Operations Manager Job at Horizon Leisure Centres (Havant)

Operations Manager

Horizon Leisure Centres

Location:
United Kingdom , Havant

Category:
Hospitality and Tourism

Contract Type:
Not provided

Salary:

30000.00 - 32000.00 GBP / Year

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Job Description:

As Operations Manager, you will be the General Manager’s key operational partner and trusted deputy, playing a critical leadership role in ensuring the safe, efficient, and high-performing operation of our leisure centres. Based at Havant, you will take ownership of day-to-day operations, lead Duty Management and operational teams, and ensure Horizon’s standards are consistently delivered. In the absence of the General Manager, you will assume full responsibility for site leadership, providing clear direction, confident decision-making, and operational continuity. This role is ideal for an experienced operational leader ready to step into a senior position within a charitable, community-focused organisation.

Job Responsibility:

Act as the right-hand person to the General Manager, supporting strategic priorities and translating them into effective operational delivery
Deputise fully for the General Manager during periods of absence, assuming responsibility for leadership, decision-making, and site performance
Represent the centre at leadership meetings when required, contributing confidently to discussions and decision-making
Lead the day-to-day operational performance of the centres, ensuring safe, efficient, and customer-focused service delivery
Drive consistently high standards across all areas, including health & safety, facility presentation, cleanliness, and equipment readiness
Ensure full compliance with statutory requirements, Horizon policies, and industry best practice
Monitor operational performance, identifying risks, trends, and opportunities for improvement
Champion Horizon’s HELLO customer service approach, role-modelling exceptional service and setting clear expectations for teams
Ensure an inclusive, welcoming, and high-quality experience for all customers, aligned with Horizon’s charitable purpose and community values
Actively promote Horizon’s role within the community, supporting initiatives that improve participation and wellbeing
Lead, coach, and develop Duty Managers and operational teams, building capability, confidence, and accountability
Support recruitment, onboarding, and succession planning within operational teams
Deliver effective performance management, including one-to-ones, attendance management, conduct, and development conversations
Create a positive, engaged, and high-performing culture aligned with Horizon’s values
Work collaboratively with the General Managers to drive consistency, share best practice, and implement operational improvements
Contribute to wider organisational projects, audits, and service development initiatives
Take a proactive, solutions-focused approach to improving systems, processes, and ways of working

Requirements:

2+ years’ experience in an operational management or senior supervisory role, ideally within leisure, fitness, hospitality, or a customer-focused environment
Proven experience leading teams, managing complex operations, and maintaining high standards in a fast-paced setting
Experience deputising or acting in a senior leadership capacity is highly desirable
National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ), or willingness to achieve within the first 3 months
Strong leadership presence with the ability to influence, motivate, and hold teams accountable
Confident decision-maker, able to take ownership and act decisively in the General Manager’s absence
Excellent communication and relationship-building skills at all levels
Highly organised, with strong operational planning and prioritisation skills
Strong commercial and operational awareness, balancing quality, safety, and efficiency
Proactive, resilient, and solutions-focused, with a continuous improvement mindset
Adaptable and flexible, confident working across multiple sites and teams
Competent IT user (Microsoft Office and relevant operational systems)
Customer-focused, values-led, and committed to Horizon’s charitable mission

What we offer:

Free access to our award-winning gym’s and exercise classes for you and a +1
Employee discounts and wellbeing platform
Healthcare Cash plan
Free 24/7 access to GPs using our SmartHealth plan
Employee Assistance Programme - support for when you need it most
23 days annual leave + 8 days bank holiday
Internal recognition schemes
Opportunities for training, development and progression
Free onsite parking - subject to availability
Hybrid and family friendly policies
Generous company sick pay scheme
Employee referral scheme
Company pension scheme
Death in service benefit

Additional Information:

Job Posted:
February 17, 2026

Employment Type:

Fulltime

Work Type:

On-site work

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