Sports or leisure centre managers are responsible for the day to day running of a centre. It might be a sports centre, a gym, a centre specialising in a specific sport, a leisure centre, an activity holiday centre or a theme park.
The Work
You could be:
planning how best to spend the annual budget
deciding what staff are needed and what equipment to buy or replace and planning the best use of space
arranging for equipment to be maintained and insured
interviewing, employing, training and supervising staff including making up staff rotas
arranging catering services
marketing the centre, organising and advertising sporting activities, events and competitions
ensuring health and safety procedures are being followed
dealing with problems such as complaints, troublemakers, minor accidents and damaged property
dealing with paperwork and writing reports.
You would be responsible for the safety of all staff and clients taking part in activities.
Pay
The figures below are only a guide. Actual pay rates may vary, depending on:
where you work
the size of the company or organisation you work for
the demand for the job.
As assistant manager of a sports or leisure centre your starting salary could be in the range of £19,000 to around £24,000 a year. As manager you could earn around £25,000 to £30,000 a year. With experience, particularly of managing a larger centre, this could rise to £35,000 a year or more.
Conditions
You will work shifts including early mornings, evenings, weekends and public holidays.
You would be based in an office in the centre, but you might spend a lot of time in the sporting or leisure area, or outside, depending on the sport or activity.
There is no single entry route. The following qualifications would be helpful.
An NQ or NC (SCQF Levels 4-6) in sports and recreation, sport and fitness or a similar subject – you may need some subjects at National 4 or 5 for entry.
An HNC (SCQF Level 7) or HND (SCQF Level 8) in sport and recreation management, sport coaching or the development of sport or a similar subject – for entry you usually need 1-2 Highers.
A degree (SCQF Levels 9-10) in sports or recreation management, or a sports related degree – for entry you usually need 4-5 Highers.
A degree in any subject – a business-related subject is useful – plus a postgraduate qualification (SCQF Level 11) in sport and recreation management.
Coaching and officiating qualifications awarded by the national governing body for your own sport.
Previous experience, either paid or on a volunteer basis would be beneficial.
You will require a satisfactory criminal record check from Disclosure Scotland to show that you are suitable for this type of work. Contact Disclosure Scotland for details on the type you would need.
You could work for a local authority, a university or college, a private leisure centre or gym, hotel or a health club. Alternatively you could be working in a theme or holiday park.
If you are responsible for maintaining the water quality, you can complete the RLSS National Pool Management Qualification. This 4-day course is a technical qualification for staff operating pool plant each day.
You may take coaching and officiating qualifications in your own sport, if you do not already hold them.
Getting On
You would probably start as an assistant manager.
After gaining experience, you might become a deputy manager and then a manager.
You could move from managing a smaller centre to managing a larger one.
You might become manager of a group of centres.
More Information
For more information please see organisation below:
