Leisure Services Manager
Leisure services managers may be responsible for one or more facilities such as swimming and leisure pools, sports halls, outdoor sports areas, gymnasia, ski slopes, ice rinks, 10-pin bowling alleys, restaurants and bars. The work could include running a leisure centre on a day-to-day basis, recruiting and supervising staff, organising, advertising and promoting events, and managing budgets and controlling finances.
Entry level
Most leisure services managers have professional qualifications or degrees, and at least five years' relevant experience. Graduates and non-graduates often enter the work at lower, middle, assistant or trainee manager level and work towards professional qualifications while in employment.
For a degree course in a leisure management subject, you would normally need at least two A levels/three H grades and three GCSEs/two S grades (A-C/1-3) in other subjects, usually including English and maths, or equivalent qualifications. Experience of leisure services work is important before applying for any full-time post. This may be gained either part-time or by doing voluntary work, for example on summer holiday schemes for children, or as a part-time instructor of fitness or sports classes.
Making the grade
A graduate training position with one of the larger employers would give you the chance to get the necessary experience to become a manager while studying for professional qualifications offered by the Institute of Leisure and Amenity Management or the Institute of Sport and Recreation Management.
Similarly, even without a degree, you can train on the job and study for relevant qualifications, working your way up to trainee or assistant manager, and eventually leisure services manager.
Personal qualities
As a leisure services manager, you should have an interest in promoting sport and fitness, although active sporting ability is not essential. You must have organisational and planning abilities, good interpersonal skills for dealing with staff and customers, and the ability to prepare accounts and manage budgets.
You must also be skilled at marketing your facilities and promoting special events.
Looking ahead
Leisure is a growing industry. There are now some 5,000 leisure centres in the UK with about 11,500 managers. The largest centres may employ up to 100 staff altogether, with a number of managers. About 70% employ fewer than 10 people, and one manager might be responsible for all facilities and activities. There is often strong competition for management jobs.
There are employment opportunities in privately-owned leisure centres, those owned by local authorities (many of which are privately run) and workplace clubs, including those run by very large companies or organisations. Similar management opportunities exist in theme parks and outdoor activity centres.
Alternative suggestions
Other possibilities might include marketing executive, PE teacher, public relations officer or sports coach. The Hospitality and Catering or Leisure and Tourism industries present Global Opportunites.
Take-home pay
Salaries very widely, according to the size and location of the leisure services provision you are managing. An assistant manager usually starts on around £14,000 to £19,000 a year. This could rise to £20,000 to £25,000 for a newly-appointed manager, and to £40,000 plus for an experienced manager in a senior position.
Effects
Your working hours would almost certainly be irregular and could include early mornings, evenings, weekends and bank holidays. You would also have to be on call for special events and emergencies.
Sources of information
Institute of Leisure and Amenity Management: www.ilam.co.uk
Institute of Sport and Recreation Management: www.isrm.co.uk
SkillsActive: www.skillsactive.com
Sport England: www.sportengland.org
Sport Scotland: www.sportscotland.org.uk
Sports Council for Northern Ireland: www.sportni.net
Sports Council for Wales: www.sports-council-wales.co.uk
Springboard UK: www.springboarduk.org.uk
Central YMCA Qualifications: www.cyq.org.uk
CRCI: MA
