Leisure centre manager
Organise the services and staff at a leisure centre so people can take part in sports and exercise.
Also known as: sports centre manager, centre director
About the job
What it's like
You would organise the services and staff at a leisure centre so people can take part in sports and exercise.
You’d be responsible for the day-to-day running of the centre and its facilities, such as:
Swimming pools
Sports halls
Gyms
Outdoor facilities such as dry ski-runs
Facilities for the arts
You’d be responsible for making sure that the centre visitors have an enjoyable time. You’d need to ensure that all the equipment works properly and that staff follow health and safety procedures.
You would:
Arrange timetables for activities
Organise ticket sales, booking and catering
Organise and promote events
Recruit and manage staff
Control budgets
Take responsibility for health and safety
Oversee marketing and promotional activities
You’d work with sports organisations to promote special events and schemes. You’d also promote the centre to external organisations, such as local authorities.
It would be important to be interested in physical fitness and sport.
Hours
You would usually work 37 hours a week, which could include early mornings, evenings, weekends and bank holidays. You will need to be flexible, as you may need to be at the centre for special events, emergencies, or to cover for absent staff, especially in centres with a small management team.
Environment
You would be office-based, but would also spend time around the centre, talking to staff and customers, and keeping in touch with the way the centre is running.
Explore more information about this job
Here are some useful links to learn more about this career:
Like the sound of this career?
Browse courses in Scotland related to 'Leisure centre manager'
Select qualification level(s)
Other careers that you might like
Hotel manager Restaurant manager
Related industries
Many jobs can be done in lots of different industries. We've highlighted the ones we think are most important for this job.
Tourism
Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Top specialised skills
These are the top specialised skills that have been found in job vacancies across Scotland. From March 2024 to March 2025.
- financial policy
- training records management
- financial regulations
- service standards
- cash reconciliation
- focus group
- lifeguarding
- performance appraisal
- event planning
- project stakeholders
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- mentoring
- making decisions
- delegating
- coaching
- managing resources
- attention to detail
- respecting
- verbal communication
- supporting
- cooperating
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
Business Management
Care
PE (Physical education)
Skills for Work: Sport and Recreation
There are no formal qualifications required to enter this role but experience in sports-related work is essential and related qualifications are of value.
General sports, fitness and coaching courses are available at National Certificate and National Qualification level (SCQF level 3-6).
Golf Facility Management is available at Higher National Certificate and Higher National Diploma level (SCQF level 7/8) and require National 4/5 qualifications and one to two Highers at C or above for entry.
Most Sports Management courses are at degree level (SCQF level 9/10) and entry generally requires National 5 qualifications and a minimum of three Highers or a relevant HND.
An alternative route is a degree in a subject like Business Management and a Post Graduate qualification (SCQF level 11) in a sports-related subject.
Qualifications and experience that show understanding of the industry, helping customers, business and management skills such as Skills for Work Sports and Recreation (SCQF level 4/5) or Leadership Award (SCQF level 5/6).
Relevant work-based qualifications such as a Scottish Vocational Qualification in Leisure Management (SVQ level 7) or be willing to work towards qualifications once in a job.
Find the right course for you
Browse courses in Scotland related to 'Leisure centre manager'
