An outstanding opportunity has arisen to form part of our new Senior Management Team as the Fitness Manager at the Stour Centre in Ashford working for Freedom Leisure, one of the fastest growing and successful leisure and cultural trusts in the UK.

We are seeking an experienced and inspirational manager to work with the rest of the management team and lead the re-opening of the centre, after a £7.5m refurbishment. The Ashford Contract is the newest to our portfolio of 100 Leisure and Entertainment centres across 23 local authority contracts.

This is a unique opportunity as the successful candidate will be required to work with the newly appointed Area and General Managers to build a new staff team to re-open The Stour Centre which is a large wet and dry centre that is currently closed for the refurbishment. The centre will open on 1 June 2021 and will include a large gym, three studios, large pool space, new soft play facility for up to 150 children and an 11 wall clip and climb facility, an 8 court sports hall, café and squash courts with a total targeted turnover in excess of £3m pa.

The Fitness Manager will specifically lead on all things fitness within the centre including the excellent new gym facilities and the new extensive studio programme, whilst also providing support to the Julie Rose Stadium team ensuring continuity in service.

The post holder will be part of the centre management team and contribute to the overall direction of the centre. All management roles will also be part of the shift rota and will be required to work Duty Manager shifts throughout the week including weekends and evenings.

You should already be working at Assistant Manager level or higher within a medium to large operation. The people we are looking for will have the ability to manage a number of priorities at the same time; will be able to build, lead and motivate staff and have a passion for the leisure and cultural services and events. The ability to deliver on tight deadlines under pressure is absolutely essential.

Hours: 37hrs a week - to meet the demands of the business

Requirements

In addition to this you will need to demonstrate the following in your application:

• Previous experience in an operational leisure role
• Experience of working in a high pressure team environment
• Outstanding commercial awareness with experience of managing and delivering sales targets and income performance
• Awareness of industry developments and trends
• Problem solving, project management, customer service and staff management experience

You will also ideally be degree educated or have a higher level qualification in Leisure, Management or Business although this is not essential for the right candidate.

The current portfolio of facilities in Ashford includes The Stour Centre which is a large wet and dry centre that is currently receiving a £7.5m refurbishment, Julie Rose athletics stadium that holds high level regional competitions, Conningbrook Lake & Country Park and a modern sports pavilion with grass pitches and tennis courts.

Benefits

• My Staff Shop, our very own staff benefit scheme, gives employees access to a great range of benefits. Get discounts on cinema tickets, travel bookings, high street e-vouchers, gift cards, days out, leisure activities and your day to day spending.
• 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)
• All this as well as fully funded training and career progression opportunities in a team working environment

Closing date: 22nd April 2021

Salary: up to £25,000pa