Leisure centre manager

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• a college course
• an apprenticeship
• working towards this role
• a graduate training scheme

University

You could do a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in:

• sports and leisure management
• leisure studies
• sports science
• recreation management
• business management

Entry requirements:

• 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

College

You could take a college course, which would teach you some of the skills and knowledge you need in this job.

Relevant subjects include:

• leisure management
• sport and exercise science
• coaching

Entry requirements:

Apprenticeship

You could get into the leisure industry through a Team Leader or Supervisor Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship.

This usually takes around 1 year and 6 months to complete. You'll do on-the-job training and spend time with a college or training provider.

Once you have completed the apprenticeship, you can take further training on the job to move into trainee duty management positions.

Entry requirements:

• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

Work

You could start as an admin officer, swimming teacher or fitness coach and apply for a place on a management trainee scheme in a leisure centre. You could then work towards professional qualifications to become a manager.

OtherRoutes

You could apply for a graduate management trainee scheme with one of the large leisure companies if you've got a degree.

You would work in different areas of the business while completing professional qualifications to become a manager.

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Skills:

• business management skills
• leadership skills
• customer service skills
• the ability to use your initiative
• excellent verbal communication skills
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• maths knowledge
• knowledge of human resources and employment law
• active listening skills
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• the ability to monitor your own performance and that of your colleagues
• the ability to understand people’s reactions
• thinking and reasoning skills
• the ability to read English
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• knowledge of manufacturing production and processes
• the ability to sell products and services
• concentration skills
• a good memory

What you'll do:

Leisure centre managers oversee the day-to-day running of sports and leisure centres.

As a leisure centre manager, you would:

• plan leisure activity timetables
• organise and promote special events like competitions
• recruit, schedule and manage staff
• control budgets and monitor performance targets for your centre
• manage maintenance programmes and health and safety
• maintain accurate records, such as bookings and memberships

Location : You could work at a fitness centre or in an office.

Salary:

Starter : £22,000
Experienced : £30,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

39 - 42 hours a week

Working Pattern is evenings / weekends / bank holidays flexibly

Career Path:

With experience you may be able to become an area or regional manager, with responsibility for service development among a group of centres.

You're likely to have more opportunities for promotion in larger organisations.

You could use your experience in leisure centre management to move into related areas like sports promotion and development, or building partnerships with local authorities and national governing bodies for different sports.