Sports and Leisure Centre Manager

Also known as:

Health/Leisure Centre Manager
Leisure Centre Manager

Introduction

Sports and leisure centre managers are responsible for the overall management of sports or leisure centres, together with the administration of premises and equipment and the organisation and development of sporting activities. There is a wide variety of centres, ranging from multi-activity clubs to specialist facilities and theme parks.

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Work Activities

Sports and leisure centre managers are responsible for the smooth running of the centre and sporting activities. The work involves a high level of administration and may include:
• financial planning and budget control
• planning the use of space and equipment
• arranging for the repair, maintenance and insurance of equipment
• staff recruitment and supervision
• catering and shop facilities management
• participating in coaching.

Another important part of the manager's role is to promote sporting events and competitions. To do this, he/she may organise advertising and visit local schools and clubs to publicise events.

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Personal Qualities and Skills

You must enjoy working with people, as customer service is a vital part of the job. You must also work well in a team. You should be full of good ideas as well as highly organised. It is also important that you have a good head for business.

You must be able to lead and motivate staff and help them to achieve personal and overall organisational targets.

Coaching abilities are useful, as many people start as coaches before taking on wider management posts. The organisation of sporting activities involves an understanding of and interest in a wide range of sports.

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Pay and Opportunities

Salary levels for sports and leisure centre managers vary depending on their role and responsibilities.

The pay rates given below are approximate.

Sports and leisure centre managers earn in the range of £16,000 - £21,000 a year, rising to £26,000 - £35,000. Higher earners can make around £38,000 a year. Commercial employers may offer salaries made up of basic pay plus performance bonuses.

Managers usually work a basic 37-hour week, which may include evenings, shift work and work on public holidays.

Employment can be with local authority recreation and leisure departments or with privately owned clubs. Professional sporting bodies may occasionally recruit staff.

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Adult Opportunities

It is now illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

Employers value other relevant skills and abilities gained in business management.

Working as a sports/recreation assistant or supervisor can lead to entry into management level posts.

If you don't have the qualifications needed to enter your chosen degree or HND course, a college or university Access course (eg, Access to Business) could be the way in. No formal qualifications are usually required, but you should check individual course details.

The Institute of Sport and Leisure Management (ISRM) offers a three-stage pathway, by distance learning, leading to the Higher Professional Diploma.

• 9% of sports or entertainment managers work part-time.
• 16% have flexible hours.

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