Sport Zone Team Leader – Oaklands College

Lead. Inspire. Elevate Performance.

Are you ready to take the helm of a thriving sports facility and make your mark in an environment that champions excellence, energy, and innovation? Oaklands College is seeking a Sport Zone Team Leader to drive the operational success and commercial growth of our state-of-the-art sports facilities.

In this dynamic role, you’ll provide visionary leadership to the Sport Zone team—ensuring top-tier facility standards, outstanding customer service, and innovative programme delivery. You’ll shape and deliver strategies to maximise participation, income, and community engagement, making the Sport Zone a flagship for sport and fitness within the region.

We’re looking for someone who thrives in a fast-paced, customer-focused environment—an energetic problem-solver who takes ownership, inspires others, and isn’t afraid to think on their feet. Flexibility is key: most hours are evenings and weekends, with occasional short-notice shifts to meet the College’s needs.

If you’re passionate about sport, skilled in leadership, and motivated to make a tangible difference in a community that lives and breathes athletic excellence, we want to hear from you.

Join us and help Oaklands College set the standard for sporting success.

Apply now and lead the Zone where sport comes alive!

KEY RESPONSIBILITES

Leadership & Team Management

• Lead, motivate, and develop the Sport Zone team, ensuring effective recruitment,
• induction, training, and performance management.
• Set clear objectives and standards for staff, fostering a culture of excellence,
• teamwork, and continuous improvement.
• Organise rotas, appraisals, and professional development for all team members.
• Ensure compliance with College policies, values, and behaviours.

Operational Management

• Oversee the day-to-day running of all indoor and outdoor sports facilities, ensuring
• they are safe, clean, welcoming, and optimally presented.
• Ensure all equipment, spaces, and resources are maintained to the highest
• standards.
• Implement and monitor health & safety, safeguarding, and risk management
• procedures.
• Act as the main point of contact for emergencies and incident management and

liaise with the security team on such matters

Commercial Growth & Income Generation

• Develop and implement strategies to maximise income from facility hire,
• memberships, retail/merchandise, and sports programmes.
• Set and monitor sales and income targets, reporting regularly to senior leadership. · Lead marketing and promotional activities to increase bookings, sales, and community engagement. Analyse usage data and market trends to identify opportunities for growth

Programme & Service Delivery ·

• Oversee the planning, delivery, and evaluation of multi-sports classes, holiday camps, and community programmes.
• Ensure a diverse and inclusive programme offer that meets the needs of students, staff, and the wider community.
• Maintain high standards of customer service and user experience.

Stakeholder Engagement ·

• Build and maintain relationships with internal and external partners, including schools, clubs, community groups, and commercial clients.
• Represent the Sport Zone at meetings, events, and within the wider College.

Financial & Administrative Management

• Manage budgets, financial reporting, and resource allocation for the Sport Zone.
• Oversee booking systems, payments, and financial reconciliation.
• Ensure accurate record-keeping and compliance with data protection requirements.

Continuous Improvement

• Monitor and evaluate all aspects of Sport Zone operations, identifying areas for improvement and implementing solutions.
• Lead on innovation and development projects to enhance the Sport Zone’s offer and reputation.

PERSON SPECIFICATION, SKILLS, EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Proven experience in managing sports, leisure, or fitness facilities.
• Strong leadership, team management, and people development skills.
• Commercial acumen with a track record of maximising income and driving growth.
• Excellent communication, organisational, and problem-solving abilities.
• Knowledge of health & safety, safeguarding, and risk management in a sports environment.
• IT literacy (including booking systems, Microsoft Office, and data analysis).
• Flexible and solution-focused approach.
• A recognised Level 2 Gym Instructor qualification

Desirable

• Degree or professional qualification in Sports Management, Leisure, Business, or related field. Experience in marketing, sales, or business development.
• First Aid at Work qualification. · Experience in delivering multi-sports programmes or camps.
• Experience in stakeholder engagement and partnership working.
• Why Oaklands?
• We want you to love where you work — feeling supported, inspired and valued. Enjoy a range of benefits including:
• Generous holiday allowance — 30 days plus bank holidays
• Local Government Pension Scheme with excellent employer contributions
• Access to onsite gym and wellness services (St Albans Campus)
• Free onsite permit parking
• Cycle to Work Scheme, discounted travel and employee wellbeing programmes
• Staff development days and opportunities for progression
• Upon completion of the apprenticeship, there may be opportunities to progress into a permanent role, depending on business needs and performance.
• If you’re enthusiastic, ready to learn and excited to begin a rewarding career in business and events — we’d love to hear from you!
• Oaklands is proud to be a Disability Confident Employer and is committed to supporting accessible and inclusive employment opportunities