Operations Manager - Full Time - Guildford Spectrum

Join the Energy at Freedom Leisure – Do Good Feel Good!

At Freedom Leisure, we’re all about positive vibes, great people and making a real impact. Yes, we run leisure and cultural facilities, gyms, and swimming pools - but at the heart of it all, it’s our people who make the difference.

As one of the UK’s leading charitable leisure trusts, we’re proud of our mission of Improving Lives Through Leisure. We’re here to help communities live healthier, happier lives by making our centres welcoming, inclusive, and accessible to everyone - because everyone deserves to feel good. We’re all about delivering amazing customer service with a smile - every single day. We create spaces where people feel at home, supported, and inspired.

If you’re passionate about helping others and love creating great experiences, you’ll feel right at home with us. You don’t need to be an expert to get started - we’ll give you all the training and support you need. With over 130 centres across England and Wales, there’s loads of room to grow. Many of our team have built amazing careers doing what they love, helping customers day-to-day and making people feel good.

We’re proud to be a workplace where everyone is welcome, valued, and supported to thrive - because when our team reflects the communities we serve, we all grow stronger together.

An exciting opportunity has arisen to form part of our Senior Management Team as the Operations Manager at Guildford Spectrum, one of the largest and most unique leisure centres in the UK.

In this key leadership role, you will be responsible for overseeing health, safety and compliance, ensuring the effective day to day operational management of the facility. You will lead on the development and implementation of innovative operational solutions that enhance service delivery across the centre. You will play an integral role in maintaining operational excellence throughout the centre. In addition, you will provide comprehensive support, training and development to Heads of Department, enabling you to coach, mentor and inspire them to deliver exceptional standards.

You will also contribute to the ongoing development of the customer journey and overall member experience, helping to drive participation and income.

As a member of the Senior Management Team, you will contribute to the wider strategic direction of the centre. All management roles operate within a shift rota, and you will be responsible for managing the Duty Manager rota while also undertaking Duty Manager responsibilities on a rota basis, including evenings and weekends.

You should currently be working at Assistant Manager level or above within a medium to large leisure operation. We are seeking individuals who can effectively balance multiple priorities, build and motivate high performing teams and demonstrate a genuine passion for leisure. The ability to work under pressure and deliver to tight deadlines is essential.

We are committed to ensuring both our colleagues and customers to have the best possible experience. If this sounds like the perfect next step for you, we would love to hear from you.

In the event that a high volume of suitable applications are received, the post may close prior to the specified closing date. Please apply as soon as possible if you are interested.

Hours: 37 hours a week, Monday to Sunday

Requirements:
• Strong people management skills
• Experience in problem solving, organisation, customer service and staff management
• Ability to identify, nurture and develop colleagues and source appropriate development opportunities
• High awareness of industry developments, legislation and compliance requirements
• Commercial awareness that supports a successful and financially viable operations
• Excellent time management skills with the ability to manage priorities
• Ability to work flexibly with a level of autonomy and confidence in decision making
• A solid financial awareness

Benefits:
We want you to love coming to work, feeling healthy, happy and valued. That's why we've developed a benefits package with you in mind, so what can we offer you?

• 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, depending on earnings).
• All this as well as fully funded training and career progression opportunities in a team working environment supporting your local community to improve lives through leisure.

Closing date: 27th March 2026

Salary: up to £42,712 per annum

Freedom Leisure is proud to be an equal opportunities employer.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults, and we expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.