Leisure Centre Manager

Typical Salary

£18,000 To £35,000

Typical Hours

39 to 41 a week

evenings / weekends / bank holidays flexibly

How To Become a Leisure Centre Manager

You can get into this job through:

a university course
a college course
an apprenticeship
working towards this role
a graduate training scheme

College / University

You could do a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in:

sports and leisure management
leisure studies
sports science
recreation management

1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma

2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

You could do a college course, which would teach you some of the skills and knowledge you need in this job. Relevant subjects include:

Level 3 Diploma in Leisure Management
Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sport

4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course

Apprenticeship

You could get into the leisure industry through an advanced apprenticeship as a leisure duty manager.

5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

Routes into this Career

You could start as an admin officer, fitness assistant or management trainee in a leisure centre, and work towards professional qualifications to become a manager.

Other Routes

You could apply for a graduate management trainee scheme with one of the large leisure companies if you've got a degree.

You would work in different areas of the business while completing professional qualifications to become a manager.

Skills And Knowledge

You'll need:

business management skills
leadership skills
customer service skills
the ability to use your initiative
the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
to be thorough and pay attention to detail
maths knowledge
to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Day To Day Tasks

Your duties will vary depending on where you work, but would typically include:

arranging leisure activity timetables
organising and promoting special events
recruiting, scheduling and managing staff
controlling budgets
taking responsibility for health and safety
visiting organisations, like local authorities, to promote your centre

Working Environment

You could work at a fitness centre or in an office.

Career Path & Progression

You're likely to have more opportunities for promotion in larger organisations. With experience you may be able to become an area or regional manager, with responsibility for service development among a group of centres.

You could use your experience in leisure centre management to move into related areas like sports promotion and development, or building partnerships with local authorities and national governing bodies.

Volunteering Opportunities

You could improve your chances of employment by getting practical experience in a leisure centre, either through seasonal work or by volunteering.

Tips & Information

Professional and industry bodies

You may find it useful to join the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity for professional recognition, training opportunities and to make industry contacts.

Further information

You can find out more about working in leisure from the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity.

Restrictions & Requirements

You'll need to:

pass enhanced background checks
have a first aid certificate