Interim Head of Leisure

26 weeks contract role with a Local Authority

Job Summary:

• The Interim Head of Leisure Operations will provide strategic and operational leadership across leisure facilities for Liverpool City Council.

• The role focuses on delivering safe, efficient and commercially sustainable leisure services while supporting health, wellbeing and increased participation in physical activity across the city.

• This is a senior leadership position responsible for stabilising performance, leading teams, and shaping the future operating model of leisure services.

Key Duties/Accountabilities (Sample):

• Lead the strategic and operational delivery of leisure services, including leisure centres, swimming pools and sports facilities.

• Oversee day-to-day operations, ensuring services are safe, compliant, accessible and customer-focused.

• Manage and monitor budgets, driving financial performance and commercial sustainability.

• Ensure compliance with health & safety, safeguarding and statutory regulations.

• Lead, motivate and develop large multidisciplinary teams and operational managers.

• Drive service improvement, transformation programmes and operational efficiency.

• Develop and maintain partnerships with community groups, schools, health partners and sports organisations.

• Support delivery of wider public health objectives through increased participation in physical activity.

• Contribute to strategic planning and future development of the leisure estate.

• Work collaboratively with HR and trade unions on workforce and organisational change matters.

Skills/Experience:

• Proven senior leadership experience within leisure operations or similar frontline service environments.

• Experience managing multiple sites or a complex operational estate.

• Strong financial management and commercial acumen.

• Experience leading large teams and handling workforce relations.

• In-depth knowledge of health & safety, safeguarding and regulatory compliance.

• Demonstrable experience delivering service transformation and performance improvement.

• Strong stakeholder engagement and partnership working experience.

• Excellent strategic thinking and decision-making capability.

Additional Information:

• Bi-Weekly Payments.

• ocation: Cunard Building, Liverpool (office-based 4–5 days per week, non-negotiable).

• Contract: Temporary (26 weeks).

• Hours: 35 per week.

• Day Rate: £706.79 Umbrella.