Job Description

GLL is looking for a General Manager to work at Arcadia Library and Leisure Centre which includes 2 swimming pools, a studio, gym and library. The facility is a dual use centre and is the hub of the local community. If you have the skills and ambition to join us as a General Manager, there has never been a more exciting time to join us. This is more than a General Manager job, it's a career.


This General Manager opportunity is perfectly suited to a General Manager who will thrive in a hands-on customer facing role where you are coaching and leading your team to deliver outstanding operational standards and the highest possible levels of customer service. Bringing ambition to match ours, this is your chance to lead a large facility and develop a talented team at the heart of a leisure sector leader. Our aim is to make an active and healthy lifestyle accessible to all. As General Manager, you'll have a big part to play in that, as you focus on shaping a clear strategic framework to deliver our operational and financial targets - all whilst forging even stronger links with our business and community partners. It's a role that offers huge variety. So, as well as enjoying a hands-on management role, some of your time will be desk-based, as you ensure compliance and support the administration involved in running a busy leisure centre.

What you'll do:

Develop and implement operational plans for your area of responsibility Provide leadership in your area of responsibility Ensure compliance with legal, regulatory, ethical and social requirements Encourage innovation in your area of responsibility Lead, plan and implement change Help team members address problems affecting their performance Build and sustain collaborative relationships with other organisations Manage finance for your area of responsibility Ensure your own actions reduce risks to health and safety Manage a programme of complementary projects Manage business processes Develop and implement marketing plans for your area of responsibility Work with others to improve customer service Build your organisation's understanding of its market and customers Manage the achievement of customer satisfaction

What you need:

The proven ability to effectively manage a staff team The ability to analyse business issues and prepare business and local marketing plans The ability to research, prepare, justify and present project reports The ability to persuade and influence staff at all levels The ability to produce results to demanding deadlines and work on a number of key issues simultaneously prioritising effectively Excellent written and verbal communication skills. IT literate The capability to contribute to the wider strategic development of the organisation Thorough knowledge of leisure centre operations, programming and financial management Knowledge of key performance indicators and their application and how they can be used to effect improvement Up to date knowledge of developments in leisure, fitness and lifestyle environment Thorough understanding of the characteristics and qualities that customers want from leisure health and fitness centres A proven track record of managing in busy wet and dry leisure centres Delivery of a track record of significant achievements in the areas of business and commercial objectives, product growth, development, and excellent customer service Evidence of achieving results and making change happen through leadership and influence of a team

As a charitable social enterprise and cooperative owned by our staff, GLL is a unique organisation for you to have a career with!

The basics:

This is a Full-time position. Hours of work will be 39 hours per week, flexible working may be possible, working from home is not possible in this role. We are an accredited Living Wage employer with industry leading rates of pay We can offer a career, not just a job with extensive Learning & development support available. A uniform will be supplied and must be worn GLL is Values Driven, not Profit Driven. We work hard to benefit the communities we operate in. As a staff owned organisation you will be given the opportunity to join the Society and have a stake in your business

Additionally GLL offers employees a range of employment benefits:

Access to a pension scheme. Health Assurance and access to Counselling services Access to the tax efficient Ride to Work bicycle purchase scheme. Free annual eye tests Discounted nationwide (over 200 centres) inclusive leisure centre membership for you and your partner. This includes GLL Extras!

GLL Society benefits (if you choose to join the Society after your probation period) include:

The right to stand for the Society board and to vote for board members to represent you Access to team building and fun events such as Treks, Concerts outings etc Access to a range of benefits exclusive to our people - ask your line manager for details or check out the Intranet

About GLL:

As the UK's largest leisure operator and charitable social enterprise, we offer a range of careers for everyone in our local communities. We manage over 400 facilities across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, including public sport and leisure centres, elite sporting venues, libraries, and children's centres.


Our people are from the communities we serve and help us make real changes in their local area.


One of our core values is 'More than a Job', because working with us opens a wide range of possibilities and opportunities for you, starting with how you work with us. To make sure we are having a positive impact on our people, we also offer some flexible and part-time working options so you can make sure your new job works for you. Subject to vacancies, whether you are after a contractual commitment and a regular work schedule or the freedom of flexible hours, you may be able to choose an arrangement that works best for you and play your part in improving the health and wellbeing of your community.


We offer two different types of work arrangements:


A permanent employment contract - part time and full time A flexible worker engagement by joining our flexible worker pool
If you are looking for a regular number of hours that you can work and are flexible to meet the needs of a 7 day a week service, then a full-time or part-time permanent contract might be the right choice for you.


So whether your ambitions lie in sport and leisure, events & catering, health & beauty, corporate support or working with children, you'll be able to find your ideal new job at GLL.


Passionate about seeing our communities thrive, we invest back into our facilities, projects and people and are Investors in People Gold Award employer.


However you choose to work with us, you can be sure that you will be a valued member of our team, working with great colleagues, and making a real difference to people's lives.


We are an inclusive employer. We seek and welcome diversity in our teams.





All pay rates are subject to skills, experience, qualifications and location.