Sports Operations Manager (Maternity Cover)

About the role

You'll lead the day-to-day running of our sport facilities, keeping them safe, well-maintained and welcoming, while managing the budgets, people and standards that sit behind a great student and customer experience. This is a full-time, fixed-term appointment for up to 12 months (maternity cover). We are keen for the successful candidate to start as soon as possible, and no later than 28 October 2026, to allow for a thorough handover. The role is based at Headingley with occasional travel to the city campus required.

Closing date: 12 October 2026.

Responsibilities

• Lead the day-to-day operation, maintenance and compliance of all Beckett Sport facilities and equipment, delivering a safe, high-quality environment for every user.
• Manage operational budgets and resources, meeting income and expenditure targets and ensuring strong financial controls and value for money.
• Take the lead on Health & Safety across the service, and line manage, motivate and develop a team of four Sport Centre Supervisors.
• Champion a strong customer service culture, working closely with the Sport Manager to maximise facility usage and community participation.

Requirements

• A degree or equivalent management experience in a complex environment, with a track record of managing a diverse range of facilities.
• Proven success in managing budgets and delivering projects to time and cost.

Qualifications

• Strong working knowledge of Health & Safety legislation, an IOSH Managing Safely Certificate, and a National Pool Plant Operators Certificate (or the ability to achieve this within three months of appointment).

Skills

• Advanced IT skills and experience of managing front-of-house / management information systems covering bookings, memberships and usage.

Pay

Salary: £44,746 - £50,253 per annum.

Schedule

Full-time, fixed-term contract for up to 12 months. Start date as soon as possible, no later than 28 October 2026.