Operations Manager (Pool) - Full Time - Guildford Spectrum

Join the Energy at Freedom Leisure – Do Good Feel Good!

At Freedom Leisure, we’re all about positive vibes, great people and making a real impact. Yes, we run leisure and cultural facilities, gyms, and swimming pools - but at the heart of it all, it’s our people who make the difference.

As one of the UK’s leading charitable leisure trusts, we’re proud of our mission of Improving Lives Through Leisure.  We’re here to help communities live healthier, happier lives by making our centres welcoming, inclusive and accessible to everyone - because everyone deserves to feel good.  We’re all about delivering amazing customer service with a smile - every single day. We create spaces where people feel at home, supported and inspired.

If you’re passionate about helping others and love creating great experiences, you’ll feel right at home with us. With over 130 centres across England and Wales, there’s loads of room to grow.  Many of our team have built amazing careers doing what they love, helping customers day-to-day and making people feel good.

We’re proud to be a workplace where everyone is welcome, valued and supported to thrive - because when our team reflects the communities we serve, we all grow stronger together.

We are seeking an experienced and motivated Pools Operations Manager to support the delivery of a safe, efficient and high-quality pool operation. Working closely with the Pools Manager you will play a key role in both the day-to-day running and ongoing development of the facility.

This is a leadership position where you will manage, support and develop the Pool team ensuring they are well-trained, engaged and operating to the highest standards. You will take responsibility for staffing, rotas, recruitment and performance management while also overseeing health and safety, risk assessments and incident reporting.

As part of the role you will act as a Duty Manager, maintain a strong presence across the facility and ensure the smooth delivery of pool programmes, events and activities. You will work collaboratively with internal teams and external partners, contribute to financial performance and support continuous improvement across all areas of the operation.

We are looking for a confident and proactive leader who can build strong relationships, communicate effectively and inspire their team. You will be highly organised, able to manage competing priorities and comfortable making decisions in a fast-paced environment. A strong customer focus, problem-solving mindset and genuine passion for the leisure industry are essential.

In the event that a high volume of suitable applications are received, the post may close prior to the specified closing date. Please apply as soon as possible if interested.

Hours: 40 hours a week, Monday to Sunday (rota basis)

• Minimum 2 years’ experience in a leisure supervisory role
• Experience working within a pool or aquatic environment
• NPLQ qualification or willingness to obtain and maintain
• First Aid qualification
• Strong leadership and people management skills
• Good understanding of health and safety and risk assessment practices
• Excellent communication, organisational and time management skills

Desirable

• Pool Plant Operator certification
• Experience organising swimming events or galas
• Experience of staff training and development planning
• Commercial awareness within a leisure or fitness environment

We want you to love coming to work, feeling healthy, happy and valued. That's why we've developed a benefits package with you in mind, so what can we offer you?

• My Staff Shop, our very own staff benefit scheme, gives employees access to a great range of benefits. Get discounts on cinema tickets, travel bookings, high street e-vouchers, gift cards, days out, leisure activities and your day to day spending.
• Discounted Staff membership (including family members)
• Incremental holidays
• Employee Assistance Programme - 24/7 confidential, independent and professional counselling.
• Company pension
• Various insurance and saving schemes
• Financial advice
• Cycle-to-work and Car Leasing tax-efficient schemes (salaried staff only)
• All this as well as fully funded training and career progression opportunities in a team working environment

Closing Date: 29th June 2026

Salary: Up to £30,282 per annum

Freedom Leisure is proud to be an equal opportunities employer.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults, and we expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.