Leisure Centre Jobs

From centre managers to sports coaches, there are a variety of leisure centre jobs out there, all of which contribute to the day-to-day running of centres and services for the community.

At Better, we are the UK’s largest charitable social enterprise, managing over 400 facilities, including public sport and leisure centres, libraries and children’s centres. Our staff play a vital role in daily operations, helping us to make facilities and community services better for everyone.

What work experience do you need for leisure industry jobs?

When applying for jobs in fitness and leisure centres, employers will usually look for relevant experience in the industry.

If you’re looking to start a career in leisure and fitness, entry-level roles like swimming pool attendant, receptionist, or fitness centre assistant are a great way to get into the industry and learn the key skills needed for many leisure centre jobs. Alternatively, you could complete a relevant apprenticeship to build up experience and stand out to employers.

Volunteering and part-time work are also ideal routes into full-time leisure centre jobs, especially fitness and sport coach positions. Get involved with local activity groups or find out if there are any volunteering positions at the company you want to join.

What skills do you need?

The skills you need for leisure centre jobs depend on the kind of role you’re applying for.

Administrative jobs like fitness centre manager or library-based roles require organisation, time management and good interpersonal skills as you work within a larger team.

More hands-on roles like sports coach or fitness instructors also require motivational skills, team building ability and enthusiasm when interacting with others. Communication and a genuine desire to help people are other key sports and fitness coach skills.

Types of jobs in a leisure centre

There are many different leisure opps and roles, all of which are essential for the day-to-day running of leisure and fitness centres.

Here are some leisure and hospitality job examples here at Better UK:

Leisure and Fitness Centre Management

As some of the most important jobs in leisure centres, management roles combine an interest in sport with traditional business skills.

In these positions, you’ll be supporting the smooth running of the leisure/fitness centre and ensuring the health, safety and enjoyment of customers and colleagues alike.

At Better, our leisure and fitness centre managers are key players in making services better for the whole community. From managing teams to ensuring compliance with health and safety procedures, the varied duties of these roles are essential to keep the leisure/fitness centre running efficiently and effectively.

Leisure and Fitness Support

Working closely with leisure/fitness managers, leisure and fitness support assistants help with the day-to-day tasks that go into running the centre.

In this type of social enterprise job, you’ll work to make sure that customers have a great experience when visiting the leisure/fitness centre. From managing customer bookings to ensuring the general safety of the centre, this is a role with varied duties and is ideal for people who thrive in a busy environment.

Leisure and fitness support jobs are also a great way to kick start your career in sports and leisure, providing a pathway into other roles. At Better, we also offer support such as paid training, to help you progress with us and develop your career.

Lifeguard

As a lifeguard, you’ll be responsible for helping customers stay safe when visiting the leisure centre.

As well as traditional poolside duties, our lifeguards work within a larger team to make sure studios, gyms and sports halls are maintained. Customer service is also a big part of this role, so you’ll need to be a real people person with great communication skills.

At Better, we also give our lifeguards the opportunity to gain new skills, training and qualifications as you work with us, helping you develop your career from day one.

Fitness Instructors

Bringing ambition, energy and expertise, fitness instructors deliver fun and accessible sessions that cater to a range of ages and abilities.

Day-to-day tasks could include anything from planning out enjoyable and engaging group sessions to advising individuals on how to exercise safely, all with the aim of making a positive impact on people’s lives.

With a passion for interacting with other people and the relevant qualifications, our fitness instructors help people build their fitness and make sure everyone feels supported along the way.

Sports Coaches and Instructors

If you’re a friendly and approachable person who wants to help people achieve their goals, becoming a sports coach or instructor might be the leisure centre job for you.

At Better, we want to make a healthy and active lifestyle accessible for everyone. That’s why our sports coaches and instructors are an essential part of what we do.

From swimming teachers to tennis coaches, we expect our instructors to have the relevant qualifications and experience to make sure that pupils feel safe and supported as they grow their skills.

Spa Experience Therapists

As a Spa Therapist with Spa Experience, you'll be able to deliver exceptional treatments from waxing to facials and body treatments and ensure that the spa is well maintained, clean and presentable. You should have a minimum NVQ Level 2 in Beauty Therapy as well as being able to operate the business aspects of a spa environment such as reception and stock control.

Sports volunteer

Collaborating with sports and fitness coaches and instructors, volunteers play a vital role in our offering.

Whether you’re a qualified fitness instructor or are just starting out your career in leisure and fitness, we have sports volunteer roles for a range of experience levels. From running classes to helping out with community events, our sports volunteers work with our coaches and instructors to help us promote an active and healthy lifestyle.

So, if you’re enthusiastic about interacting with people and improving community services, volunteering is a great way to get into the leisure industry.

Library staff

If you’re looking for a social enterprise job that doesn’t involve fitness but still benefits the community, why not apply for a role in one of our libraries?

We offer a range of roles that allow you to get involved with the day-to-day running of our libraries, including senior assistants and mobile library drives. With community at the heart of everything we do at Better, our library staff play a key role in making sure everyone feels welcome at our centres.

Many of these roles include a combination of customer service and administration duties, so are ideal if you’re coming from a non-leisure background and are looking for a career change.

Children's centres and childcare

If you believe in delivering high quality child care and dedicated to providing a healthy, safe and secure environment for each child then a role in one of our nurseries or children's centres will be a great fit. Some locations will require professionally qualified candidates with a minimum NVQ Level 2 in Childcare, understanding of Ofsted regulations and an excellent working knowledge of the EYFS framework and principles.

Leisure industry job tips

When you’re applying for leisure opps, here are some things you can do to boost your application, make sure you have the necessary skills and stand out to employers.

Learn as much as you can about how the leisure centre runs
Attend any relevant events and talks in the fitness/leisure sector
Volunteer at your local sports club
Gain first aid certification
Make sure you have the relevant qualifications e.g. NPLQ

Interested in a Better career? If you’re passionate about making community services and facilities better for everyone, take a look at our vacancies to become part of the team.

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