We've recently updated our service. Because of this, you'll need to reset your password to log in. It's quick and easy!Reset Password

Leisure centre manager

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

Also known as: sports centre manager, centre director

About skillsGetting in

About the job

Salary

Source: National Careers Service

Weekly

£423

Entry level

£577

Experienced

Monthly

£1,833

Entry level

£2,500

Experienced

Yearly

£22,000

Entry level

£30,000

Experienced

4,600

people are currently employed

High growth

300 more jobs in 5 years

These figures refer to this job and similar ones with comparable skills and qualifications. They only apply to Scotland. Source: Oxford Economics

What it's 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.

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.

Explore more information about this job

Here are some useful links to learn more about this career:

Like the sound of this career?

Browse courses in Scotland related to 'Leisure centre manager'

Select qualification level(s)

Show me courses

Other careers that you might like

  • Hotel manager
  • Restaurant manager
Browse all job profiles

Related industries

Many jobs can be done in lots of different industries. We've highlighted the ones we think are most important for this job.

  • Tourism
View all industries

Top skills

Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!

It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.

Here are some of the skills you'll need to do this job:

  • mentoring
  • making decisions
  • delegating
  • coaching
  • managing resources
  • attention to detail
  • respecting
  • verbal communication
  • supporting
  • cooperating

Your skills are important

Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.

Discover skills

Getting in

Explore the sections shown for more information about getting into this career.

You might have qualifications which are not shown here but will allow you access to a course. You can compare your qualifications by looking at their SCQF Level. For more information about this, check out the SCQF website.

Always contact the college, university or training provider to check exactly what you'll need.

Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:

  • Business Management

  • Care

  • PE (Physical education)

  • Skills for Work: Sport and Recreation

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. 

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. 

Explore over 22,000 courses in Scotland

Find the perfect course to boost your career.

View all courses

Search jobs and apprenticeships

View work opportunities