Head of Leisure & Contracts

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Employer:
Richmond and Wandsworth Councils
Location:
Richmond and Wandsworth
Salary:
Up to £95,845
Closing date:
Sunday 4th May 2025
Job Ref:
GSe117470

Recruitment timetable

Closing Date
Sunday 4th May 2025
Long Listing
Friday 9th May 2025
Preliminary Interviews
w/c 12th May 2025
Short Listing
w/c 19th May 2025
Final Panel
w/c 26th May 2025

Description

We are seeking an experienced, driven leader to take charge of Leisure Services and Contracts across Richmond and Wandsworth. This role offers the opportunity to shape and deliver high-profile services that contribute directly to the health and wellbeing of our communities.

As Head of Leisure &Contracts, you will lead major service areas, overseeing large contracts, income targets, and diverse teams. Reporting to the Assistant Director of Culture and Leisure, you will ensure that delivery is aligned with strategic objectives, effective management and development of leisure services, you will drive innovation, sustainability, and long-term growth. This portfolio includes sports and physical activity development, community programmes like Healthy Walks, and vital leisure services across both boroughs.

You will be instrumental in shaping strategic plans, managing capital improvement projects, and working closely with partners to ensure services are engaging, inclusive, and high performing. Leading a talented and motivated team, you will foster a positive culture, ensuring staff are empowered to meet objectives and deliver exceptional results for residents.

This role requires a forward-thinking, commercially astute leader with a strong background in leisure services, contract management, and community engagement. You will thrive in a fast-paced, political environment, balancing strategic priorities with operational excellence.

Why Join Us?
At Richmond and Wandsworth Better Service Partnership, we are committed to innovation and delivering outstanding public services. We invest in staff development, providing pathways for growth and leadership within a collaborative and ambitious organisation.

If you are ready to lead transformational change in leisure services and want to make a lasting impact on two of London’s most vibrant boroughs, we encourage you to apply.

For further information please contact our search partners, Ben Parsonage (ben.parsonage@gatenbysanderson.com) or Alfred Leigh (alfred.leigh@gatenbysanderson.com) at GatenbySanderson.

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How to Apply

Please submit your CV, including key responsibilities and achievements, along with a Supporting Statement that covers your motivation for applying, your approach to inclusive leadership, how your values are aligned with the organisational values, and how your experience and skills are relevant. If you have any questions, please get in touch with our consultant Ben Parsonage who can help, ben.parsonage@gatenbysanderson.com

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