Leisure centre managers are responsible for the general running of centres with leisure facilities, such as:

• social centres
• swimming pools
• sports halls
• fitness suites
• ice rinks
• outdoor sports facilities such as dry ski-runs
• facilities for the arts.

Their duties vary, but are likely to include:

• arranging timetables for activities
• organising, advertising and promoting special events
• recruiting and managing staff
• managing finances
• health and safety
• reporting to the centre's owners on a regular basis
• visiting external organisations such as local authorities to promote the facilities of the centre.

Hours and Environment

Hours of work can be irregular, including evenings and weekends. Although managers usually work office hours they also have to be at the centre at other times such as for special events or in emergencies.

Most of the time is spent in the centre, perhaps working outdoors if the centre offers outdoor facilities.

Skills and Interests

To be a leisure centre manager you should have:

• an interest in physical fitness and sport, although active ability is not essential
• good verbal and written skills
• administrative and management ability
• some financial knowledge for cash handling, banking and working within budgets
• basic IT skills
• the ability to work in, and lead, a team
• interest and ability in marketing and presentation.

Entry

You can become a leisure centre manager in two ways: 

• starting in a junior position or as a management trainee and working towards professional qualifications
• completing a foundation degree, BTEC HND or degree.

Professional qualifications are offered by the Institute of Sport and Recreation Management (ISRM). The ISRM offers certificate and diploma courses. You can find details on the ISRM website - see Further Information below.

Degrees, foundation degrees and BTEC HNDs are available in subjects such as:

• sports and leisure management
• leisure studies
• sports science 
• recreation management.

Entry requirements for courses can vary, so you should check with colleges or universities.

For information about foundation degrees see Foundation Degree Forward

To search for colleges and universities offering foundation degrees, HNDs and degrees see Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS)

If you choose this route, it is advisable to get practical leisure centre experience, either paid or voluntary. This will increase your chances of employment.

It could be also useful if you have one or all of the following:

• experience of marketing or publicity
• experience in a senior position in a service industry 
• specialist sporting ability.

Training

As a leisure centre manager, you could do one of the following:

• Institute of Sport and Recreation Management qualifications
• NVQ/SVQs Levels 3 and 4 in Sport, Recreation and Allied Occupations: Operations and Development
• NVQs/SVQs Level 3 in Leisure Management
• BTEC National and Higher National Diplomas in Sport and Recreation
• Foundation degrees in subjects such as Sport and Recreation Management, Sport, Health and Fitness Club Management and Fitness and Leisure Management
• BA and BSc degrees in subjects such as sports and leisure management, leisure studies, sports science and recreation management.

You will need to keep your skills and knowledge updated throughout your career.

Apprenticeships may be available for those under the age of 24. In England these are currently Apprenticeships (level 2) and Advanced Apprenticeships (level 3). To find out more about these, visit www.apprenticeships.org.uk

Apprenticeships may be different in other areas. For further information see Scotland , Wales and Northern Ireland

Opportunities

Organisations from local authorities to major international companies provide leisure activities for people of all ages, many on a regular membership basis.

There is an increasing demand for facilities such as entertainment/leisure centres. Many of these are now being combined with sports facilities.

Large centres are usually owned by local authorities but may be managed by private operators. Many have extensive facilities and employ large numbers of staff at supervisory and management levels. They offer good opportunities for employment and prospects for promotion. They usually have well defined promotion paths for those with talent and ability and recognised qualifications.

Smaller centres may have one manager responsible for organising all facilities and activities.

Annual Income

Figures are intended as a guideline only.

Trainee manager or assistant managers may earn up to £17,000 a year.
New manager may earn between £20,000 and £25,000.
Experienced managers in senior positions at large centres may earn over £35,000.

Further information

The Grotto House
Lower Basildon
Reading
RG8 9NE
Tel: 0845 6038734 Castlewood House
77-91 New Oxford Street
London
WC1A 1PX
Advice line: 08000 933300 Sir John Beckwith Centre for Sport
Loughborough University
Loughborough
Leicestershire
LE11 3TU
Tel: 01509 226474