"We have 25 staff in the club and we need to make sure they are all kept motivated and are enjoying their work – there is a lot to and no two days are ever the same."

Leisure Club Manager My name is Martin and I am the Leisure Club Manager. I’m responsible for all aspects of management within the club and with 1200 members we need to work hard to make sure they are all happy and enjoy their visits. We have 25 staff in the club and we need to make sure they are all kept motivated and are enjoying their work – there is a lot to and no two days are ever the same. The qualifications needed to start a career in Leisure are pool lifeguard, gym qualification; these will help you get your first foot on ladder. If you study a degree in leisure Management then this will improve your chances at coming in at a higher position would be greater. I love the job always it always throws up new challenges; I meet different people every day and help them enjoy their leisure time. It’s great fun.

A Day in the Life

Arrive at 6.30am

Prepare club for opening, check facilities
Give staff plan/jobs for the shift

Manage over 25 staff in Leisure Club
Service a membership of 1200, managing accounts, processing direct debits etc.
Achieving sales targets

Responsible for predicting budget/sales
Training staff – self development
Promotions, sales and marketing
Issues and complaints.

Background and Training

Over 10 years of experience in the leisure industry since starting as a lifeguard when finishing studies which have included being a lifeguard, swimming pool supervisor in Skegness, Manager of a Leisure Club belonging to Southview Leisure Park in Lincolnshire (voted best holiday park in the North of England).

I moved to Leeds in August 1999 for the purpose of developing my management career. Various training qualifications including:

• A level physical education
• HND in Leisure Management
• Member of the Institute of Sport and Recreation Management (ISRM)
• NVQ assessor (D32/33)
• Pool plant
• Dale Carnegie human relations and management courses
• Advanced gym instructor

Career Progression

With more experience, move forward in my career into general management.

Change industry using my skills and knowledge of managing people.

Qualifications Needed

No set minimum qualifications but most people have GCSEs or equivalent, maths and English are useful.

Many leisure centre managers start with higher level qualifications and previous leisure experience.

Qualities Needed

Good overall management abilities with a focus on helping customers to achieve their health and fitness goals.