Interim Head of Leisure

Contract Civic Recruitment Limited United Kingdom

Posted On 25/03/2026

Job Information

Work Experience 4-5 years

Interim & Executive Management

City Liverpool

Province Merseyside

Postal Code L2

Job Description

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:

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