Tell us a bit about your job
Leisure managers cover different roles and responsibilities based on the needs and management structures within their organisation. This also means they must be happy to change and willing to take on new services, projects and initiatives.
Currently I cover, among other things, contracts and leases for leisure centres and theatres, arts and sports development, celebratory events and administration for a range of services – from burials and children’s holiday programmes, allotments to sports pitch bookings.
I also manage major strategic projects including external funding bids. Having previously led on the Olympics, Paralympics and the Queen’s diamond jubilee visit to Merton in 2012, I am now managing the building of a new leisure centre and the master planning of a local park with sports facilities and activities.
What qualifications do you need to do your job?
A degree, along with a leisure management qualification and knowledge of any specialist subject areas through short courses, professional development and voluntary work. I have an MBA, which has particularly supported me during recent years of austerity and transformation when I have led on the commercialisation of my service.
What other skills and experience would help someone to do your job?
An ability to find and create opportunities, work well with others and develop partnerships. Good financial acumen and a business mind with a public sector ethos and community focus. A “can do” attitude and the ability to build teams that deliver effective services within tight constraints and quick turnarounds.
They would have the ability to write concise, coherent reports and businesses cases, while being able to deliver strategic thinking. Also important are leadership skills and experience of restructuring and change management, and an ability to set standards by which services can be judged.
If you were looking for your replacement, how could someone stand out in the interview?
Someone positive and full of energy would stand out to me – someone who is enthusiastic and realistic at the same time. They would have to be passionate about community development, culture, sport and leisure, and understand that being a leisure manager is about people’s quality of life, health and wellbeing.
Interviewees should have a range of examples based on their real life experiences to support their answers to questions.
What do you wish you’d known when you started your career?
That continuing professional development is as critical to improving services as learning from the job itself. Neither one alone is enough to facilitate the quality and diversity a service needs in a constantly changing environment.
What is the worst advice you’ve ever received?
Bad advice is only bad if you choose to follow it and suffer the consequences. Taking advice, listening and learning is important to service delivery and being better at what we do – but knowing what advice to act upon and how is down to the individual.
The lesson is to always think before you act and then only act with honesty, integrity and respect.
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