passionate, people-centric leader ready to make a real impact on the health and wellbeing of our community? Do you have a passion for strategic planning and achieving commercial success? If so, we have an exceptional opportunity for you to lead and drive our strategic, commercial, and operational activities as a Business Manager at Active Life. 

At Active Life, we believe in the power of health and fitness to transform lives. As a leading provider of leisure, health and wellbeing in Kent, we are dedicated to creating vibrant, active communities where everyone can thrive.  

With millions of pounds of investment in community facilities across Canterbury including the recently refurbished and relaunched Whitstable Swimming Pool and the soon-to-launch, super-sized Kingsmead Leisure Centre why not join us in our mission to inspire healthier, happier lives for all? 

Your Mission

As our Leisure Contract Manager, you will lead and shape the strategic direction and operational excellence of Active Life. Reporting directly to the Chief Executive, you will lead and inspire high-performing teams to achieve our commercial, financial, and key performance targets. Your leadership will drive positive change and ensure the efficient delivery of our mission, vision, and values. 

 What You'll Do 

Lead and develop teams to embody our mission, vision, and values across all areas of responsibility.  Drive the strategic, commercial, and operational delivery of Active Life's strategy and annual business plan. Oversee the final stages of the multi-million pound Kingsmead redevelopment project ensuring that it realises its potential and exceeds targets. Oversee the development and implementation of annual contract development plans. Ensure compliance with financial plans and maximise profitability in the short, medium, and long term. Build effective management and support teams to achieve individual and contract objectives. Implement and maintain an effective system of controls covering financial and non-financial aspects. Lead the resourcing of facilities and ensure efficient delivery of development plans. Champion customer and client relationship management strategies. Collaborate with the People Team to implement effective recruitment, development, and retention strategies. Work closely with the board of trustees to ensure effective leadership and transparent reporting. 

Essential Criteria 

Extensive multi-site management experience, preferably in the service, leisure, or hospitality sector.  Proven track record of financial planning and achievement of challenging targets.  Significant change management experience, including cultural integration and restructuring.  Experience in client liaison and relationship building.  First-class leadership skills and ability to inspire and motivate teams.  Problem-solving, analytical, and negotiation skills.  Good understanding of corporate finance, forecasting, and budget management. In-depth knowledge of employment law and HR best practices. 

 Why Join Active Life 

Lead strategic initiatives that shape the future of health and wellbeing in Kent. 

Work in a dynamic, supportive environment with passionate colleagues.  Make a tangible difference in your community.  Develop your leadership skills and drive positive change.  Enjoy ongoing personal development opportunities.  Generous holiday allowance  Manager's Pension Scheme  Complimentary Gym & Swim membership at Active Life and Fusion centres for you and all members of our household  Free Eye tests  Cycle to Work Scheme  Employee Referral Scheme  And more! 

Ready to Make a Difference? 

If you're ready to take your leadership skills to the next level and drive positive change in your community, we want to hear from you! Click ‘Apply For This Role’ now to submit your application and join us in inspiring healthier, happier lives at Active Life. 

 Active Life is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all candidates who feel they meet our essential criteria. 

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This job advertisement is not intended to serve as a full job description, and is therefore non-exhaustive. Upon securing an offer of employment, a copy of the job description will be made available to you. This may be amended from time to time, in-line with business requirements.  You may also be required to carry out other duties as reasonably requested by the Company.

Applicants who gain a 'conditional' job offer will be required to undertake appropriate checks and referencing before commencing employment. If the role you have been offered requires you to work with children or vulnerable adults or in an environment that deems necessary, the hiring manager will inform you if a DBS is applicable. If a DBS is undertaken your offer of employment will be subject to a satisfactory DBS check.

In line with the Immigration, Nationality and Asylum Act, all applicants will be expected to provide proof of eligibility to work in the UK if invited to interview. Fusion Lifestyle recognises the benefits of a diverse workforce and we therefore welcome applications from all backgrounds and all sections of the community.