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Leisure centre manager

sports centre manager centre director
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Career outlook for leisure centre manager

UK Salary Ranges

Entry-level

£18,000

Experienced

£37,000

Currently employed in Scotland

4,700

Salary information is provided by the "National Careers Service". "Oxford Economics" supplies job forecasts and employment figures. Due to COVID-19 the jobs market is constantly changing. Some of the information may not reflect the current situation.

What's it like?

You would organise the services and staff at a leisure centre so people can take part in sports and exercise.

You’d be responsible for the day-to-day running of the centre and its facilities, such as:

  • Swimming pools
  • Sports halls
  • Gyms
  • Outdoor facilities such as dry ski-runs
  • Facilities for the arts

You’d be responsible for making sure that the centre visitors have an enjoyable time. You’d need to ensure that all the equipment works properly and that staff follow health and safety procedures.

You would:

  • Arrange timetables for activities
  • Organise ticket sales, booking and catering
  • Organise and promote events
  • Recruit and manage staff
  • Control budgets
  • Take responsibility for health and safety
  • Oversee marketing and promotional activities

You’d work with sports organisations to promote special events and schemes. You’d also promote the centre to external organisations, such as local authorities.

It would be important to be interested in physical fitness and sport.

Working conditions

Hours

You would usually work 37 hours a week, which could include early mornings, evenings, weekends and bank holidays. You will need to be flexible, as you may need to be at the centre for special events, emergencies, or to cover for absent staff, especially in centres with a small management team.

Environment

You would be office-based, but would also spend time around the centre, talking to staff and customers, and keeping in touch with the way the centre is running.

UK employment status

Full-time

51%

Part-time

26%

Self employed

24%

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  • Cooperating
  • Supporting
  • Verbal communication
  • Respecting
  • Attention to detail
  • Managing resources
  • Coaching
  • Delegating
  • Making decisions
  • Mentoring

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Qualifications

There are no formal qualifications required to enter this role but experience in sports-related work is essential and related qualifications are of value.

General sports, fitness and coaching courses are available at National Certificate and National Qualification level (SCQF level 3-6).

Golf Facility Management is available at Higher National Certificate and Higher National Diploma level (SCQF level 7/8) and require National 4/5 qualifications and one to two Highers at C or above for entry.

Most Sports Management courses are at degree level (SCQF level 9/10) and entry generally requires National 5 qualifications and a minimum of three Highers or a relevant HND.

An alternative route is a degree in a subject like Business Management and a Post Graduate qualification (SCQF level 11) in a sports-related subject. 

Useful subjects

  • English
  • Maths
  • Physical education
  • Health & food technologies
  • Care
  • Administration
  • Business
  • ICT subjects

Helpful to have

Qualifications and experience that show understanding of the industry, helping customers, business and management skills such as Skills for Work Sports and Recreation (SCQF level 4/5) or  Leadership Award (SCQF level 5/6).

Relevant work-based qualifications such as a Scottish Vocational Qualification in Leisure Management (SVQ level 7) or be willing to work towards qualifications once in a job.